Integrative approaches in amphibian ecology: Implications for behavioral and invasive species research
Soto, Katharina Michelle
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/122174
Description
Title
Integrative approaches in amphibian ecology: Implications for behavioral and invasive species research
Author(s)
Soto, Katharina Michelle
Issue Date
2023-12-06
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Amphibians play a crucial role in ecosystem health, but human-induced factors, including habitat degradation, climate change, and the introduction of invasive species, have led to significant declines in amphibian populations. To address these complex challenges in the Anthropocene era, an integrative approach to amphibian ecology is necessary. While genetic, physiological, and ecological research are foundational, amphibian behavior also plays a pivotal role in their survival and population dynamics. In my thesis, I demonstrate the importance of adopting an integrated methodology in amphibian behavior research through two separate studies. The first study investigated the presence of individual behavioral variation in captive-bred poison frogs (Dendrobates tinctorius) across various experimental, temporal, and environmental contexts. I found widespread repeatability of activity and exploratory behaviors, as well as strong correlations between them. Additionally, my findings revealed the context-dependent nature of repeatability in measures of boldness. These results emphasize the importance of using iterative and multi-context approaches when assessing behavior. The second study examined how both behavior and physiology contribute to the invasive success of Eleutherodactylus coquí. In the field, I noted density-dependent behavioral variations influenced by elevational gradients. I also observed plastic responses after introducing frogs to a novel environment, with all frogs reducing activity, exploration, and boldness in the lab as compared to the field. Lastly, I found correlations within and between activity, exploration, and physiology (resting metabolic rate). These results emphasize the need to consider behavior, alongside abiotic and biotic influences, to understand the expansion and persistence of invasive species. Taken together, my work underscores the importance of a multifaceted, integrative approach that considers behavior, physiology, genetics, and the environment to comprehensively understand amphibian ecology in a changing world.
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