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Clutch identity and predator-induced hatching affect behavior and development in a leaf-breeding treefrog.
Megan E Gibbons1, M Patricia George
1Department of Biology, Birmingham-Southern College, Birmingham, AL 35254, USA. mgibbons@bsc.edu
Oecologia
|September 27, 2012
Summary
Early hatching in red-eyed treefrogs (Agalychnis callidryas) alters tadpole behavior and development. Clutch identity influences these effects, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation to unpredictable environments.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Complex life cycles involve niche shifts and evolutionary trade-offs.
- Phenotypic plasticity in niche shift timing can be adaptive, especially in unpredictable environments.
- Clutch identity (genetic or maternal factors) can mediate the effects of plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the impact of hatching time and clutch identity on red-eyed treefrog tadpoles.
- Assess effects on antipredator behavior and metamorph development (larval period, mass, SVL, jumping ability).
- Determine if early-life events interact with clutch-specific factors.
Main Methods:
- Experimentally manipulated hatching time in Agalychnis callidryas embryos.
- Exposed tadpoles to dragonfly nymph predator cues.
- Measured tadpole activity, water column height, and metamorph developmental traits.
Main Results:
- Tadpoles reduced activity and water column height when exposed to predator cues.
- Early-hatched tadpoles were less active than late-hatched tadpoles of the same age.
- Hatching time affected behavioral and developmental traits, with clutch-dependent variations.
Conclusions:
- Early-life hatching events significantly influence subsequent life stages in red-eyed treefrogs.
- The effects of hatching plasticity are modulated by clutch identity.
- This interaction may be an evolutionary strategy for complex life cycles in unpredictable environments.
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