Phenotypic differentiation in populations of a gladiator tree frog: environment, genetic drift and sexual selection

Author(s)

Nali, Renato C. ; Zamudio, Kelly R. ; Prado, Cynthia P. A.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Biological Journal of the Linnean Society; v. 139, n. 3, p. 14-pg., 2023-06-09.

Abstract

Phenotypic differentiation among animal populations is common, yet few studies have simultaneously examined the adaptive and neutral mechanisms behind it. Such evolutionary processes become more relevant in species with complex behaviours that undergo global and local selective pressures throughout their geographical range. Here we measured and compared morphological and acoustic variation across the distribution range of a Neotropical gladiator tree frog that shows elaborate reproduction (territoriality, complex courtship and female choice). We then incorporated molecular and landscape data to examine the roles of sexual selection, genetic drift and acoustic adaptation to the environment in call differentiation, i.e. the acoustic adaptation hypothesis (AAH). We found that calls varied more than morphology among populations, but differences in calls or morphological traits were not explained by genetic differentiation. We found no evidence for the AAH, but a significant relationship in the opposite direction regarding call frequencies suggests an indirect role of sexual selection. Differentiation on call traits that are associated with individual discrimination and/or female attraction also corroborated an important role of sexual selection. We show that multitrait and multimechanism approaches can elucidate intricate processes leading to phenotypic variation among individuals and populations. We emphasize that studies of species with complex reproductive behaviours across their range may provide insights into different selective pressures leading to phenotypic differentiation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/03656-6 - Reproductive biology of Bokermannohyla ibitiguara (Anura, Hylidae) in streams in Soutwestern Minas Gerais state.
• Grantee: Renato Christensen Nali
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 09/12013-4 - Reproductive ecology of anuran amphibians: an evolutionary perspective
• Grantee: Cynthia Peralta de Almeida Prado
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 12/06228-0 - Genetic, morphological and acoustic diversification in populations of an anuran endemic to the Serra da Canastra, Brazil
• Grantee: Renato Christensen Nali
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 14/04394-6 - Genetic diversification in Bokermannohyla ibitiguara populations (Anura, Hylidae) from preserved and fragmented areas of the Brazilian Cerrado
• Grantee: Renato Christensen Nali
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 13/04023-5 - Characterization of microsatellite markers for Bokermannohyla ibitiguara (Anura, Hylidae)
• Grantee: Renato Christensen Nali
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate