Germinative dynamic, seasonality, and polyandry: A dive in neotropical point-belly frog reproduction

Abstract

Complexity and reproductive plasticity are very well-known characteristics of anurans. The group is being continuously explored taxonomically and phylogenetically, which leads to a great potential diversity not yet uncovered. This is particularly evident due to the lack of investigation regarding species-specific traits, even the ones well distributed in the lineages as polyandry. Although the climate and environment affect reproductive variability, each species has unique dynamics, and a deeper understanding of their reproductive cycles is essential for meaningful comparisons and recognition of patterns within the extensive variability observed in anurans. Given this context, the present study examined the reproductive and environmental parameters of the polyandrous species Leptodactylus podicipinus throughout its reproductive cycle over two consecutive years. The objective was to characterize the species' reproductive dynamics and compare them with phylogenetically related species and other polyandrous species, aiming to explore patterns and the influence of polyandry on anuran reproduction. The main reproductive activity of L. podicipinus was during the months with greater rainfall, from October to February. The seminiferous epithelium presented a higher mean of final germinative cells (spermatozoa) in the reproductive period (October–February) and early germinative cells (spermatocytes I and spermatids) in the non-reproductive period (March–September). Among the climatic parameters tested, rainfall was the only one significantly related to reproductive outcomes. Two distinct germinative patterns were identified between polyandric and non-polyandric species compared. Polyandry is certainly a trait that plays a significant role in shaping gametogenesis and the evolution of animals with this reproductive attribute.