Dataset Information

Pool choice in a vertical landscape: Tadpole-rearing site flexibility in phytotelm-breeding frogs.

ABSTRACT: Many species of Neotropical frogs have evolved to deposit their tadpoles in small water bodies inside plant structures called phytotelmata. These pools are small enough to exclude large predators but have limited nutrients and high desiccation risk. Here, we explore phytotelm use by three common Neotropical species: Osteocephalus oophagus, an arboreal frog that periodically feeds eggs to its tadpoles; Dendrobates tinctorius, a tadpole-transporting poison frog with cannibalistic tadpoles; and Allobates femoralis, a terrestrial tadpole-transporting poison frog with omnivorous tadpoles. We found that D. tinctorius occupies pools across the chemical and vertical gradient, whereas A. femoralis and O. oophagus appear to have narrower deposition options that are restricted primarily by pool height, water capacity, alkalinity, and salinity. Dendrobates tinctorius tadpoles are particularly flexible and can survive in a wide range of chemical, physical, and biological conditions, whereas O. oophagus seems to prefer small, clear pools and A. femoralis occupies medium-sized pools with abundant leaf litter and low salinity. Together, these results show the possible niche partitioning of phytotelmata among frogs and provide insight into stressors and resilience of phytotelm breeders.

SUBMITTER: Fouilloux CA

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8258215 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Pool choice in a vertical landscape: Tadpole-rearing site flexibility in phytotelm-breeding frogs.

Fouilloux Chloe A CA Serrano Rojas Shirley Jennifer SJ Carvajal-Castro Juan David JD Valkonen Janne K JK Gaucher Philippe P Fischer Marie-Therese MT Pašukonis Andrius A Rojas Bibiana B

Ecology and evolution 20210615 13

Many species of Neotropical frogs have evolved to deposit their tadpoles in small water bodies inside plant structures called phytotelmata. These pools are small enough to exclude large predators but have limited nutrients and high desiccation risk. Here, we explore phytotelm use by three common Neotropical species: <i>Osteocephalus oophagus</i>, an arboreal frog that periodically feeds eggs to its tadpoles; <i>Dendrobates tinctorius,</i> a tadpole-transporting poison frog with cannibalistic tad ...[more]

PMID: 34257942

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Dataset Information

Pool choice in a vertical landscape: Tadpole-rearing site flexibility in phytotelm-breeding frogs.

Publications

Pool choice in a vertical landscape: Tadpole-rearing site flexibility in phytotelm-breeding frogs.

Similar Datasets

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