Coevolution of antipredator behavior, locomotor performance and body proportions of Mata Atlântica rainforest anuran frogs

Abstract

Anuran amphibians represent a group of vertebrates whose body plan presents a series of changes associated with jumping locomotor performance; these specializations are very old and phylogenetically conserved. Although comparative studies have shown associations among jumping performance, habitat diversity and life history for this phylogenetic group, the relationship between locomotor performance and antipredator behavior remains unexplored within the context of diversification of habits and habitat. The present study aims to investigate: (a) At the intraspecific level, the influence of the microenvironment complexity in the manifestation of antipredator behavior; (b) At the interspecific level, the role of the occupation of ecological niches in the evolution of locomotor performance, antipredator behavior and body proportions in Brazilian anuran frogs. More specific hypotheses are described in detail in the project, and will be tested in intra-and interspecific levels through: (a) tests that simulate predation events with a snake in field and in laboratory, (b) tests of locomotor performance and (c) morphometric data collection of the individuals tested for behavior, as well as specimens preserved in museums. (AU)