Presentation Details
| Drivers of Choice Overload in Gray Treefrogs Jessie C.Tanner1, 2, 3, Trina L.Chou1, 3, Claire T.Hemingway1, 2, 3, 4. 1Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.2Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.3Collaborative for Animal Behavior, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.4Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Panama, Panama |
Abstract
Choice overload, in which individuals exceed their cognitive limits when faced with too many choices, is measured by its symptoms: changes in option selection, deferring decisions; and longer decision times. Choice overload has mainly been studied in humans, but non-humans make important decisions with consequences for their individual fitness. Here, we tested whether three known drivers of choice overload in humans – decision task difficulty, preference uncertainty, and assortment complexity – drive choice overload in a large sample (n = 259) of diploid gray treefrogs (Hyla chrysoscelis) during mate choice. We exploited well-known preferences for longer and faster advertisement calls to measure changes in decision making due to choice overload. Individuals experienced choice overload as the number of options increased from 2 to 4 and 8. Choice overload was mitigated when alternative options differed in two dimensions, but worsened when attractive call properties were not available in the same individual male. Two aspects of assortment complexity, assortment quality and similarity of options, also worsened choice overload. Choice overload may limit mate choice in natural contexts.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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