Effects of Anthropogenic Noise on Exploratory Behavior in Crickets

Kelly McKay
Dr. Daniela Ostrowski and Dr. Michael Kuczynski, Faculty Mentors

In recent years, there has been growing concern over the potential negative impacts of anthropogenic noise on numerous species. Previous research has shown that elevated levels of noise pollution can interfere with a variety of important animal behaviors, including habitat selection, predator avoidance, and mate choice. Much of this previous research has focused on vertebrate species including frogs and birds, while comparatively little has been done with invertebrates. In this study, we examined how exposure to anthropogenic noise throughout development influenced the behavior of house crickets, Acheta domesticus. We raised crickets in one of two laboratory environments, one with exposure to 12-hour traffic noise and one with an absence of additional noise. As adults, we assessed exploratory and antipredator behavior by examining the latency to emerge from hiding and explore a novel environment. Crickets raised in noise showed significantly less exploratory behavior compared to those raised in silence.

 

Keywords: Anthropogenic, Noise , Crickets, Behavior

Topic(s):Biology

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA