Abstract
Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the evidence that exposure to stressors alters the activity of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis and influences reproduction in amphibians. The competing selective pressures of successfully reproducing and avoiding predation can have an impact on many aspects of an animal's behavior and physiology. At stake in this trade-off is survival, as animals engaged in reproduction may deplete energy stores necessary for avoiding predation and may be more vulnerable to predation or pathogens while engaged in reproductive behavior. The impact of this trade-off in shaping endocrine and neuronal pathways is seen clearly in amphibians. The chapter summarizes recent developments in understanding of the neural and endocrine pathways that mediate stressor effects on reproduction and the role of glucocorticoids in energy metabolism during reproduction in amphibians. Special attention is given to how multiple stressors related to changes in habitat quality may have an impact on reproduction and the health of amphibian populations.
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