Data from: 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
function across hydroperiod treatments. Whole blood from animals with
shorter larval periods had lower bacterial killing ability, and
small-bodied juveniles had lower antibody titers. 4. Overall, our results
indicate that a shortened hydroperiod can affect the rate of larval
amphibian growth and development, and might negatively impact the
condition of species that rely on freshwater for development. Our work
improves understanding of the complex impacts that environmental stressors
might have on the health of animal populations.