scholarly journals Understanding behavioural responses to human‐induced rapid environmental change: a meta‐analysis

Oikos ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel L. Gunn ◽  
Ian R. Hartley ◽  
Adam C. Algar ◽  
Petri T. Niemelä ◽  
Sally A. Keith
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Change ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Behavioural Responses ◽  
Rapid Environmental Change

scholarly journals Sparse evidence for selection on phenotypic plasticity in response to temperature

2019 ◽  
Vol 374 (1768) ◽  
pp. 20180185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pieter A. Arnold ◽  
Adrienne B. Nicotra ◽  
Loeske E. B. Kruuk
Keyword(s):  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Environmental Change ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Mixed Model Approach ◽  
Thermal Plasticity ◽  
Response To Temperature ◽  
Rapid Environmental Change

Phenotypic plasticity is frequently assumed to be an adaptive mechanism by which organisms cope with rapid changes in their environment, such as shifts in temperature regimes owing to climate change. However, despite this adaptive assumption, the nature of selection on plasticity within populations is still poorly documented. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of estimates of selection on thermal plasticity. Although there is a large literature on thermal plasticity, we found very few studies that estimated coefficients of selection on measures of plasticity. Those that did do not provide strong support for selection on plasticity, with the majority of estimates of directional selection on plasticity being weak and non-significant, and no evidence for selection on plasticity overall. Although further estimates are clearly needed before general conclusions can be drawn, at present there is not clear empirical support for any assumption that plasticity in response to temperature is under selection. We present a multivariate mixed model approach for robust estimation of selection on plasticity and demonstrate how it can be implemented. Finally, we highlight the need to consider the environments, traits and conditions under which plasticity is (or is not) likely to be under selection, if we are to understand phenotypic responses to rapid environmental change. This article is part of the theme issue ‘The role of plasticity in phenotypic adaptation to rapid environmental change’.

scholarly journals Responses of nitrogen concentrations and pools to multiple environmental change drivers: A meta‐analysis across terrestrial ecosystems

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 690-724 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Yue ◽  
Yan Peng ◽  
Dario A. Fornara ◽  
Koenraad Van Meerbeek ◽  
Lars Vesterdal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Change ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Nitrogen Concentrations

scholarly journals Predicting behavioural responses to novel organisms: state-dependent detection theory

2017 ◽  
Vol 284 (1847) ◽  
pp. 20162108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pete C. Trimmer ◽  
Sean M. Ehlman ◽  
Andrew Sih
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Change ◽  
Signal Detection Theory ◽  
Novel Species ◽  
Detection Theory ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Behavioural Responses ◽  
State Dependent ◽  
Optimal Thresholds ◽  
Adaptive Thresholds

Human activity alters natural habitats for many species. Understanding variation in animals' behavioural responses to these changing environments is critical. We show how signal detection theory can be used within a wider framework of state-dependent modelling to predict behavioural responses to a major environmental change: novel, exotic species. We allow thresholds for action to be a function of reserves, and demonstrate how optimal thresholds can be calculated. We term this framework ‘state-dependent detection theory’ (SDDT). We focus on behavioural and fitness outcomes when animals continue to use formerly adaptive thresholds following environmental change. In a simple example, we show that exposure to novel animals which appear dangerous—but are actually safe—(e.g. ecotourists) can have catastrophic consequences for ‘prey’ (organisms that respond as if the new organisms are predators), significantly increasing mortality even when the novel species is not predatory. SDDT also reveals that the effect on reproduction can be greater than the effect on lifespan. We investigate factors that influence the effect of novel organisms, and address the potential for behavioural adjustments (via evolution or learning) to recover otherwise reduced fitness. Although effects of environmental change are often difficult to predict, we suggest that SDDT provides a useful route ahead.

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