Amphibian Chytrid Fungus Infection Influences Calling Investment in Male Brown Toadlets.

ABSTRACT: The sublethal effects of infection and disease on male advertisement behaviour remain poorly understood. The 'terminal investment hypothesis' proposes that infected organisms will increase reproductive investment when their future reproductive prospects decline. Evidence to support this hypothesis has come from reports that some anuran amphibians respond to infection with the amphibian chytrid fungus pathogen by elevating calling activity. However, the generality of this response remains unclear, justifying studies in more anuran species. The aim of the present study was to provide a preliminary examination of the terminal investment hypothesis by investigating the relationship between chytrid fungus infection status and male calling behaviour in wild Australian brown toadlets (Pseudoph

SUBMITTER: Auld ES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12536267 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature