Growth rates and size at metamorphosis of high elevation populations of Ambystoma tigrinum

Abstract

The role of temperature in determining the alternative life history sequences in high elevation populations of Ambystoma tigrinum is given a physiological base. Growth rates of larval populations increase with increased average pond temperatures whereas sizes of the larvae at metamorphosis decrease with increased average pond temperatures. This results in a negative correlation between growth rate and size at metamorphosis for these populations. Data collected from naturally occurring populations and presented here are compatible with laboratory studies. The impact of temperature on the physiological processes of growth and metamorphosis substantiates the claim that temperature, rather than food abundance, determines the alternative life history sequences followed by high elevation populations of A. tigrinum.