Introduction The purpose if this experiment is determine the effect of light on the reproductive rate of Eastern Newts. This is important to conclude since the Newts are predators of small invertebrates and necessary in the ecosystem. They also help to control the mosquito population for humans. One of the most important components in an ecosystem, and a key factor in keeping the Eastern Newt alive is sunlight. Without the heat the sun produces, every ecosystem on planet earth would be frozen. Heat makes the water liquid, and it also provides enough warmth for the certain organisms to survive. However, if the sun expose on an ecosystem is too strong, it can lead to periods of drought which will be harmful for organisms in the area. Furthermore, …show more content…
The Newts begin as larvae, with olive skin, and feathery gills. They have compressed tails and the hatching range is about seven millimeters to nine millimeters. After about two to five months, the Newt transforms to be a reddish-orange color, which shows as a sign of toxins to predators, has two rows of black-bordered red spots, and dry and rough skin. At this point, the eyelids, limbs, and lungs are developed. Furthermore, the animal has a long flattened tail that reaches lengths between three centimeters to 5 centimeters. When the Newts matures into the breeding stage after two to three years on land. At this stage it is between 7 and 12.4 cm and depending on its sex and age, can be yellow brown to green brown. The male Newts in this stage have larger hind legs, broadly keeled tails, and swollen vents (Eastern Newt Information and …show more content…
The males attract the female by causing an odor, or pheromone, to be released from motioning his tail and wiggling his body. The males grab the sides behind the females’ forelegs and rub their heads together. The females will then pick up the sperm packet the male has previously dropped on the ground with her cloaca, and use it to fertilize her eggs. Additionally, male to male courtship is common amongst the Newts since the males will drop their packet and another male when eat it. Since the female will only lay a few eggs each day and scatter them, the oviposition process can take several weeks, with the outcome being about 200 to 400 eggs being laid (Critter Catalog). They lay their eggs on submerged vegetation, and then leave them to survive on their own. The Eastern Newts breed once per year in late winter, lasting until early