An ephemerality paradox: Evidence of virtual semelparity in ephemeral pool?breeding anurans

Oviparous species that reproduce in unpredictably variable environments risk depositing their eggs situations may become unsuitable for offspring survival at any time. This uncertainty often leads to selection iteroparity as a form of bet-hedging spread development spatially and temporally, thereby improving the odds some cohorts experiencing optimal conditions. Paradoxically, an iteroparous mode appears be exception small number amphibians exploit temporary aquatic systems. In this study, we provide evidence paradox Australian anuran, sandpaper frog, Lechriodus fletcheri, which breeds almost exclusively small, highly ephemeral pools dry before completion tadpole development. A capture-mark-recapture study was conducted on population over three consecutive breeding seasons, determine how adults returned sites within between years extent iteroparity. We found practically no adult returns even though recapture events occurred season, suggesting is virtually semelparous. similar life history apparent other amphibians, are able persist unpredictable by likely taking advantage forms absence For L. suggest extended season lend itself process cohort splitting level, resulting future reproductive activity from each generation being across multiple seasons. Our shows not only way deal with environmental uncertainty.