Rapid cross-generational changes in morphology and mate choice following an extreme climatic event

Extreme climatic events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods, have been implicated in altering various phenotypic traits in affected populations. The 2015 El Niño cycle led to one of the driest wet seasons recorded throughout parts of Central America. We examined the effects of this climatic event on sexual and natural selection using behavioral and morphological data from túngara frogs (Engystomops pustulosus) collected before, during, and after this event. In a species renowned for robust female mating preferences, we found a cross-generational reduction and loss of female mate preferences for certain male advertisement call properties following this event. We identified reductions in body length and simultaneous increases in condition during the climatic event. Reduced availability and permanence of aquatic breeding sites may explain these behavioral and morphological changes. Mate choice preferences reverted rapidly, while the restoration of body length was sex dependent following this period of drastically reduced precipitation. These findings highlight immediate and lingering effects of single climatic events and demonstrate the ability of climatic events to disrupt established mate preferences. As climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme events, monitoring behavioral and morphological phenotypes will be imperative to fully understand the consequences of these events on animal populations.