Data from: Diet-induced plasticity modifies relationships between larval growth rate and post-metamorphic behavior and physiology

It has frequently been hypothesized that among-individual variation in
behavior and physiology will correlate with life history traits, yet the
nature of these correlations can vary. Such variability may arise from
plasticity in trait development, which can amplify or attenuate trait
correlations across different environments. Using the Mexican spadefoot
toad (Spea multiplicata), we tested whether relationships between larval
growth rate and post-metamorphic behavior or physiology are influenced by
a key mediator of developmental plasticity: larval diet type. S.
multiplicata larvae develop on two alternate diets, with slower growing
omnivores feeding on detritus and faster growing carnivores consuming live
fairy shrimp. We found that correlations between larval growth rate and
post-metamorphic behavior and physiology differed by diet type. Among
detritus feeders, faster growing larvae developed into juvenile frogs that
were not only bolder but also had higher hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal
axis reactivity (an indicator of stress responsiveness) and longer
telomeres, suggesting greater somatic maintenance. In contrast, among
shrimp feeders – which exhibited faster growth overall – larval growth
rate was less strongly correlated with juvenile behavior and physiology,
indicating that a shift from omnivory to carnivory can attenuate trait
correlations among individuals. Overall, our study suggests that
developmental plasticity induced by different diet types can modify
relationships between life history traits and individual behavior or
physiology.