Abstract
Demographic traits were analyzed in the Pyrenean brook newt (Calotriton asper) to evaluate whether its variability responds to the adaptation to the different habitats. In this study, life history traits of Calotriton asper were studied in nine populations living in two different kinds of habitats in the Pyrenees mountains: lakes and streams. Skeletochronology was used to determine age structure and different traits such as age at maturity and longevity. Age structure was different between populations and sexes. The two lacustrine populations, with facultative pedomorphosis, attained their maturity earlier. Age at sexual maturity ranged from 4 to 9 years and in some populations was similar between sexes while in others, females matured at younger ages than males. Maximum longevity varied from 7 to 35 years among populations and was correlated with the age at sexual maturity. Body size differed among populations, was sexually dimorphic, and this disparity was not related to the kind of habitat. The maximum size was found in the lacustrine population but exhibited high variation between populations. The results obtained show a significant variability between sexes and populations, in age and body size structure of Calotriton asper that did not depend on the habitat.
Highlights
Processes such as growth, development, or reproduction constitute the elements of the life history of an organism, each biological cycle being unique and vital [1]
The results obtained show a significant variability between sexes and populations, in age and body size structure of Calotriton asper that did not depend on the habitat
We found a significant interaction between these two factors, reflecting that interaction between these two factors, reflecting that sexual differences in age sexual differences in age structure changed over populations (F 8 381 = 2.470, p = 0.013) (Table 3)
Summary
Development, or reproduction constitute the elements of the life history of an organism, each biological cycle being unique and vital [1]. Phenotypic plasticity is especially widespread promoting a wide diversity of life cycles that can be observed, for example in newts and salamanders This diversity is the result of the interaction between costs and benefits of the reproduction and development in the aquatic and terrestrial environments [3]. Life history traits in amphibians are strongly linked through trade-offs, such as age at maturity, longevity, and age–size relationship [4] These life history traits can vary due to many factors such as climatic conditions, trophic resources, predator vs prey interactions, or interspecific competition [5]. Besides that, these different environmental conditions, such as between lakes and streams, cause variability and promote ecological diversification [6]. It may allow the Diversity 2020, 12, 471; doi:10.3390/d12120471 www.mdpi.com/journal/diversity
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