Developmental plasticity to pond drying has carryover costs on metamorph performance

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Amphibian Biology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Variable hydroperiods in aquatic ecosystems pose risks to ectotherms with complex life cycles.
• Developmental plasticity can help species adapt to environmental drying but may incur fitness costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of pond drying on tadpole development and carryover effects on adult performance in rice paddy frogs (Fejervarya limnocharis).
• To determine if accelerated development under drought conditions impacts metamorph size and locomotor performance.

Main Methods:

• Simulated drought conditions (drying ponds) and stable low water levels were used to treat tadpoles.
• Developmental rates, metamorph size, and jumping performance were measured and compared across treatments.

Main Results:

• Tadpoles in drying conditions exhibited faster development rates compared to those in stable low water.
• Metamorph size was similar across drying and high-water treatments, but jumping performance was lower in the drying treatment.
• Drying conditions led to faster development without size reduction but impaired locomotor performance.

Conclusions:

• Drying conditions accelerate Fejervarya limnocharis development, but this comes at the cost of reduced locomotor performance.
• Impaired jumping ability in metamorphs from drying ponds may negatively affect their survival and fitness.
• Understanding these trade-offs is crucial for predicting amphibian responses to changing hydroperiods.