New Paper: Ecosystem effects of intraspecific variation in a color polymorphic amphibian

Can intraspecific variation in a widespread, common salamander affect aquatic ecosystems? That’s the question that Jon Davenport (from Appalachian State University) and I set out to answer. Using a mesocosm experiment we show that yes, evolved intraspecific color variation in Spotted Salamanders just might be ecologically relevant!

There’s much left to learn about this peculiar trait. However, based on prior work, it seems that color variation in this species evolves on contemporary timescales and microgeographic spatial scales. What this new works suggests is that the observed variation in color morph frequency is not just responding to ecological factors, but also influencing ecosystem in profound ways. This was a fun study that drew on the participation of several undergraduates and graduate students - an exemplary collaboration on all fronts. There’s lots left to do on his fascinating system and I’m sure that we’ll uncover more surprises.

Giery, S.T., R.K. Sloan, J. Watson, A. Grosbeak, and J.D. Davenport. Ecosystem effects of intraspecific variation in a color polymorphic amphibian. Proceedings of the Royal Society London B. 291:20240016. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2024.0016.