Relationship of larval density and heterozygosity to growth and survival of juvenile marbled salamanders (Ambystoma opacum)

1996 ◽  
Vol 74 (6) ◽  
pp. 1122-1129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne C. Chazal ◽  
John D. Krenz ◽  
David E. Scott
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Larval Density ◽  
Larval Growth ◽  
Adult Survival ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Ambystoma Opacum ◽  
Size At Metamorphosis ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
Marbled Salamander ◽  
Relationship Of

Intraspecific competition and enzyme variability have been observed to influence the bioenergetics of many organisms. In amphibians, larval growth affects body size at metamorphosis, which in turn can lead to differences in adult survival and fecundity. We manipulated larval density in a population of the marbled salamander, Ambystoma opacum, and measured body size and enzyme variability in surviving newly metamorphosed juveniles. Crowded larval conditions resulted in lower survival and smaller body sizes at metamorphosis. Multilocus heterozygosity showed no relation to body size at high larval densities; however, at low larval densities relatively homozygous animals were larger. There was a significant interaction between heterozygosity and larval density in their effects on larval traits. Competition had a greater effect on body size at metamorphosis than did heterozygosity. Survival may be enhanced by heterozygosity but in a manner unrelated to body size.

scholarly journals Density and body size of the larval stages of the invasive golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) in two neotropical rivers

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 282-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivianne Eilers ◽  
Márcia Divina de Oliveira ◽  
Kennedy Francis Roche
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Larval Stage ◽  
Larval Density ◽  
Limnoperna Fortunei ◽  
Larval Size ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Paraguay River ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
Golden Mussel

AIM: The present study involved an analysis of the monthly variations in the population densities and body sizes of the different stages of planktonic larvae of the invasive golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei), in the rivers Paraguay and Miranda; METHODS: The study was carried out between February 2004 and January 2005. Monthly collection of the plankton samples was accompanied by physical, chemical and biological analyses of the water; RESULTS: The Miranda River presented higher values of calcium, pH, alkalinity, conductivity and total phosphorous. Larval density varied from 0-24 individuals.L-1 in the Paraguay River, with a peak in March of 2004, while in the Miranda River, densities varied between 0-9 individuals.L-1 with a peak in February of 2004. No larvae were encountered during the coldest months, May and June. No significant correlations were found between environmental variables and larval density in either river. Only the valved larval stages were recorded. The "D" and veliger forms were most abundant; umbonate larvae were rare in the Miranda River samples. Mean body sizes of "D", veliger and umbonate larval stages were, respectively, 111, 135 and 152 µm, in the Paraguay River, and 112, 134 and 154 µm in the Miranda River. Principal Components Analysis indicated positive relationships between "D" larval stage size and the ratio between inorganic and organic suspended solids, while negative relationships were found between larval size and calcium and chlorophyll-<img border=0 width=7 height=8 src="/img/revistas/alb/2012nahead/ALB_AOP_230307car01.jpg">; CONCLUSIONS: The larvae were recorded in the plankton during most of the year, with the exception of the two colder months. Neither densities nor larval stage body sizes were significantly different between the two rivers. Possible positive effects of food and calcium concentrations on body size were not recorded. This species may be adapted to grow in environments with elevated sediment concentrations.

scholarly journals Phenology of hatching, emergence, and end-of-season body size in young-of-year coho salmon in thermally contrasting streams draining the Copper River Delta, Alaska

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Y. Campbell ◽  
Jason B. Dunham ◽  
Gordon H. Reeves ◽  
Steve M. Wondzell
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Environmental Variability ◽  
Coho Salmon ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Early Life History ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Individual Fitness ◽  
Marked Variability ◽  
Thermal Regimes ◽  
Body Sizes

Phenology can be linked to individual fitness, particularly in strongly seasonal environments where the timing of events has important consequences for growth, condition, and survival. We studied the phenology of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) hatching and emergence in streams with contrasting thermal variability but in close geographic proximity. Following emergence, we tracked body sizes of cohorts of young-of-year fish until the end of the growing season. Hatch and emergence occurred at the same time among streams with marked variability in thermal regimes. We demonstrate that this can be explained in part by the thermal units accumulated during embryo development. At the end of the first growing season, there were some differences in body size, but overall fish size was similar among streams despite strong differences in thermal regimes. Collectively, these results provide novel insights into the interactions between environmental variability and the early life-history stages of coho salmon, furthering our understanding of the consequences of phenology on growth and survival for individuals within the critical first summer of life.

The evolution of adult body size in black-bellied salamanders (Desmognathus quadramaculatus complex)

2000 ◽  
Vol 78 (10) ◽  
pp. 1712-1722 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos D Camp ◽  
Jeremy L Marshall ◽  
Richard M Austin, Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Body Size ◽  
Larval Growth ◽  
Larval Period ◽  
Moisture Level ◽  
Adult Body Size ◽  
Larval Growth Rate ◽  
Size At Metamorphosis ◽  
Adult Body ◽  
Desmognathus Quadramaculatus

We investigated the possible role of environmental variables in determining body size within a complex of salamander species (Desmognathus quadramaculatus). We analyzed data generated from life-history studies on populations from throughout the range of this species complex. We incorporated an alternative-hypothesis framework (sensu Platt) to determine the better predictor of adult body size, age at maturity, or size at metamorphosis. We found that almost 90% of the variation in adult body size was explained by size at metamorphosis, which was determined by a combination of rate of larval growth and length of the larval period. Environmental temperature and moisture level were positively correlated with larval growth rate and length of the larval period, respectively. We propose a simple model of body-size evolution that incorporates both adaptive and plastic components. We suggest that the length of the larval period may adaptively respond to moisture-level predictability. In addition, we suggest that the response of the larval growth rate to temperature may be plastic. Because the selection pressure due to drying-induced mortality is pervasive among species of amphibians, it may have played a role in shaping body-size radiation in desmognathines as well as the ecological structure of Appalachian streamside communities.

Sexual dichromatism in the marbled salamander, Ambystoma opacum

2007 ◽  
Vol 85 (9) ◽  
pp. 1008-1013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian D. Todd ◽  
Andrew K. Davis
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Relative Proportion ◽  
Dorsal Surface ◽  
Sexual Dichromatism ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Ambystoma Opacum ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Marbled Salamander ◽  
Image Analysis Techniques

Reports of sexual dichromatism in salamanders are rare and have been generally restricted to a few species in the families Hynobiidae and Salamandridae. We used image analysis techniques to examine sexual dichromatism in the marbled salamander, Ambystoma opacum (Gravenhorst, 1807). We measured the average hue of white saddles on male and female marbled salamanders (n = 118), as well as the proportion of white dorsal surface area relative to the black dorsal surface area, to determine the extent of sexual dichromatism in this species. We also tested whether patterning and coloration were correlated with body size or relative body mass. Males had significantly whiter saddles and higher relative proportions of white coloration on their dorsal surfaces than did females. Furthermore, the relative proportion of white areas on the dorsum was positively correlated to body condition in both males and females. Body size was not correlated with hue or proportion of white area on the dorsum. To our knowledge, we report the first confirmation of sexually dimorphic coloration in the ambystomatid salamander family, extending the known distribution of sexual dichromatism in the order Caudata.

scholarly journals Influence of density and predators on metamorphic size in Rhinella schneideri tadpoles raised in mesocosm conditions

Biologia ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 69 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arturo Kehr ◽  
Valeria Gómez
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Water Availability ◽  
Larval Density ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
The Other ◽  
Water Volume ◽  
Size At Metamorphosis ◽  
Rhinella Schneideri ◽  
Response To Water ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractAmphibians exhibit extreme plasticity in the timing of metamorphosis, and several species respond to water availability, accelerating metamorphosis when their ponds dry. We analyzed the plasticity of the developmental response to water volume in Rhinella schneideri tadpoles. We raised tadpoles in mesocosm. Covariation between body size at metamorphosis and timing of development was positive. Nevertheless, the first approximately 53% of the metamorphoses finishing the cycle required between 34 and 56 days, and the covariation between body size at metamorphosis and timing of development was negative. For these tadpoles, the larval density and the presence of predators did not significantly affect their mass to metamorphosis. Nevertheless, predators affected time to metamorphosis. For the remainder of the tadpoles that reached metamorphosis at > 56 days, the relationship between body size at metamorphosis and timing of development was positive. For these tadpoles, larval density was important for mass at metamorphosis and presence of predators was also important for time to metamorphosis. Two dominant features were observed: (i) approximately 53% of metamorphs had morphological features similar to individuals developing in desiccating ponds, and (ii) the other individuals had morphological characteristics comparable to metamorphs developing in an unchanging environment.

Effects of individual variation in age and size at metamorphosis on growth and survivorship of southern toad (Bufo terrestris) metamorphs

1999 ◽  
Vol 77 (6) ◽  
pp. 944-951 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher W Beck ◽  
Justin D Congdon
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Metabolic Rate ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Bufo Terrestris ◽  
Size At Metamorphosis ◽  
Total Growth ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Toad Bufo ◽  
Positive Effect

We conducted two experiments with the southern toad (Bufo terrestris) to examine whether individual variation in (i) metamorph body size and metabolic rate and (ii) age and size at metamorphosis were related to differences in survivorship or growth rate of postmetamorphic individuals. Results from the first experiment indicated that neither initial body size nor metabolic rate was related to survivorship or growth. Results from the second experiment showed that (i) size at metamorphosis was positively correlated with survivorship to first census (after 2 weeks), (ii) age and size at metamorphosis had no significant effect on survivorship from first to second census (after 2 months), (iii) size at metamorphosis had a marginally significant positive effect on survivorship from metamorphosis to second census, and (iv) age and size at metamorphosis were not significantly correlated with total growth. Our results suggest that in the southern toad, size at metamorphosis may lead to early differences in survival, size, and growth that later disappear. Furthermore, early differences in growth and survival attributable to size at metamorphosis are not due to size-related differences in metabolic rate. Therefore, although age and size at metamorphosis affect metabolic rate, they may not be related to fitness via effects on postmetamorphic survival and growth.

scholarly journals Life-history traits and the first demographic data of Iranian population of the West Asian Lemon-Yellow Tree Frog, Hyla savignyi (Audouin, 1827)

2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raziyeh Alaei ◽  
Alireza Pesarakloo ◽  
Masoumeh Najibzadeh ◽  
Sayed Jamal Mirkamali
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Body Size ◽  
Life History Traits ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Size Variation ◽  
Adult Survival ◽  
Lemon Yellow ◽  
Tree Frog ◽  
Size At Metamorphosis ◽  
Hyla Savignyi

The life-history of an organism consists of its lifetime pattern of growth, development, storage, age, and reproduction. In this study, some life-history traits of Hyla savignyi were studied in populations from different parts of Iran. The microscopic and macroscopic analysis showed that testicular activity in H. savignyi is potentially continuous, reaching its peak level in April. Metamorphosis was completed in approximately 102 days after egg deposition, and body size at metamorphosis was 10 mm. Significant sexual size dimorphism was present in all populations, and a larger female asymptotic body size was observed (43.07 mm for females vs 41.16 mm for males). The adult survival rate (S) and life expectancy (ESP) were the same for both sexes (S = 0.73 and ESP = 4.2 years). Age and body size were positively correlated with each other for both females and males. Maximum longevity was recorded to be six years in both females and males, and ages of sexual maturity were estimated to be two or three years in breeding individuals. The adult sample age ranged from two to six years (mean age of females: 4.40±0.68 years; males: 3.63±0.13 years). Our data confirm the general patterns of body size variation and mean age in anurans and show that females are larger than males and live longer.

How morphology and thermal ecology relates to diurnal microhabitat use and selection across seasons in two habitats of the nocturnal Tarentola delalandii from Tenerife

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 487-498
Author(s):  
María de Fuentes-Fernández ◽  
Ma Mercedes Suárez-Rancel ◽  
Miguel Molina-Borja
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Microhabitat Use ◽  
Thermal Ecology ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Selective Pressures ◽  
Microhabitat Choice ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
Contrasting Habitats ◽  
Lower Temperature ◽  
Relationship Of

Abstract Many selective pressures modulate microhabitat choice of ectotherms, such as temperature, humidity and habitat heterogeneity, and these vary in space and time. Here we analysed: 1) microhabitat selection comparing characteristics of stones (and their surroundings) under which geckos (Tarentola delalandii, mainly nocturnal) were found during the day with that of stones selected randomly; 2) relationship of a measure of body size to microhabitat characteristics (stone and herb covers, etc., and temperature/humidity) and cloacal temperature of males, females and juveniles from two contrasting habitats of Tenerife (northern and southern localities) and in two periods of the year (Spring-Summer and Autumn-Winter). In comparison with randomly selected stones, geckos significantly selected stones with lower temperature in the Spring-Summer and microhabitats with high stone cover. Gecko size was significantly larger in the Northern than in the Southern locality, in spring – summer than in autumn – winter and in males than in females. In both populations and time periods, the largest body sizes were significantly associated with higher environmental and shelter temperatures and with low values of humidity and stone cover. Cloacal and shelter temperatures were positively and significantly related; at higher values of the latter, juveniles attained significantly higher temperatures than adult males but lower than that of females. Larger body size was associated with high shrub and leaf litter covers and high values of shelter dimensions. Therefore, we suggest that in relation to their body sizes, geckos seem to select their shelters considering specific microhabitat characteristics surrounding them that may provide thermoregulatory and/or antipredator profits.

Feeding, Growth, and Survival of Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) Larvae Reared in Replicate Plastic Enclosures

1993 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 913-924 ◽  
Author(s):  
Håkon Otterå
Keyword(s):  
Gadus Morhua ◽  
Atlantic Cod ◽  
Brachionus Plicatilis ◽  
Larval Mortality ◽  
Larval Density ◽  
Larval Growth ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Gut Content ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Rearing Conditions

Feeding, growth, and survival of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) larvae were examined during their first 2 mo of life. The experiment was carried out in eight plastic enclosures of 10 m3 volume each. Larval cod, at an initial stocking density of 10 larvae/L, were fed rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) and natural zooplankton collected from the sea. The enclosures replicated well with regard to hydrography, feeding conditions, and larval growth and survival. Larval mortality was low during the first month, with a mean mortality rate (Z) of 0.02/d. Growth, however, was very slow and mortality increased significantly after about 4 wk, possibly due to starvation. Brachionus plicatilis dominated the gut content during the first 3–4 wk. The zooplankton concentration averaged 15–80 rotifers/L during the first 2 wk, which seemed to be insufficient under the present rearing conditions. Most of the larvae were distributed in the upper parts of the rearing enclosures, while rotifers were distributed deeper. This, together with the high larval density, inadequate rotifer enrichment, and low temperature probably amplified the unfavourable feeding conditions.

scholarly journals Larval Size and Recruitment Mechanisms in Fishes: Toward a Conceptual Framework

1988 ◽  
Vol 45 (9) ◽  
pp. 1657-1670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Miller ◽  
Larry B. Crowder ◽  
James A. Rice ◽  
Elizabeth A. Marschall
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Larval Fish ◽  
Larval Growth ◽  
Larval Survival ◽  
Freshwater Species ◽  
Larval Size ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Fisheries Science ◽  
Risk Of Predation

Understanding the mechanisms controlling recruitment in fishes is a major problem in fisheries science. Although the literature on recruitment mechanisms is large and growing rapidly, it is primarily species specific. There is no conceptual framework to integrate the existing information on larval fish ecology and its relationship to survival and recruitment. In this paper, we propose an integrating framework based on body size. Although all larval fish are small relative to adult fish, total length at hatching differs among species by an order of magnitude. As many of the factors critical to larval survival and growth are size dependent, substantially different expectations arise about which mechanisms might be most important to recruitment success. We examined the evidence for the importance of size to feeding and starvation, to activity and searching ability, and to risk of predation. Regressions based on data from 72 species of marine and freshwater species suggest that body size is an important factor that unifies many of the published observations. A conceptual framework based on body size has the potential to provide a useful integration of the available data on larval growth and survival and a focus for future studies of recruitment dynamics.

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