Robust calling performance in frogs infected by a deadly fungal pathogen.

摘要: Reproduction is an energetically costly behavior for many organisms, including species with mating systems in which males call to attract females. In these species, calling can often more females by displaying often, higher intensity, or at certain frequencies. Male frogs almost exclusively calling, and we know little about how pathogens, the globally devastating fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, influence effort traits. A previous study demonstrated that nightly probability of male treefrogs, Litoria rheocola, elevated when they are good body condition infected B. dendrobatidis. This suggests infections may cause increase their present investment mate attraction compensate potential decreases future reproduction. However, if infection B. dendrobatidis attractiveness calls, might experience decreased reproductive success despite increases effort. We examined whether calls emitted L. rheocola differed from those uninfected individuals duration, pulse rate, dominant frequency, intercall interval, attributes commonly linked choice. found no effects fungal status intensity on any attribute. Our results indicate produce similar all qualities measured males. It therefore likely should be equally attractive The increased previously lead greater than could reduce effectiveness natural selection resistance infection, but tolerance, ability limit harm caused such as reductions condition.