Skip to main content
Dryad

Data from: The influence of geographic heterogeneity in predation pressure on mating signal divergence in an Amazonian frog species complex

Cite this dataset

Trillo, Paula A. et al. (2012). Data from: The influence of geographic heterogeneity in predation pressure on mating signal divergence in an Amazonian frog species complex [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.5cv40

Abstract

Sexual section plays an important role in mating signal divergence, but geographic variation in ecological factors can also contribute to divergent signal evolution. We tested the hypothesis that geographic heterogeneity in predation causes divergent selection on advertisement call complexity within the Engystomops petersi frog species complex. We conducted predator phonotaxis experiments at two sites where female choice is consistent with call trait divergence. Engystomops at one site produces complex calls, while the closely related species at the other site produces simple calls. Bats approached complex calls more than simple calls at both sites, suggesting selection against complex calls. Moreover, bat predation pressure was greater at the site with simple calls, suggesting stronger selection against complex calls and potentially precluding evolution of complex calls at this site. Our results show that geographic variation in predation may play an important role in the evolution and maintenance of mating signal divergence.

Usage notes