Interfamily Variation in Amphibian Early Life-History Traits: Raw Material for Natural Selection?

Authors

Gareth R. Hopkins, Utah State UniversityFollow
Brian G. Gall, Utah State University
Susannah S. French, Utah State UniversityFollow
Edmund D. Brodie Jr., Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Ecology and Evolution

Volume

2

Issue

7

Publication Date

2012

First Page

1637

Last Page

1643

Abstract

The embryonic development and time to hatching of eggs can be highly adaptive in some species, and thus under selective pressure. In this study, we examined the underlying interfamily variation in hatching timing and embryonic development in a population of an oviparous amphibian, the rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa). We found significant, high variability in degree of embryonic development and hatching timing among eggs from different females. Patterns of variation were present regardless of temperature.We also could not explain the differences among families by morphological traits of the females or their eggs. This study suggests that the variation necessary for natural selection to act upon is present in the early life history of this amphibian.

Comments

Publication made available electronically September 4, 2012.

Recommended Citation

G.R. Hopkins, B.G. Gall, S.S. French, and E.D. Brodie Jr., Ecology and Evolution 2012; 2(7):1637–1643