Antipredator Defenses and the Persistence of Amphibian Larvae With Fishes

摘要: Communities of larval amphibians in fishless habitats often differ strikingly from those with fish. We surveyed larvae 15 amphibian species to determine if presence or absence specific defenses against fish was correlated breeding habitat. Each tested for two key defenses: unpalatability and chemically mediated predator avoidance. In eight nine cases, that encounter had at least one these defenses. contrast, seven breed pools consistently lacked Lack appropriate appears be a primary reason why temporary pool cannot successfully coexist predatory fishes permanent habitats. Palatability responses chemical cues differed among closely related taxa were strongly frequency Thus, natural selection rather than phylogeny best explains interspecific variation antipredator defen- ses. Our data show members orders four families use reduce predation risk