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Behavioural consequences of sensory plasticity in guppies
Ben B Chapman1, Lesley J Morrell, Colin R Tosh
1Institute of Integrative and Comparative Biology, University of Leeds, , Leeds LS2 9JT, UK. ben.chapman@limnol.lu.se
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|January 8, 2010
Summary
Guppies adapt to low light by enhancing their sense of smell and taste, a form of sensory plasticity. This adaptation aids foraging behavior, crucial for survival in changing environments.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Sensory plasticity allows individuals to compensate for sensory deprivation by improving other senses.
- The behavioral and ecological impacts of sensory plasticity remain largely unaddressed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental plasticity of sensory systems in guppies (vision and chemoreception).
- To determine the consequences of this plasticity on foraging behavior.
Main Methods:
- Guppies were reared under varying light conditions (low vs. high).
- Responses to isolated visual and chemical food cues were measured.
- Responses to combined cues were assessed.
Main Results:
- Guppies in low light showed enhanced responses to chemical cues but weaker responses to visual cues.
- No difference in response was observed when both cue types were presented together.
- This indicates a sensory switch from vision to olfaction/gustation in low-light conditions.
Conclusions:
- Guppy sensory systems exhibit developmental plasticity, allowing compensation for visually poor environments.
- This sensory switch to chemoreception is vital for foraging and survival.
- Phenotypic plasticity may act as a buffer against environmental changes affecting sensory input.
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