Thermal Niche Selection and Color Variation in Redback Salamanders
Author Information
Author(s): Erin E. Petruzzi, Peter H. Niewiarowski, Francisco B-G. Moore
Primary Institution: Department of Biology, University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA
Hypothesis
The color polymorphism in redback salamanders is maintained through a correlated response to selection on metabolic rate across different thermal niches.
Conclusion
Differences in maintenance metabolic rate between color morphs are not consistent enough to support the hypothesis that thermal niche specialization maintains the color polymorphism.
Supporting Evidence
- The two color morphs of redback salamanders sometimes differ in their maintenance metabolic rates.
- Field censuses showed that the two color morphs are sometimes found at different substrate temperatures.
- The differences in metabolic rate profiles are not consistent across populations or seasons.
Takeaway
This study looked at two types of redback salamanders and found that they sometimes use different temperatures, but this doesn't mean they have different homes that help them survive better.
Methodology
The study measured maintenance metabolic rates across different temperatures and analyzed field distributions of the salamanders.
Limitations
The study did not find consistent patterns of thermal niche specialization across populations.
Participant Demographics
The study involved two populations of redback salamanders from different locations in eastern North America.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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