Intersexual differences in body shape and locomotor performance in the aquatic frog, Xenopus tropicalis

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.2012.00919.x
• Publication Date: 2012-05-02T04:40:37Z
• Authors: A. Herrel; L. N. Gonwouo; E. B. Fokam; W. I. Ngundu; C. Bonneaud
• Keywords: Exertion; Sexual dimorphism; Lower body

Abstract Dimorphisms between the sexes are common in vertebrates and may reflect divergent selective pressures operating on each sex. For example, species where males do not show territory defense or pronounced male–male combat, females typically larger than as fecundity selection will favor large female body size. This is often case frogs competition limited to calling behavior. Yet, whether differences reproductive strategies two reflected shape dimorphisms, how those affect relevant whole‐organism performance traits, remains poorly studied. Here we use X enopus tropicalis test for intersexual size, locomotor traits. Our results that males, but have relatively longer limbs heads females. In absolute terms, perform equally well at different tasks (burst maximal exertion capacity). a given higher capacity Increased likely consequence of their compensate smaller