Individual contributions to group chorus dynamics influence access to mating opportunities in wood frogs. (19th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Calsbeek, Ryan; Zamora‐Camacho, Francisco Javier; Symes, Laurel B.
• Editors: Isvaran, Kavita
• Is Part Of: Ecology letters. Volume 25:Number 6(2022)
• Page Start: 1401
• Page End: 1409
• Publication Date: 2022-03-19
• Subjects: bioacoustic -- chorus -- mate choice -- sexual selection; Ecology -- Periodicals; 577
• DOI: 10.1111/ele.14002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-023X

Abstract

Abstract: A limitation in bioacoustic studies has been the inability to differentiate individual sonic contributions from group‐level dynamics. We present a novel application of acoustic camera technology to investigate how individual wood frogs' calls influence chorus properties, and how variation influences mating opportunities. We recorded mating calls and used playback trials to gauge preference for different chorus types in the laboratory. Males and females preferred chorus playbacks with low variance in dominant frequency. Females preferred choruses with low mean peak frequency. Field studies revealed more egg masses laid in ponds where males chorused with low variance in dominant frequency. We also noted a trend towards more egg masses laid in ponds where males called with low mean frequency. Nearest‐neighbour distances influenced call timing (neighbours called in succession) and distances increased with variance in chorus frequency. Results highlight the potential fitness implications of individual‐level contributions to a bioacoustic signal produced by groups. Abstract : It is often challenging to measure individual variation in an acoustic signal that is produced by large choruses or groups. We use a novel acoustic camera technology to simplify the solution to this challenge. We show that individual contributions to these choruses likely influences variation in mating success.