Behavioural and physiological adaptations to low-temperature environments in the common frog, Rana temporaria.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Extreme environments can impose strong ecological and evolutionary pressures at a local level. Ectotherms are particularly sensitive to low-temperature environments, which can result in a reduced activity period, slowed physiological processes and increased exposure to sub-zero temperatures. The aim of this study was to assess the behavioural and physiological responses that facilitate survival in low-temperature environments. In particular, we asked: 1) do high-altitude common frog (Rana temporaria) adults extend the time available for larval growth by breeding at lower temperatures than low-altitude individuals?; and 2) do tadpoles sampled from high-altitude sites differ physiologically from those from low-altitude sites, in terms of routine metabolic rate (RMR) and fr

SUBMITTER: Muir AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4037278 | biostudies-literature | 2014 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature