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Context-Dependent Plastic Response during Egg-Laying in a Widespread Newt Species
1Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
Plos One
|August 21, 2015
Summary
Female smooth newts adjust egg size in response to predator cues, potentially enhancing offspring survival. This anticipatory maternal effect is crucial for newt populations facing diverse predator environments.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Predator-induced phenotypic plasticity is well-studied in early life stages.
- Anticipatory parental responses to predators are less understood.
- Chemical cues from invertebrate predators can influence amphibian behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate maternal responses of smooth newts (Lissotriton vulgaris) to predator chemical cues.
- Examine oviposition preference, egg-wrapping behavior, and egg size plasticity.
- Determine if females adjust egg investment based on perceived predation risk.
Main Methods:
- Gravid female smooth newts were exposed to chemical cues from water beetles (Acilius sulcatus) and dragonfly larvae (Aeshna cyanea).
- Oviposition preference, egg-wrapping, and egg size were measured in trials with and without predator cues.
- Egg size was related to hatching success and maternal body condition.
Main Results:
- Females did not avoid ovipositing in predator-scented environments.
- Females adjusted egg size, laying larger eggs earlier in the season without predator cues.
- Egg size decreased over time without predator cues, but remained consistent with cues present; larger eggs correlated with higher hatching success.
Conclusions:
- Female smooth newts exhibit activational plasticity in egg investment based on environmental and temporal factors.
- Anticipatory maternal responses, specifically egg size adjustment, can enhance offspring survival.
- This plasticity may contribute to the success of Lissotriton vulgaris in varied predator regimes.
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