Thermal plasticity in the burst swimming of Bufo bankorensis larvae

The Taiwanese toad Bufo bankorensis, found over a wide temperature and altitudinal range, can affect burst swimming performance and thermal acclimation ability. We studied (1) whether thermal acclimation affects larval burst swimming; and (2) whether altitudinal-population larvae differ in the thermal sensitivity of their burst swimming. Burst swimming performance was measured to obtain maximum velocity (Umax), acceleration (Amax), and distance moved within the initial 200 milliseconds (ms)(D200). The length-adjusted Umax of highland larvae acclimated at 22oC was significantly higher than that at 15oC when tested at 27 and 32oC. Q10 for Umax in the warmacclimated highland larvae was significantly higher than that in cool-acclimated larvae. All three locomotor parameters in both acclimation groups differed between altitudinal populations at 12-27oC. Q10 for Umax in the cool-acclimated highland larvae was lower than that in lowland larvae acclimated at same temperature. This indicates that the animal's acclimation ability is associated with seasonal temperature changes.