Presentation Type
Poster
Keywords
behavioral ecology, invasive species, freshwater ecosystems, biodiversity, alarm cues, conservation
Department
Biology
Major
Biology
Abstract
Red Swamp Crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, have caused vast damage to the stream ecosystem of the Santa Monica Mountains, following their invasive introduction. Through their extensive eating habits, high levels of aggression, and responsiveness to environmental stimuli, P. clarkii have a tremendous impact on the success of native species in the Santa Monica Mountains. With exposure to chemical cues, crayfish are able to perceive threats and react accordingly. To determine the extent of such chemoreception, pairs of P. clarkii were tested in the laboratory for conspecific aggression in the presence of native newt, native frog, and conspecific alarm cues. The level of aggression was measured utilizing a scale of 0-6, from acts of non-aggression to highest aggression. The addition of a native frog cue resulted in aggression levels significantly lower than conspecific alarm and native newt cues. Through time point ten, the crayfish in the presence of the alarm cue exhibited a more sustained level of aggression than those in the other treatments.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Lee Kats
Funding Source or Research Program
Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Presentation Session
Session E
Start Date
23-4-2021 2:45 PM
End Date
23-4-2021 3:00 PM
Included in
Behavior and Ethology Commons, Biodiversity Commons, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons, Zoology Commons
Conspecific aggression of invasive crayfish, P. clarkii, in response to chemical cues
Red Swamp Crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, have caused vast damage to the stream ecosystem of the Santa Monica Mountains, following their invasive introduction. Through their extensive eating habits, high levels of aggression, and responsiveness to environmental stimuli, P. clarkii have a tremendous impact on the success of native species in the Santa Monica Mountains. With exposure to chemical cues, crayfish are able to perceive threats and react accordingly. To determine the extent of such chemoreception, pairs of P. clarkii were tested in the laboratory for conspecific aggression in the presence of native newt, native frog, and conspecific alarm cues. The level of aggression was measured utilizing a scale of 0-6, from acts of non-aggression to highest aggression. The addition of a native frog cue resulted in aggression levels significantly lower than conspecific alarm and native newt cues. Through time point ten, the crayfish in the presence of the alarm cue exhibited a more sustained level of aggression than those in the other treatments.