Predicting behavioural responses to novel organisms: state-dependent detection theory.
Pete C Trimmer1, Sean M Ehlman2,3, Andrew Sih2
1Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California-Davis, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA pete.trimmer@gmail.com.
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|January 20, 2017
Summary
Animals can suffer increased mortality and reduced reproduction when encountering novel species, even harmless ones. State-dependent detection theory (SDDT) models these behavioral responses to environmental changes.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Behavioral Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Human activities significantly alter natural habitats, impacting species' behavioral responses.
- Understanding how animals react to environmental changes, particularly novel species, is crucial for conservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and apply state-dependent detection theory (SDDT) for predicting animal behavioral responses to novel species.
- To analyze behavioral and fitness consequences when animals maintain pre-existing response thresholds in altered environments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized signal detection theory within a state-dependent modeling framework.
- Developed and applied the state-dependent detection theory (SDDT) to model responses to novel species.
- Calculated optimal thresholds for action as a function of an organism's reserves.
Main Results:
- Exposure to novel, seemingly dangerous but safe species can drastically increase prey mortality.
- Reproductive effects can be more severe than lifespan effects when encountering novel species.
- SDDT quantifies impacts and explores potential fitness recovery through behavioral adjustments.
Conclusions:
- SDDT offers a robust framework for predicting behavioral and fitness outcomes in response to environmental change.
- The theory highlights significant, often underestimated, consequences of novel species interactions.
- Behavioral plasticity (learning or evolution) may mitigate negative impacts on fitness.
