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Environmental constraints and call evolution in torrent-dwelling frogs
Sandra Goutte1,2, Alain Dubois3, Samuel D Howard4
1Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB - UMR 7205 CNRS MNHN UPMC EPHE, Sorbonne Universités, 57 rue Cuvier, 75231, Paris Cedex 05, France. s.m.goutte@gmail.com.
Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|March 10, 2016
Summary
Environmental noise significantly shapes frog vocalizations, influencing call evolution in torrent habitats. Fine-scale habitat analysis reveals acoustic constraints impact frog communication more than previously understood.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Bioacoustics
Background:
- Acoustic communication is vital across taxa, but environmental factors influence signal propagation.
- Environmental constraints are predicted to drive signal evolution for better transmission in specific habitats.
- Previous studies often lacked detailed habitat characterization, limiting understanding of these constraints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of environmental constraints on the evolution of advertisement calls in torrent-dwelling frogs (family Ranidae).
- To assess how fine-scale calling site characteristics influence call evolution.
- To test evolutionary models of call traits against reconstructed calling site preferences.
Main Methods:
- Reconstructed the evolution of calling site preferences for 148 species using five genetic markers.
- Analyzed six call traits for 79 species in relation to reconstructed calling site history.
- Estimated ancestral states for call traits and calling site preferences.
Main Results:
- Vocalizations of torrent-dwelling frogs are significantly constrained by the acoustic properties of their habitats, especially high ambient noise.
- Morphological constraints exist but are secondary to acoustic environmental pressures.
- Fine-scale characterization of calling sites enhances the understanding of environmental impacts on call evolution.
Conclusions:
- Acoustic specificities of torrent habitats, particularly noise, are key drivers of advertisement call evolution in these frogs.
- Detailed habitat analysis is crucial for accurately assessing environmental impacts on signal evolution.
- Environmental constraints play a more significant role in call evolution than previously recognized, especially at a finer scale.
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