The genetic basis of altitudinal variation in the wood frog Rana sylvatica II. An experimental analysis of larval development.

摘要: The variation in larval developmental patterns the wood frog, Rana sylvatica, along an elevation gradient of 1,000 m was experimentally studied. Larval populations at high ponds had lower growth rates, rates and were larger all stages (including metamorphic climax) than developing low ponds. There considerable among within each both length period size climax. Reciprocal transplant experiments controlled laboratory revealed that most observed between could be explained by effects temperature induction during ontogeny. Significant genetic differences non-genetic maternal on larvae mountain origin lowland also demonstrated. Selection environments has acted to minimize prevailing environmental effect pond but accentuated body size. As a consequence capable completing metamorphosis sooner larvae.