Rapid geographic divergence in competitive ability of cane toad larvae (Rhinella marina) during a biological invasion.

ABSTRACT: Low population densities at the expanding edge of a biological invasion are predicted to reduce intraspecific competition such that invading organisms evolve to prioritize adaptations for rapid rates of population growth and dispersal over those that facilitate success in competitive interactions. The larvae (tadpoles) of anuran species that breed in isolated waterbodies provide excellent models with which to test this prediction, because they compete for limited food resources and are unable to disperse until after metamorphosis. Consistent with our predictions, experiments with captive-raised larvae of cane toads (Rhinella marina) show that tadpoles from range core populations were more effective competitors (based on rates of growth and development), especially against tadpoles from inv

SUBMITTER: Clarke GS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11874211 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature