Uncovering Effects Of Noise Pollution on Learning Performance and Reproductive Success Using an Operant Conditioning Device in Wild Songbirds
Open Access
- Author:
- Isgate, Sara
- Graduate Program:
- Wildlife and Fisheries Science
- Degree:
- Master of Science
- Document Type:
- Master Thesis
- Date of Defense:
- June 17, 2024
- Committee Members:
- Jason C Keagy, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
Julian D Avery, Committee Member
Patrick Drohan, Professor in Charge/Director of Graduate Studies
Sonia Angele Cavigelli, Committee Member - Keywords:
- cognition
wildlife
songbirds
bluebirds
operant conditioning
behavioral ecology
noise pollution
fitness
reproductive success
problem solving - Abstract:
- Cognition could have several fitness advantages, one of which may be dealing effectively with novel situations. However, if those novel situations cause stress, cognitive performance may itself be negatively impacted. This study uses a novel, low-cost operant conditioning device to observe problem solving performance in three species of secondary cavity nesting birds: Eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis), tree swallows (Tachicyneta bicolor), and house sparrows (Passer domesticus). With bluebirds, cognitive testing was used to understand how the presence of gas compressor noise may affect their cognitive performance and reproductive success. Tree swallows and house sparrows were also tested to explore differences in behavior and problem solving performance between species. Fifty-four nest boxes were checked daily for eggs and nestlings. Testing then occurred during peak nestling provisioning. Mated pairs were presented with the operant device, featuring an active and inactive lever, on the front of their nest box. Subjects were required to perch on the correct (active) lever in the presence or absence of noise to gain access to nestlings. All behaviors were recorded with video cameras. An ethogram of prominent behaviors was then constructed and BORIS software was used to quantify measures of neophobia, activity, persistence, and problem solving performance. There was no significant effect of the acute noise treatment on cognitive performance or reproductive success. However, there were effects of noise on personality measures, as well as behavioral differences associated with problem solving performance. The use of open-source mechanical technology is therefore a valuable option to assess the potential for species to innovate in the face of anthropogenic change.