Repeatability of Voluntary Thermal Maximum and Covariance with Water Loss Reveal Potential for Adaptation to Changing Climates

Although climate warming poses a grave threat to amphibians, little is known about the capacity of this group to evolve in response to warming. The capacity of key traits to evolve depends on the presence of genetic variation on which selection can act. Here, we use repeatability estimates to estimate the potential upper bounds of heritable genetic variation in voluntary and critical thermal maxima of gray-cheeked salamanders (Plethodon metcalfi). Increases in thermal tolerance may also require concordant increases in resistance to water loss because hotter temperatures incur greater evaporative risk. Therefore, we also tested for a correlation between voluntary thermal maxima and resistance to water loss and conducted an acclimation study to test for covariation between these traits in response to warming. Voluntary thermal maxima exhibited low to moderate levels of repeatability (R=0.32, P=0.045), while critical thermal maxima exhibited no statistically significant repeatability (R=0.10, P=0.57). Voluntary thermal maxima also correlated positively with resistance to water loss (R=0.31, P=0.025) but only when controlling for body mass. Voluntary thermal maxima and resistance to water loss also exhibited different acclimatory responses across control (12 & DEG;C-18 & DEG;C) and warm (18 & DEG;C-24 & DEG;C) temperature regimes, indicating a potential decoupling of traits in different thermal environments. By addressing the repeatability of thermal tolerance and the potential for covariation with resistance to water loss, we begin to address some of the key requirements of amphibians to evolve in warming climates.

Automated summary

This study examines the capacity of amphibians to evolve in response to climate warming, particularly in terms of thermal tolerance and resistance to water loss. By studying gray-cheeked salamanders, the researchers find genetic variation in thermal tolerance, but low repeatability for critical temperatures. The study also reveals a positive correlation between thermal tolerance and resistance to water loss. Furthermore, the researchers observe a decoupling of these traits in different temperature environments.