Environmental variation and behaviour: resource availability during ontogeny and feeding performance in salamander larvae (Ambystoma texanum)

Abstract

1. The effects of resource availability during ontogeny on subsequent feeding performance were investigated in larvae of the small‐mouthed salamander (Ambystoma texanum). 2. Salamander larvae were reared individually in either high or low prey density treatments for 7 weeks prior to intermediate prey density foraging trials. Larvae from the low prey density treatment were on average 35% smaller in body size than individuals from the high prey density treatment. 3. Resource availability during development influenced larval feeding rates and altered the relationship between body size and three feeding performance measures (attack rates, capture success and feeding rates). Feeding rates in predation trials were also positively correlated with growth rate early in the larval period (until the end of week 5). 4. These results suggest that the environment to which developing organisms are exposed can have significant effects on subsequent behaviour, and that small‐mouthed salamander larvae may show state‐dependent changes in feeding behaviour in response to differences in long‐term feeding history. Additionally, differences in feeding performance may influence the probability of survival to the adult stage for organisms that utilize ephemeral habitats.

Looking at the unseen: combining animal bio‐logging and stable isotopes to reveal a shift in the ecological niche of a deep diving predator

“…Thus, at 3–4 yr of age, females may attempt to increase their body fat reserves for upcoming breeding efforts, while males could invest more in growth, implying different dietary requirements. Moreover, as they grow, males develop physiological capabilities (Irvine et al 2000), compatible mouthparts (Maurer 1996), and adequate experience and associated learning (Langen 1996) to exploit another ecological niche. Therefore, the shift in foraging strategy observed for males could be explained by changes in energetic requirements probably strongly related to changes in functional characteristics.…”

Ontogeny of diving behaviour in the Australian sea lion: trials of adolescence in a late bloomer

“…1999; Irvine et al . 2000), incompatible mouthparts for adult prey (Castro & Hernandezgarcia 1995; Maurer 1996), inadequate experience and associated learning (Heinsohn 1991; Hauser 1993; Bard 1995; Langen 1996) or may be avoiding competition with adults (Milinski & Parker 1991). Adult strategies are not necessarily a prerequisite for self‐sufficiency and in some cases mastering them may even delay independence (Yoerg 1998).…”

“…1999;Irvine et al . 2000), incompatible mouthparts for adult prey (Castro & Hernandezgarcia 1995;Maurer 1996), inadequate experience and associated learning (Heinsohn 1991;Hauser 1993;Bard 1995;Langen 1996) or may be Correspondence: Shannon L. Fowler, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA. E-mail: fowler@biology.ucsc.edu avoiding competition with adults (Milinski & Parker 1991).…”

The Effect of Salinity on the Survival and Growth of Anderson's Salamander Ambystoma andersoni Larvae

“…Although previous research with axolotls has focused on culture of the so‐called “critical stages,” such as eggs and larvae (Maurer ), there have been few studies using later developmental stages, such as juveniles. In this study, growth and survival of different stages of Anderson's salamander were evaluated at different salinities for the first time.…”

“…Although previous research with axolotls has focused on culture of the so-called "critical stages," such as eggs and larvae (Maurer 1996), there have been few studies…”