Timing of reproduction of paedomorphic and metamorphic Ambystoma talpoideum

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1993 · American Midland Naturalist; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/2426520· OSTI ID:6429301

Scott, D E ^[1]

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1. Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC (United States)

Facultative paedomorphosis in salamanders is a plastic trait that may represent an adaptation to fluctuating environmental conditions. The author compared the timing of reproduction in paedomorphic and terrestrial-morph Ambystoma talpoideum at the same pond. Paedomorphic adults laid eggs approximately 6 wk earlier than terrestrial morphs. Early egg-laying and subsequent growth of hatchlings resulted in a significant size advantage for larvae from paedomorphic parents at the time that terrestrial-morph eggs hatched. These observations suggest that, under certain environmental conditions, facultative paedomorphosis is advantageous. 36 refs.

• OSTI ID: 6429301
• Journal Information: American Midland Naturalist; (United States), Vol. 129:2; ISSN 0003-0031
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ENVIRONMENT
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
SALAMANDERS
LARVAE
REPRODUCTION
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
AMPHIBIANS
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ECOSYSTEMS
VERTEBRATES
550800* - Morphology