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Effects of temperature, predation risk, and resource availability on larval amphibian phenotypic plasticity and terrestrial performance
Bristow, Stephanie Allison
Bristow, Stephanie Allison
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2023-05
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Abstract
Aquatic ectotherms show an immense capacity to adapt to their environment in early life
stages with plastic development. For example, larval amphibian development and growth rates
are highly responsive to predation risk. However, growth and development rates are
simultaneously constrained by resource availability and temperature. Although there is
considerable work on how these factors singly alter growth and development, they are commonly
experienced simultaneously within natural systems. Here, we investigate phenotypic plasticity in
the face of predation risk and resource limitation across thermal regimes. Using Lithobates
blairi, we conducted a 2 x 3 x 6 factorial experiment with 2 predation treatments (control &
Procambarus gracilis cues), 3 resource levels (low, medium, & high), and 6 temperatures (15,
20, 22, 24, 26, 28°C). For 38 weeks, we calculated the proportion of individuals successfully
reaching metamorphosis in each treatment combination, and individual development and growth
rates. Additionally, we measured pre- & post-metamorphosis body length, and juvenile jumping
performance to describe whether larval history has lasting effects across life stages. We found
that rates of metamorphosis were highest in intermediate temperatures and observed minor
interactions with predation risk and resource availability. Development and growth rates of
tadpoles were temperature-dependent under high resource conditions. Predation risk and limited
resources reduced the range of development and growth rates seen across temperature. Further,
development and growth rates increased simultaneously with temperature, and differences in
body size were only found post-metamorphosis between predation treatments. Juvenile size and
performance decreased with added predation risk, and performance increased with resource
availability in the absence of predator cues. Our results suggest that successful metamorphosis is
largely temperature-dependent, but the breadth of plastic traits is constrained by resource
availability, and consequences of predation risk may not be observed until terrestrial life stages.
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Thesis (M.S.)-- Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Biological Sciences
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Wichita State University
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© Copyright 2023 by Stephanie A. Bristow
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