Effects of water temperature on growth and developmental plasticity in
larval stages of Agalychnis callidryas
Abstract
Several climatic models predict Central America will experience
increased temperature over the coming century. Highly sensitive to
changes in their environment, amphibian responses to changes in
temperature may impact their response to climate change. Water
temperature can affect tadpole development in rate and size and may
impact survivability with many tropical species operating within their
optimal range. This study investigated effects of four water
temperatures on growth and development of Agalychnis callidryas tadpoles
in a controlled lab setting. Weekly measurements were taken for head
width; body, tail and total length; developmental stage reached; time
till emergence from the water; and exit weight. Those kept at 24 °C grew
significantly larger (p < 0.5) than those at 22, 26 and 28 °C
by week 4. Those kept at 22 °C exited the water significantly later (p
< 0.5) than other groups. Developmental stages were
significantly different between 22 °C and all other treatments for weeks
4 and 7, but not to 28 °C during weeks 5 and 6. There was no significant
difference in exit weight. Our results build on prior works, which
indicated significant differences between A. callidryas kept at extremes
of temperatures (21 and 29 °C). These results suggest a possible limit
to phenotypic plasticity in a species which operates close to its
optimal temperature in the wild. This may have impacts on future
ecosystem management for anurans in response to climate change.