Divergence in morphometric and life history traits in two thermally contrasting Andean populations of Rhinella spinulosa (Anura: Bufonidae)

Abstract

(1)We studied the variation in characters of two Andean populations of Rhinella spinulosa with different larval thermal regimes as a function of geographic origin and temperature.(2)In both populations, survival and growth rate were greater at the higher temperature. Size at metamorphosis was only determined by locality, while there was a divergence in growth rate and age at metamorphosis as a function of locality and temperature.(3)Variation was found in seven of the 12 morphological characters evaluated in post-metamorphic toadlets, which was determined only by their locality of origin. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.