Allometric Constraint Predominates Over the Acoustic Adaptation Hypothesis in a Radiation of Neotropical Treefrogs

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Escalona, Moises ; Simoes, Pedro Ivo ; Gonzalez-Voyer, Alejandro ; Mendoza-Henao, Angela M. ; Mello Bezerra, Andressa De ; Pinheiro, Paulo D. P. ; Morales, Belen ; Guayasamin, Juan M. ; Carvalho, Thiago ; Chaparro, Juan C. ; de la Riva, Ignacio ; Rojas-Runjaic, Fernando J. M. ; Rivera-Correa, Mauricio ; Kok, Philippe J. R. ; Peloso, Pedro ; Nakamura, Daniel Yudi Miyahara ; Maneyro, Raul ; Castroviejo-Fisher, Santiago

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Integrative Zoology; v. N/A, p. 11-pg., 2024-12-10.

Abstract

Male frogs emit stereotypical advertisement calls to attract mates and deter conspecific rivals. The evolution of these calls is thought to be linked to anatomical constraints and the acoustic characteristics of their surroundings. The acoustic adaptation hypothesis (AAH) posits that species evolve calls that maximize propagation distance and reduce signal degradation in the environment where they are emitted. We applied phylogenetic comparative analyses to study the association of body size, vegetation density, type of aquatic ecosystem, and calling site on the evolution of acoustic traits in Cophomantini, a large radiation of Neotropical treefrogs (Hylidae). We obtained and analyzed body size, acoustic, and habitat data from a total of 112 species (58% of Cophomantini), using the most inclusive available phylogeny. We found a significant negative correlation between peak frequency, body size, and calling site, but contrary to the predictions of the AAH, we did not find support for associations among call traits and environmental characteristics. Although spectral allometry is explained by an anatomical constraint, it could also be maintained by female choice. We recommend that future studies strive to incorporate factors such as female mate preferences, eavesdropping by predators or parasites, and genetic drift. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/18473-6 - Study of comparative anatomy and evolution of the prepollical spine in Anura (Chordata: Lissamphibia)
• Grantee: Paulo Durães Pereira Pinheiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 22/02789-0 - Lost biodiversity in the genomic age: contributions from historical DNA to the systematics of rare and extinct frogs
• Grantee: Daniel Yudi Miyahara Nakamura
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)