The pros and cons of conspecifics; How predator exposure impacts anti-predator behavior in platyfish between the sexes

The pros and cons of conspecifics; How predator exposure impacts anti-predator behavior in platyfish between the sexes

Presenter(s)

Lauren Roy, Emma Nash, Elizabeth Rhodes, Grace Jackson

Comments

Presentation: 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Kennedy Union Ballroom

Description

Antipredator behavior often fits into three categories: escape, aggression, and freezing. There are multiple studies which point to differences in these responses between males and females. Rainbow Platys are an excellent model organism for this study, as they are sexually dimorphic and very active, allowing us to clearly see behavioral differences. We studied antipredator behavior of males alone, females alone, and both together when temporarily exposed to a predator threat. We recorded behavior both before and after a simulated predator threat. It is important to understand how individual and conspecific interactions affect a fish's ability to successfully evade predators, and to examine the differences and similarities between male and female behavior in anti-predator maneuvers. Sex differences in antipredator behavior is extremely important because males and females act in different ways when introduced to a predator. We found that, after predator exposure, female Platys spend significantly more time frozen than compared to males. We also found that, after a predator stimulus, males spend more time freezing when alone compared to when they are with a female.

Publication Date

4-19-2023

Project Designation

Course Project 202310 BIO 330L M1

Primary Advisor

Jennifer Hellmann

Primary Advisor's Department

Biology

Keywords

Stander Symposium, College of Arts and Sciences

Institutional Learning Goals

Critical Evaluation of Our Times

The pros and cons of conspecifics; How predator exposure impacts anti-predator behavior in platyfish between the sexes

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