Yearly Variation in Larval Survival of Ambystoma Maculatum

Abstract

Survivorship of larval Ambystoma maculatum from a single pond varied each year although the variability was not dependent on the number of eggs deposited each year. The survival depends greatly on developmental rates of the larvae, pond duration, and suitable climatic conditions at the time of dispersal. The variations in length of the larval period appear adaptive and cannot be explained by variation in dates of egg deposition. Developmental rates may be altered slightly by environmental factors.