Presentation Details
| A Mechanistic Framework for Noise Effects on Animal Communication Leah Gath1, Maddie Rhodes2, Kasey Fowler-Finn1. 1Saint Louis University, St.Louis, MO, USA.2Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA |
Abstract
Recent increases in anthropogenic noise can have important consequences for animals, particularly those that rely on acoustic communication for fitness-related behaviors. Animals display a wide range of responses to anthropogenic noise; however, we lack a predictive framework to explain this variation. Here, we conducted a field experiment testing how different noises impact signaling behavior in a community that utilizes vibrational signals, which are transmitted through solid substrates such as plant stems and leaves. We specifically tested whether the impacts of noise on communication depend on noise source or properties, signal properties, or their interaction. To do so, we tested whether greater overlap between noise playbacks (varying in source, bandwidth, and frequency range) and signals led to increased changes in signaling behavior. Most vibrational signalers shifted signal timing to avoid overlap with noise, some shifted spectral properties, and others showed no response. Thus, the impacts of noise on communication may depend on both noise and signal properties, providing a potential explanation for the wide variety of responses animals exhibit to anthropogenic noise.
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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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