Intraspecific variation in clutch size and maternal investment in pueriparous and larviparous Salamandra salamandra females

摘要: Amphibian reproductive modes are diverse and characterised by complex adaptations, including vast variability in life history traits different parental investment strategies. For instance, viviparity is rare urodeles despite the potential ecological advantages gained such populations having semi-independency from water. The fire salamander, Salamandra salamandra, shows remarkable intraspecific variation modes, with two strategies co-occurring: a common mode, larviparity (parturition of aquatic larvae), phylogenetically derived pueriparity terrestrial juveniles). Pueriparous S. salamandra have at least independent origins, first originating its northern distribution Iberian Peninsula, second insular on northwestern coast. Here, we analyse patterns some life-history larviparous pueriparous to understand how these relate evolutionary transitions salamandra. Our study differences female body size clutch brood between salamanders. We did not find thus, evolution likely re-allocation eggs matrotrophy. also confirms as characteristic for coastal/mainland s. gallaica populations, respectively, revealing presence one coastal population. This comparative analysis sheds light maternal factors that might driven, or related to, this unique biological system sets up basis testing hypotheses include climatic, ecological, physiological, genetic drivers transition.