Evolution and plasticity of anuran larval development in response to desiccation. A comparative analysis.

ABSTRACT: Anurans breed in a variety of aquatic habitats with contrasting levels of desiccation risk, which may result in selection for faster development during larval stages. Previous studies suggest that species in ephemeral ponds reduce their developmental times to minimize desiccation risks, although it is not clear how variation in desiccation risk affects developmental strategies in different species. Employing a comparative phylogenetic approach including data from published and unpublished studies encompassing 62 observations across 30 species, we tested if species breeding in ephemeral ponds (High risk) develop faster than those from permanent ponds (Low risk) and/or show increased developmental plasticity in response to drying conditions. Our analyses support shorter developmental times i

SUBMITTER: Richter-Boix A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3287374 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature