Fig. 4

Heterochronic variation in shape and size during larval development among ceratophryids. a This plot depicts developmental changes versus developmental timing. The offset of larval development occurs at the moment when the tail is lost. b This plot, in contrast, shows size variation versus developmental timing (growth). The final larval body size is achieved at metamorphosis when the tail regresses [52, 53]. c Different rates determine when the final larval size and shape are achieved [11, 50]. These curves indicate that growth and development are accelerated in Chacophrys and Lepidobatrachus compared with the same processes in Ceratophrys. This perspective on ceratophryid development fits with their hypothesized phylogeny [10]