2 October
Martin Schlaepfer
State University of New York—ESF
The evolutionary and behavioral responses of native tadpoles to introduced predators
Abstract
Although ecosystems are naturally dynamic, the rate at which humans are altering the world's abiotic and biotic conditions is unprecedented in recent history. Introduced species are an important type of human-induced disturbance and they have become a characteristic of most modern landscapes. Introductions of exotic species can drastically alter the selective environment for native species, particularly for potential prey species whose behavioral repertoire and life-history traits may not be adapted to cope with a novel predator. Despite its importance to conservation, little is known about how different species respond to such sudden changes in their environment. Tadpoles can generally increase their probability of survival in the presence of known predators by reducing their foraging activities or modifying their tail shape. It is unknown, however, to what extent tadpoles can induce adaptive defenses in response to evolutionarily unfamiliar predators. Lowland leopard frogs (Rana yavapaiensis) are native to Arizona and are currently declining due to various introduced predators, including green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus). I will present results in which my students and I have tested whether lowland leopard frog tadpoles can learn to recognize green sunfish as predators, whether tadpoles alter their tail morphology in the presence of these predators, and whether tadpole fitness is increased due to either form of phenotypic plasticity.
Bio
Californian by birth, but Swiss by hematology and upbringing. Bachelor degree in Biology from McGill University (Montreal, PQ) and PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell (Ithaca, NY; 2002). Currently Assistant Professor in Vertebrate Ecology at State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF). In general I am interested in how organisms adapt to changes in their selective regimes, such as those caused by anthropogenic activities. In particular, my students and I have been working for the last few years on the behavioral and morphological responses of native tadpoles to both native and introduced predators in Arizona.
Aquatic & Fishery Sciences Home
The University of Washington is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation, contact the Disability Services Office at least 10 days in advance at 206-543-6450/V, 206-543-6452/TTY, 206-685-7264 (FAX); dso@u.washington.edu.
webmaster@fish.washington.edu
Updated