Presentation Details
| Behavioral Differences Due to Urban vs Non-Urban Living Zachary J.Sweep, Ned A.Dochtermann. North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA |
Abstract
Rapidly changing environments over the last 100 years due to urbanization are a top concern for ecologists. Specifically, how animals behaviorally respond to novel urban environments remains unclear. Exploratory behavior may be affected by urbanization if individuals are facing new and different environments. Finding differences between urban and non-urban populations can help identify the changes that may be taking place. We aimed to understand if and how much exploration changes plastically in response to urban environments in crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus). The crickets were initially housed in group conditions that simulated urban or non-urban environments. Simulated urban environments contained concrete structures while non-urban environments contained dirt and grass. Close to maturation, crickets were housed individually in environments again replicating the urban and non-urban environments. After maturation, we measured exploratory behavior in an open-field test and latency to emerge from shelter. This study increases our understanding of the impacts of urbanization on behavior and the role of plasticity.
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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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