Lack of phylogenetic signal in the variation in anuran microhabitat use in southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Microhabitat use is an important component of anuran behavior in both the tadpole and the adult stages. It is potentially influenced by phylogeny and extant ecological factors acting as selective pressures, such as predation, competition, or physical habitat properties. We aimed to test whether patterns of microhabitat use vary among species, habitats and sites, and how much of this variation can be explained by phylogenetic relatedness. We collected data on microhabitat use at five different sites, where we obtained a total of 4,230 records of individual tadpoles of 34 species in 15 genera and 7 families, and a total of 1,163 records of adult individuals of 39 species in 16 genera and 8 families. Mantel tests conducted to relate species dissimilarities in microhabitat use and phylogenetic relatedness indicated a weak but significant relationship for adult anurans, and no relationship for tadpoles. Our results suggest that microhabitat use is a plastic and variable trait, overcoming phylogenetic signal in tadpoles. In adult anurans, very little of the variation in microhabitat use can be explained by phylogenetic relatedness. Microhabitat use is not a good predictor of phylogeny, but it may be a very interesting subject to study natural selection and adaptation.

Patterns of Spatial Distribution and Microhabitat Use by Syntopic Anuran Species along Permanent Lotic Ecosystems in the Cerrado of Southeastern Brazil

“…Other studies found significant degrees of spatial segregation in related species, such as syntopic hylodids (Hylodes phyllodes and Crossodactylus gaudichaudii), in permanent streams on the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil (Almeida-Gomes et al, 2007). All these results corroborate the hypothesis that evolutionary history has little influence on patterns of microhabitat use by adult anurans, so that a small proportion of the existent variability can be explained by phylogenetic relatedness (Eterovick et al, 2010).…”

Habitat use, reproductive traits and social interactions in a stream-dweller treefrog endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado

“…Furthermore, these two species were observed at shorter distances from the water (average 0.18 and 0.32 m, respectively; Eterovick et al, 2010) than ß. ibitiguara (average 0.67 m; this study). Individuals of Bokermannohyla sp.…”

“…Bokermannohyla ibitiguara males used a greater variety of microhabitats as calling sites compared to B. nanuzae and B. saxicola, all species in the B. pseudopseudis group (Eterovick et al, 2010). Furthermore, these two species were observed at shorter distances from the water (average 0.18 and 0.32 m, respectively; Eterovick et al, 2010) than ß. ibitiguara (average 0.67 m; this study).…”

“…(gr. circumdata) were observed perched at higher sites compared to B. ibitiguara, with an average height varying from 1.38 to 2.67 m (Eterovick et al, 2010). Microhabitat use by adult anurans may be correlated with phylogeny, but is also a plastic trait strongly infiuenced by ecological factors, such as habitat heterogeneity, microhabitat availability, climatic conditions, and competition and prédation pressures (Eterovick et al, 2010).…”

Riparian vegetation condition influences movement and microhabitat use by Mixophyes fasciolatus in South East Queensland

“…In two sites of continuous forest, located within 50 -100 m of each other, Rittenhouse et al (2008) found that differences in leaf litter microhabitats between sites resulted in low soil moisture in one site, causing three anuran species to experience higher mortality from desiccation. In another study in south eastern Brazil, populations of the same species were observed at different sites, and noticeable differences in their patterns of microhabitat use were found, indicating that habitat and site influence microhabitat use by tadpoles and adult anurans (Eterovick et al 2010). As a result, species specific investigation of microhabitat use across differing sites is required in order to better understand anuran microhabitat requirements and inform management guidelines.…”