Metamorphosis & Population Genetics of Tiger Salamander in Response to Climate in the GYE

Across the globe, amphibian populations are threatened and endangered, making conservation of this group a priority. They are extremely sensitive to changes, making current trends of global warming and environmental disturbance a threat to amphibian species worldwide. In order to make informed decisions regarding amphibian conservation, it is crucial to understand the spatial, genetic and morphological dynamics of amphibian populations. The tiger salamander in Yellowstone is a common, abundant species found parkwide. The timing and extent of metamorphosis of salamanders in Yellowstone is highly variable, as salamanders can delay metamorphosis, or may mature sexually but retain larval body features (this is call paedomorphosis). Metamorphic variability is an important process that is often studied in parallel with amphibian genetics. Scientists believe that differences in the timing and extent of metamorphosis are controlled by environmental factors (climate) and genetics, which in turn, affects gene flow.