Effects of pond drying on morphological and life-history traits in the anuran Rhinella spinulosa (Anura: Bufonidae)

Abstract

Question: How does the duration of temporary ponds affect the morphological attributes and life-history traits of post-metamorphic amphibians? Organism: The anuran Rhinella spinulosa of the Andes range of central Chile. This species reproduces in temporary and permanent ponds and is subject to different desiccation regimes. Time and place: Between October 2006 and January 2007 near Farellones (33°20′S, 70°18′W; 2331 m above sea level). Methods: A natural experiment in ponds with three desiccation regimes: (1) high, (2) medium, and (3) low. We measured life-history traits (development rate, metamorph size, and time to metamorphosis) in 252 individuals collected from each desiccation regime. Nine morphometric measurements were made on each toadlet collected. Results: Tadpoles from ponds with high and medium desiccation reached metamorphosis at an earlier age and at a smaller size than individuals in the low desiccation regime. Post-metamorphic individuals from ponds with low desiccation