Data for: Developmental plasticity in anurans: meta-analysis reveals effects of larval environments on size at metamorphosis and timing of metamorphosis

Many anuran amphibians (frogs and toads) rely on aquatic habitats during
their larval stage. The quality of this environment can significantly
impact the overall lifetime fitness and dynamics of the population. Over
450 studies have been published on the impact of the environment on anuran
developmental plasticity, yet we lack a synthesis of these effects across
different environments. We conducted a meta-analysis and used a
comparative approach to understand whether developmental plasticity in
response to different larval environments produces predictable changes in
metamorphic phenotypes. We analyzed data from 124 studies spanning 80
anuran species and six larval environments and showed that interspecific
variation in mass at metamorphosis and the duration of the larval period
is partly explained by the type of environment experienced during the
larval period. Phylogenetic relationships among species were not
associated with variation in mass at metamorphosis plasticity or duration
of the larval period plasticity. Larval environments tended to reduce mass
at metamorphosis relative to control conditions, with the degree of change
depending on the identity and severity of environmental change. Higher
temperatures and lower water levels shortened the duration of the larval
period, whereas less food and higher densities increased the duration of
the larval period. Our results provide a foundation for future studies on
developmental plasticity, especially in response to global changes. This
study provides motivation for additional work that links developmental
plasticity with fitness consequences within and across life stages, as
well as how the outcomes described here are altered in compounding
environments.