How to recover from a bad start: size at metamorphosis affects growth and survival in a tropical amphibian

• DOI: 10.21203/rs.2.22245/v3
• Publication Date: 2020-03-30T14:41:57Z
• Authors: Diana Szekely; Dan Cogalniceanu; Paul Szekely; Diego Armijos-Ojeda; Valentina Espinos...; Mathieu Denoel
• Keywords: Trait

Abstract Background: In species with complex life cycles, size at metamorphosis is a key life-history trait which reflects the interactions between costs and benefits of in aquatic terrestrial environments. Whereas effects deteriorating larval habitat (e.g. pond desiccation) on triggering an early have been extensively investigated amphibians, consequences resulting reduced fitness post-metamorphic stage remain poorly understood. We tested hypothesis that smaller negatively affects performance survival ensuing stage. Using as model tropical amphibian ( Ceratophrys stolzmanni ) showing large phenotypic plasticity metamorphosing traits, we evaluated fitness-related trophic locomotor well growth rates. Results: Our results support larger correlated better performance. The rate individuals was 95%, compared to 60% for those completing small size. Locomotor gape were positively body size, animals being more mobile capable ingest prey. However, achieved higher rates, thus reducing gap. Conclusions: Overall, affected profoundly chances short term, but surviving partly compensated their initial disadvantages by increasing