Olfactory orientation in urodele amphibians

The olfactory organ of Urodela amphibians appears to be phylogenetically ancestral type for terrestrial vertebrates. Due to their complex biphasic life cycle, these amphibians are an interesting object for studying olfactory orientation. The magnitude of movements of Urodela is not large, however, they can return to a breeding pond or home range from distances far exceeding natural movements. Olfaction potentially plays a significant role in this process. Laboratory experiments have shown the ability of newts and salamanders to discriminate between different odor sources: the water of breeding pond, shelters, and the scent marks of conspecifics. However, the results of field experiments which test directly the role of olfaction in the homing process are quite ambiguous. There is also still little data on natal philopatry and its mechanisms. It is not known whether Urodela have olfactory imprinting similar to that of fish and Anura. Although some evidences support the presence of imprinting. Further study of the olfactory orientation of Urodela will improve understanding of the evolution of this system in vertebrates and methods of amphibians conservation.