Bergmann's rule is size-related in European newts (Triturus)

Abstract

The validity of Bergmann's rule - which describes the intraspecific increase in body size with increasing altitude - was studied in a several populations of three European newt species. There was a positive correlation between body size and altitude for smaller-bodied Triturus vulgaris and T. alpestris species, but no relationship between body size and altitude for the much larger sized T. carnifex. Body size therefore plays a role in the application of Bergmann's rule to European newts.