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Embryonic learning and developmental carry-over effects in an invasive anuran
Tiffany S Garcia1, Jenny C Urbina2, Evan M Bredeweg3
1104 Nash Hall, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA. tiffany.garcia@oregonstate.edu.
Oecologia
|July 3, 2017
Summary
Early exposure to predator cues influences American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) development and behavior. Higher risk conditioning led to longer larvae, demonstrating carry-over effects crucial for invasive species.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Invasive Species Biology
Background:
- Carry-over effects link early life experiences with later trait responses.
- Predation risk is a significant environmental stressor driving adaptive responses.
- Invasive species may exploit carry-over effects for successful establishment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate carry-over effects of predator cues on American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) development and behavior.
- To determine if embryonic conditioning to novel predator cues influences larval traits.
- To assess the role of embryonic learning and developmental plasticity in response to predation risk.
Main Methods:
- Factorial experiment conditioning invasive American bullfrog embryos to predator cues (novel fish, injured conspecifics).
- Quantified larval growth and developmental carry-over effects.
- Assessed embryonic learning and behavioral responses to varying predation risk scenarios.
Main Results:
- Larvae conditioned to high-risk cues (fish + injured conspecifics) exhibited increased body length.
- Embryonic conditioning and larval exposure interacted to influence behavioral responses.
- Behavioral plasticity was observed when predation risk intensity varied across life stages.
Conclusions:
- Early predator exposure significantly impacts American bullfrog life history trajectories via carry-over effects.
- Developmental and behavioral carry-over effects can influence invasive species' invasion mechanisms.
- Potential trade-offs exist between larval growth and antipredator strategies.
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