Traffic Noise Impacts Glucocorticoid Response, Activity, and Growth in Two Species of Tadpoles.

This article investigates the effects of environmentally relevant high levels of traffic noise on the behavior, growth, and glucocorticoid (GC) stress responses of two tadpole species, Acris crepitans and Rana berlandieri, which differ in life history traits. Using a controlled experimental design, the study found that early developmental exposure to traffic noise elevated corticosterone release rates (the primary amphibian GC), altered activity patterns, and impacted mass differently between species: A. crepitans tended to recover mass and prioritize growth, while R. berlandieri showed prolonged mass loss and increased activity. Tadpoles exposed to noise earlier exhibited stronger stress responses and more efficient negative feedback mechanisms, suggesting that timing of noise exposure influences physiological coping strategies. These findings highlight species-specific adaptations to anthropogenic noise that may affect fitness and underscore the need for further research on noise impacts across diverse amphibian species and natural habitats.