The mechanisms of sexual selection in a lek-breeding anuran, Hyla intermedia

Calling Behavior and Parasite Intensity in Treefrogs,Hypsiboas prasinus

“…Several field studies have emphasized the importance of male rivalry on anuran sexual selection, which produces variation in chorus attendance and, by consequence, affects the cumulative probability of mating (Gerhardt and Huber, 2002;Friedl and Klump, 2005). However, recent evidence points to relatively strong directional selection on call rate in treefrogs (Castellano et al, 2009). Our results show that calling rate is inversely related to parasite load in H. prasinus.…”

“…While static properties such as dominant frequency display coefficients of variation generally lower than 4%, dynamic properties such as call rates are characterized by a coefficient of variation of 20% or more (Gerhardt, 1991). In general, preference by females results in stabilizing or weakly directional selection on static or spectral call properties and highly directional selection on dynamic or temporal properties (Gerhardt, 1991;Wells, 2007;Castellano et al, 2009). In natural ponds, males that produce calls that are louder, longer, and more complex or at higher rates are probably detected more easily and attract more females (e.g., Wells, 2007).…”

Factors affecting variation in the reproductive investment of female treefrogs, Hyla intermedia

“…In 2006 and 2007, treefrogs were individually marked by implanting a fluorescent alphanumeric tag (VI Alpha Tags, size 1.0 mm × 2.5 mm, 0.1 mm thick; Northwest Marine Technology Inc., Shaw Island, WA, USA) beneath the skin of the ventral side of the right hindlimb thigh (Castellano et al, 2009). In 2009 and 2010, females were toe-clipped by cutting out the last two phalanges of the fourth toe of their right hindlimb.…”

“…We use as a model the Italian treefrog, Hyla intermedia, an anuran showing a prolonged breeding season and an active female mate choice (Castellano et al, 2009). Specifically, this study has two main goals.…”

Relações entre comportamento vocal, imunidade e níveis plasmáticos de corticosterona e testosterona em sapos (Rhinella granulosa)

“…A relação direcional de esforço vocal e infecção por nematódeos pode sugerir que a maior atividade acarretaria maior exposição dos indivíduos a parasitas (Brønseth & Folstad, 1997;Folstad & Karter, 1992 Fêmeas de anuros tendem a selecionar machos que apresentam maior esforço vocal (Ryan, 1953;Wells, 1988;Gerhardt, 1991;Sullivan & Kwiatkowski, 2007;Castellano et al, 2009) (Folstad & Karter, 1992;Mills et al, 2010 (Husak & Moore, 2008). Por outro lado, a maior parte dos indivíduos, caracterizados por menores níveis plasmáticos de corticosterona durante a atividade vocal, poderiam estar restritos a investir preferencialmente em reprodução ou imunocompetência (Mills et al 2010).…”