Reception of conspecific cues alter testicular gene expression and improve fertility: evidence in boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris macalata)

It is unclear if physiological effects, such as increased sex hormone concentration or gamete maturation, impact reproductive outcomes, such as fertilization rates or viability of offspring. We investigated the effect of conspecific signals on the calling behaviour, reproductive output, and gonadal gene expression in boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris maculata).

Using breeding trials in a captive setting, we found that broadcasts of conspecific signals nearly doubled the duration of calling activity and increases the proportion of viable eggs by over 13%. We then used RNA-sequencing techniques to demonstrate exposure to broadcasts of chorus behaviour increased the expression of genes associated with steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and gonadal development in male chorus frogs within 6 hours.