Effects of hydroperiod on growth, development, survival, and immune defenses in a temperate amphibian

1. The many and varied effects of human induced environmental change have the potential to threaten animal biodiversity and species abundance. Importantly, human land use and global climate change are predicted to reduce water availability, which might have negative consequences for freshwater organisms. 2. In this study, we tested for an effect of a shortened hydroperiod on larval growth and development, and post-metamorphic survival and immune function in a temperate frog, Rana pipiens. 3. Animals developing under pond drying conditions metamorphosed at a smaller size and had lower survival after metamorphosis. We found sex-specific differences in larval period in our fastest drying treatment, with males metamorphosing more quickly than females. Individuals that developed under drying conditions also showed reduced skin swelling after PHA injection, indicating a compromised immune response. We found support for trade-offs between growth, development, and post-metamorphic immune functi...