A5069377843- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Amphibian and Reptile Biology
- Plant and animal studies
- Fish Ecology and Management Studies
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Marine and fisheries research
- Turtle Biology and Conservation
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Aquaculture disease management and microbiota
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Identification and Quantification in Food
- Parasite Biology and Host Interactions
- Marine animal studies overview
- Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
- Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
- Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
- Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior
- Aquaculture Nutrition and Growth
- Animal and Plant Science Education
- Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology and Behavior
- Fish biology, ecology, and behavior
- Fish Biology and Ecology Studies
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Study of Mite Species
Appalachian State University
2025
Case Western Reserve University
2024
Missouri State University
2012-2021
George Fox University
2000
University of Saskatchewan
1993-1996
Southwestern University
1988-1991
Sewanee: The University of the South
1990
University of Southern Mississippi
1988
We tested the hypothesis that exposure to a conspecific alarm pheromone improves survival of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) during staged encounters with an unfamiliar predator (northern pike: Esox luaus). Minnows exposed survived 39. 5% longer than controls. This difference in time appeared result not from direct inhibition pike but rather some aspect minnows' antipredator behavior. exhibited significant increases both shoaling and shelter use after pheromone. For control minnows,...
Abstract Intraspecific interference competition associated with territoriality has been documented in laboratory studies of the red-backed salamander, Plethodon cinereus. I used and field experiments to study effect resource quality body size on such competition. In an experiment southwestern Virginia, cover objects (e.g., logs) from which resident salamanders were removed invaded significantly more often than salamander was not removed. These data provide first direct test for a natural...
Many fishes possess specialized epidermal cells that are ruptured by the teeth of predators, thus reliably indicating presence an actively foraging predator. Understanding evolution these has intrigued evolutionary ecologists because release alarm chemicals is not voluntary. Here, we show predation pressure does influence cell production in fishes. Alarm stimulated exposure to skin-penetrating pathogens (water moulds: Saprolegnia ferax and parasitica), parasites (larval trematodes:...
Although fright responses to alarm signals provide obvious benefits receivers, senders of are less clear. Ostariophysan fishes produce a chemical signal ("Schreckstoff") that is released only following mechanical damage the skin, such as which occurs capture by predator. Two mutually exclusive hypotheses for evolution in predator deterrence and attraction. According predator-attraction hypothesis, pheromone functions attract additional predators interfere with predation event, allows an...
Fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and brook stickleback (Culaea inconstans) are often sympatric, occupy similar microhabitats, share common predators. Therefore, individuals that detect alarm signals of both conspecifics heterospecifics should gain antipredator benefits. We conducted a series experiments to determine the extent which these species respond chemical from heterospecifics. In laboratory experiments, responded stimuli injured with increased shoaling, but did not increase...
Most research on the effects of exposure to stressful stimuli during embryonic development has focused post-embryonic behaviour that appears be abnormal or maladaptive. Here, we tested whether some (predatory cues) can lead is adaptive. When eggs ringed salamanders ( Ambystoma annulatum ) were exposed chemical cues from predators, post-hatching larvae showed reduced activity and greater shelter-seeking behaviour; had been control did not show these behaviours. In addition, wood frog Rana...
For prey under the threat of predation, ability to distinguish between different levels danger can have important fitness consequences. Larval central newts, Notophthalmus viridescens louisianensis, distinguished predatory (Ambystoma tigrinum larvae) and nonpredatory (Hyla chrysoscelis/versicolor complex tadpoles) heterospecifics, but only when chemical cues were available. When visual present, larvae responded both stimuli by reducing activity (fright response), did not two types....
Abstract Fathead minnows (Cyprinidae: Pimephales promelas ) from a population that is sympatric with predatory northern pike (Esocidae: Esox lucius) exhibited fright reaction to the visual stimulus of live significantly more often than allopatric pike. The response included increased use shelter, dashing and freezing. Minnows pike‐sympatric also greater response, measured as reduction in activity, following exposure chemical stimuli (i.e. water tank had contained pike) did pike‐allopatric...
Marine, and more recently, freshwater sponges are known to harbor unique microbial symbiotic communities relative the surrounding water; however, our understanding of ecology diversity is vastly limited compared those marine sponges. Here we analyzed microbiomes three sponge species: Radiospongilla crateriformis , Eunapius fragilis Trochospongilla horrida across four sites in western North Carolina, U.S.A. Our results support recent work indicating that indeed a distinct microbiome...
Abstract Prey may experience ontogenetic changes in vulnerability to some predators, either because of morphology or experience. If prey match their level antipredator behavior the predatory threat, responses predators should reflect appropriate threat for stage development. For larval salamanders, change with body size larger larvae are less vulnerable predation by gape‐limited fleeing large salamanders be more effective than smaller salamanders. In a field experiment, small ringed...
If chemical alarm pheromones warn individuals of nearby predation on conspecifics, then should avoid areas where pheromone is present. This hypothesis was tested in a natural stream habitat by exposing fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to minnow traps that had been marked with either conspecific or control substance (glass-distilled water). The exhibited significant avoidance the pheromone: less than 4% were captured found experimental traps. There nonsignificant tendency for be larger...
Abstract Innate predator recognition typically only occurs when there is an evolutionary history between and prey. Predator introductions thus can pose a substantial threat to native fauna that rely heavily on inherent identification of predators. In permanent aquatic habitats prey often encounter variety predatory non‐predatory fish species, the ability distinguish two essential avoid wasted time energy spent in unnecessary antipredatory efforts. Here, we present study evaluating lab‐reared...
Abstract Temporal variation in predation risk may fundamentally influence antipredator responses of prey animals. To maximize lifetime fitness, must be able to optimize energy gain and minimize risk, current levels influenced by background risk. A ‘risk allocation’ model has recently been proposed predict the intensity that should occur as varies over time. Prey animals from high‐risk environments respond predators with relatively low intensities behaviour because long periods result...
Abstract For species with declining populations, captive rearing subsequent release into natural habitats (“head‐starting”) is often used as part of a conservation strategy. One challenge to head‐starting programs that head‐started individuals can suffer high rates postrelease predation. Head‐starting are currently being established for hellbenders ( Cryptobrancus alleganeinsis ), large aquatic salamanders experiencing population declines throughout much the species' range. Although have...
Many vertebrates recognize potential predators using only chemical cues (Weldon, 1990). Chemical detection of is particularly important at night, in dark or murky habitats, areas with dense vegetation, cryptic ambush predators, all conditions that are common aquatic environments (Dodson et al., 1994). recognition some may be innate (e.g., Elliot 1993). Natural selection also favor the ability to learn associate unfamiliar danger Maloney and McLean, 1995; Chivers 1996). Previous attempts...
Many aquatic amphibians live in habitats with low visibility. In such habitats, chemical cues may be more reliable than visual for predator recognition. Adult perrenibranchiate graybelly salamanders, Eurycea multiplicata griseogaster, occupy clear-water streams levels of sedimentation and relatively few obstructions. a previous laboratory experiment, salamanders distinguished between stimuli from predatory fish (banded sculpins, Cottus carolinae) nonpredatory tadpoles (Rana sphenocephala)....