Alarm cues experienced by cane toad tadpoles affect post-metamorphic morphology and chemical defences

Hagman, Mattias (author): Stockholms universitet,Avdelningen för etologi,Mattias Hagman

Hayes, Andrew (author)

Capon, Rob (author)

Shine, Richard (author)

(creator_code:org_t)

Wiley, 2009
2009
English.
In: Functional Ecology. - : Wiley. - 0269-8463 .- 1365-2435. ; 23, s. 126-132

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Abstract Subject headings

Summary: In many anuran species, larvae modify their developmental trajectories and behaviour in response to chemical cues that predict predator risk. Recent reviews highlight a dearth of studies on delayed (post-metamorphic) consequences of larval experience. 2 We raised cane toad (Bufo marinus) tadpoles either under control conditions or in the presence of non-lethal predator cues (crushed conspecifics). 3 Exposure to these chemical cues massively reduced size at metamorphosis, as predicted by theory. Parotoid glands were larger relative to body size in post-metamorphic animals from the experimental treatment, suggesting higher investment in chemical defences. 4 Exposure to chemical cues from crushed conspecifics during larval life reduced total bufadienolide content of metamorphs, but increased amounts of one specific bufadienolide (bufalin). 5 Hence, cane toads respond to perceived predation risk in the aquatic environment by metamorphosing at a smaller size and modifying their investment in defensive toxins during post-metamorphic life. 6 Phenotypically flexible responses to larval conditions vary among amphibian taxa, and can involve significant carry-over effects into post-metamorphic life.

By the author/editor: Hagman, Mattias; Hayes, Andrew; Capon, Rob; Shine, Richard

About the subject

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