Resource Allocation and the Response to Tail Autotomy in a Plethodontid Salamander, Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis
author: Kristina Marie Rheaume
advisor: Robert Kaplan
year: 1993
ABSTRACT: The potential physiological trade-off of survival vs. growth in a plethodontid salamander, Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis, was examined. Tail autotomy was induced in adult males and females, and the effects of sex and food level on tail regeneration was analyzed. A significant effect of sex was found, but not a food level effect. In addition, the interaction of sex and food had a significant effect on tail regeneration. Males at the high food level had the highest rate of tail regeneration, followed by males at low food. Females at high and low food levels regenerated their tails the slowest, and at a similar rate to each other. A possible survival vs. growth trade-off is discussed.