Biology
Developmental Plasticity in Amphibian Metamorphosis Under Environmental Stress
Quick fact
Tadpoles can speed up metamorphosis when their pond dries, but they pay a price: they become smaller frogs, and this trade-off is orchestrated by a stress hormone called corticosterone.
Why this is interesting
Imagine a tiny tadpole in a shrinking puddle. As the water evaporates, it suddenly transforms into a frog—but is it ready?