How do developmental and parental exposures to predation affect personality and immediate behavioural plasticity in the snail
            Physa acuta
            ?

Individuals differ in personality and immediate behavioural plasticity. While developmental environment may explain this group diversity, the effect of parental environment is still unexplored—a surprising observation since parental environment influences mean behaviour. We tested whether developmental and parental environments impacted personality and immediate plasticity. We raised two generations of Physa acuta snails in the laboratory with or without developmental exposure to predator cues. Escape behaviour was repeatedly assessed on adult snails with or without predator cues in the immediate environment. On average, snails were slower to escape if they or their parents had been exposed to predator cues during development. Snails were also less plastic in response to immediate predation risk on average if they or their parents had been exposed to predator cues. Group diversity in personality was greater in predator-exposed snails than unexposed snails, while parental environment did not influence it. Group diversity in immediate plasticity was not significant. Our results suggest that only developmental environment plays a key role in the emergence of group diversity in personality, but that parental environment influences mean behavioural responses to the environmental change. Consequently, although different, both developmental and parental cues may have evolutionary implications on behavioural responses.

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How past exposure to predation affects personality and behavioural plasticity?

10.1101/844258 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Juliette Tariel ◽

Sandrine Plénet ◽

Émilien Luquet

Keyword(s):

Individual Difference ◽

Population Level ◽

Induced Response ◽

Behavioural Plasticity ◽

Developmental Exposure ◽

Predator Cues ◽

Individual Level ◽

Two Generations ◽

Carry Over ◽

The Individual

AbstractWhen behaviour is observed multiple times on animals from the same population, between-individual difference in mean behaviour (personality) and in behavioural plasticity are often reported. While the developmental environment might explain such an individual difference, the effect of parental environment is still unexplored -a surprising observation as parental carry-over effect are now well-known to influence the average phenotype and plastic responses of offspring-.We tested whether parental and developmental exposure to predator cues impacted the immediate behavioural predator-induced response in the snail Physa acuta at both mean level (average response) and individual level (between-individual variation). Two generations of snails were reared in laboratory without or with exposure to predator cues. Then, escape behaviour was repeatedly assessed on adult snails in the presence or absence of predator cues.Both parental and developmental exposure to predator cues acted additively towards a lower average behavioural plasticity. At the individual level, developmental exposure induced higher differentiation in personality trait but not in behavioural plasticity while parental environment did not influence the between-individual differences.These results highlight that past environments can strongly influence behaviour at the population level and that they should be taken into consideration when investigating why individuals differ in behaviour.

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Context-dependent responses to light contribute to responses by Black-bellied Salamanders (Desmognathus quadramaculatus) to landscape disturbances

Canadian Journal of Zoology ◽

10.1139/cjz-2015-0111 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 94 (1) ◽

pp. 7-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

K.K. Cecala ◽

J.C. Maerz

Keyword(s):

Environmental Change ◽

Canopy Cover ◽

Population Connectivity ◽

Behavioural Plasticity ◽

Negative Phototaxis ◽

Behavioural Responses ◽

Population Responses ◽

The Face ◽

Context Dependent ◽

Desmognathus Quadramaculatus

Behaviour often regulates population responses to environmental change, but linking behavioural responses to population patterns can be challenging because behavioural responses are often context-dependent, have an instinctive component, and yet may be modified by experience. Black-bellied Salamanders (Desmognathus quadramaculatus (Holbrook, 1840)) occupy forested streams where dense canopies create cool, dark environments. Because riparian deforestation negatively affects salamander-population connectivity yet some individuals choose to persist in these gaps, we sought to evaluate whether phototaxis could explain these patterns and whether phototactic behaviour would be influenced by experience (capture from forested or deforested areas) or context (refuge type and availability). Our results demonstrated that larval D. quadramaculatus exhibited negative phototaxis, but that larvae from forested streams exhibited stronger negative phototaxis than individuals from deforested streams. Larvae also selected habitat closer to light when refuge was available. Our results show that light alters habitat use by larval D. quadramaculatus, but the magnitude of that effect depends on refuge availability and experience with well-lit conditions associated with forest removal. As human activities reduce canopy cover and refuge availability, negative phototaxis may be one explanation for behavioural barriers to movement. Ultimately, the ability of salamanders to exhibit behavioural plasticity will determine their potential for local adaptation facilitating persistence in the face of environmental change.

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Temperament, Plasticity, and Emotions in Defensive Behaviour of Paca (Mammalia, Hystricognatha)

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11020293 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 293

Author(s):

Selene S. C. Nogueira ◽

Sérgio L. G. Nogueira-Filho ◽

José M. B. Duarte ◽

Michael Mendl

Keyword(s):

Conservation Status ◽

Behavioural Plasticity ◽

Affective States ◽

Defensive Behaviour ◽

Rapid Adaptation ◽

Behavioural Responses ◽

Judgement Bias ◽

Temperament Dimension ◽

Ambiguous Cue

Within a species, some individuals are better able to cope with threatening environments than others. Paca (Cuniculus paca) appear resilient to over-hunting by humans, which may be related to the behavioural plasticity shown by this species. To investigate this, we submitted captive pacas to temperament tests designed to assess individual responses to short challenges and judgement bias tests (JBT) to evaluate individuals’ affective states. Results indicated across-time and context stability in closely correlated “agitated”, “fearful” and “tense” responses; this temperament dimension was labelled “restless”. Individual “restless” scores predicted responses to novelty, although not to simulated chasing and capture by humans in a separate modified defence test battery (MDTB). Restless animals were more likely to show a greater proportion of positive responses to an ambiguous cue during JBT after the MDTB. Plasticity in defensive behaviour was inferred from changes in behavioural responses and apparently rapid adaptation to challenge in the different phases of the MDTB. The results indicate that both temperament and behavioural plasticity may play a role in influencing paca responses to risky situations. Therefore, our study highlights the importance of understanding the role of individual temperament traits and behavioural plasticity in order to better interpret the animals’ conservation status and vulnerabilities.

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Foraging behaviour of the Peaceful Dove (Geopelia striata) in relation to predation risk: group size and predator cues in a natural environment

Emu - Austral Ornithology ◽

10.1071/mu12023 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 113 (1) ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Lei (Stanley) Tang ◽

Lin Schwarzkopf

Keyword(s):

Predation Risk ◽

Group Size ◽

Natural Environment ◽

Foraging Behaviour ◽

Risk Group ◽

Predator Cues

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Behavioural responses of Australian freshwater crayfish (Cherax cainii and Cherax albidus) to exotic fish odour

Australian Journal of Zoology ◽

10.1071/zo06011 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 54 (6) ◽

pp. 399 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

S. G. Height ◽

G. J. Whisson

Keyword(s):

Western Australia ◽

Predatory Fish ◽

Behavioural Plasticity ◽

Current Debate ◽

Freshwater Crayfish ◽

Indigenous Species ◽

Exotic Fish ◽

Behavioural Responses ◽

Invasive Crayfish ◽

Australian Freshwater

Exotic finfish and crayfish have been translocated into Western Australia for more than 100 years. Deliberate stocking and subsequent escape from man-made impoundments have resulted in widespread distribution of non-native yabbies (Cherax albidus) and the exotic redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis) in the State’s south-west. Both species are considered invasive and are known to compete with indigenous species for resources. The nature and degree of impact on native marron (Cherax cainii) is unclear and the subject of current debate. Other researchers have hypothesised that invasive species modify their behaviour in the presence of predators in a more rapid and advantageous manner than native species. This greater behavioural plasticity can result in displacement of indigenous species and successful colonisation of invaders. The aim of this study was to investigate behavioural responses of an indigenous crayfish (C. cainii) and an invasive crayfish (C. albidus) to odours from a native predator (Tandanus bostocki) and an exotic predatory fish (P. fluviatilis) present in Western Australia. Crayfish behaviour was observed in individual glass tanks following the addition of odours from native (T. bostocki) or exotic (P. fluviatilis) finfish predators. Marron exhibited minor behavioural modifications when presented with odours from native or exotic finfish. In contrast, the invasive yabby showed greater detection of odours, displaying significant changes in behaviour (P < 0.05). Yabbies also appeared to distinguish between food odour (commercial crayfish feed) and predator odour; however, neither marron nor yabbies displayed behaviour indicating that they could distinguish between a native or exotic fish predator. Results support the hypothesis that invasive crayfish species have a greater capacity for behavioural plasticity than non-invasive crayfish.

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Behavioural responses of voles to simulated risk of predation by a native and an alien mustelid: an odour manipulation experiment

Wildlife Research ◽

10.1071/wr08031 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 37 (4) ◽

pp. 273 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Karen Fey ◽

Peter B. Banks ◽

Hannu Ylönen ◽

Erkki Korpimäki

Keyword(s):

Baltic Sea ◽

Predation Risk ◽

Myodes Glareolus ◽

The Baltic Sea ◽

Short Term ◽

Behavioural Responses ◽

Alien Predator ◽

Risk Of Predation ◽

The Baltic ◽

The Impact

Context. Potential mammalian prey commonly use the odours of their co-evolved predators to manage their risks of predation. But when the risk comes from an unknown source of predation, odours might not be perceived as dangerous, and anti-predator responses may fail, except possibly if the alien predator is of the same archetype as a native predator. Aims. In the present study we examined anti-predator behavioural responses of voles from the outer archipelagos of the Baltic Sea, south-western Finland, where they have had no resident mammalian predators in recent history. Methods. We investigated responses of field voles (Microtus agrestis) to odours of native least weasels (Mustela nivalis) and a recently invading alien predator, the American mink (Mustela vison), in laboratory. We also studied the short-term responses of free-ranging field voles and bank voles (Myodes glareolus) to simulated predation risk by alien mink on small islands in the outer archipelago of the Baltic Sea. Key results. In the laboratory, voles avoided odour cues of native weasel but not of alien mink. It is possible that the response to mink is a context dependent learned response which could not be induced in the laboratory, whereas the response to weasel is innate. In the field, however, voles reduced activity during their normal peak-activity times at night as a response to simulated alien-mink predation risk. No other shifts in space use or activity in safer microhabitats or denser vegetation were apparent. Conclusions. Voles appeared to recognise alien minks as predators from their odours in the wild. However, reduction in activity is likely to be only a short-term immediate response to mink presence, which is augmented by longer-term strategies of habitat shift. Because alien mink still strongly suppresses vole dynamics despite these anti-predator responses, we suggest that behavioural naiveté may be the primary factor in the impact of an alien predator on native prey. Implications. Prey naiveté has long been considered as the root cause of the devastating impacts of alien predators, whereby native prey simply fail to recognise and respond to the novel predation risk. Our results reveal a more complex form of naiveté whereby native prey appeared to recognise alien predators as a threat but their response is ultimately inadequate. Thus, recognition alone is unlikely to afford protection for native prey from alien-predator impacts. Thus, management strategies that, for example, train prey in recognition of novel threats must induce effective responses if they are expected to succeed.

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Predicting behavioural responses to novel organisms: state-dependent detection theory

Proceedings of The Royal Society B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1098/rspb.2016.2108 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 284 (1847) ◽

pp. 20162108 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Pete C. Trimmer ◽

Sean M. Ehlman ◽

Andrew Sih

Keyword(s):

Environmental Change ◽

Signal Detection Theory ◽

Novel Species ◽

Detection Theory ◽

The Novel ◽

Natural Habitats ◽

Behavioural Responses ◽

State Dependent ◽

Optimal Thresholds ◽

Adaptive Thresholds

Human activity alters natural habitats for many species. Understanding variation in animals' behavioural responses to these changing environments is critical. We show how signal detection theory can be used within a wider framework of state-dependent modelling to predict behavioural responses to a major environmental change: novel, exotic species. We allow thresholds for action to be a function of reserves, and demonstrate how optimal thresholds can be calculated. We term this framework ‘state-dependent detection theory’ (SDDT). We focus on behavioural and fitness outcomes when animals continue to use formerly adaptive thresholds following environmental change. In a simple example, we show that exposure to novel animals which appear dangerous—but are actually safe—(e.g. ecotourists) can have catastrophic consequences for ‘prey’ (organisms that respond as if the new organisms are predators), significantly increasing mortality even when the novel species is not predatory. SDDT also reveals that the effect on reproduction can be greater than the effect on lifespan. We investigate factors that influence the effect of novel organisms, and address the potential for behavioural adjustments (via evolution or learning) to recover otherwise reduced fitness. Although effects of environmental change are often difficult to predict, we suggest that SDDT provides a useful route ahead.

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Maternal predator-exposure has lifelong consequences for offspring learning in threespined sticklebacks

Biology Letters ◽

10.1098/rsbl.2012.0685 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 8 (6) ◽

pp. 932-935 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Daniel P. Roche ◽

Katie E. McGhee ◽

Alison M. Bell

Keyword(s):

Predation Risk ◽

Maternal Effects ◽

Discrimination Task ◽

Food Reward ◽

Gasterosteus Aculeatus ◽

Learning Performance ◽

Behavioural Plasticity ◽

Adult Offspring ◽

Important Form ◽

Model Predator

Learning is an important form of phenotypic plasticity that allows organisms to adjust their behaviour to the environment. An individual's learning performance can be affected by its mother's environment. For example, mothers exposed to stressors, such as restraint and forced swimming, often produce offspring with impaired learning performance. However, it is unclear whether there are maternal effects on offspring learning when mothers are exposed to ecologically relevant stressors, such as predation risk. Here, we examined whether maternal predator-exposure affects adult offsprings’ learning of a discrimination task in threespined sticklebacks ( Gasterosteus aculeatus ). Mothers were either repeatedly chased by a model predator (predator-exposed) or not (unexposed) while producing eggs. Performance of adult offspring from predator-exposed and unexposed mothers was assessed in a discrimination task that paired a particular coloured chamber with a food reward. Following training, all offspring learned the colour-association, but offspring of predator-exposed mothers located the food reward more slowly than offspring of unexposed mothers. This pattern was not driven by initial differences in exploratory behaviour. These results demonstrate that an ecologically relevant stressor (predation risk) can induce maternal effects on offspring learning, and perhaps behavioural plasticity more generally, that last into adulthood.

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Natural stressors and disease risk: does the threat of predation increase amphibian susceptibility to ranavirus?

Canadian Journal of Zoology ◽

10.1139/z2012-060 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 90 (7) ◽

pp. 893-902 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

N.A. Haislip ◽

J.T. Hoverman ◽

D.L. Miller ◽

M.J. Gray

Keyword(s):

Predation Risk ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Species Interactions ◽

Disease Risk ◽

Natural Populations ◽

Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽

Host Susceptibility ◽

Continuous Exposure ◽

Amphibian Species ◽

Predator Cues

Emerging infectious diseases have been identified as threats to biodiversity, yet our understanding of the factors contributing to host susceptibility to pathogens within natural populations remains limited. It has been proposed that species interactions within communities affect host susceptibility to pathogens, thereby contributing to disease emergence. In particular, predation risk is a common natural stressor that has been hypothesized to compromise immune function of prey through chronic stress responses possibly leading to increased susceptibility to pathogens. We examined whether predation risk experienced during the development of four larval anuran species increases susceptibility (mortality and infection) to ranaviruses, a group of viruses responsible for amphibian die-offs. Using controlled laboratory experiments, we exposed each species to a factorial combination of two virus treatments (no virus or virus) crossed with three predator-cue treatments (no predators, larval dragonflies, or adult water bugs). All four amphibian species reduced activity by 22%–48% following continuous exposure to predator cues. In addition, virus exposure significantly reduced survival by 17%–100% across all species. However, exposure to predator cues did not interact with the virus treatments to elevate mortality or viral load. Our results suggest that the expression of predator-induced plasticity in anuran larvae does not increase ranaviral disease risk.

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