Interspecific differences in the effects of masking and distraction on anti-predator behavior in suburban anthropogenic noise.

ABSTRACT: Predation is a common threat to animal survival. The detection of predators or anti-predator communication signals can be disrupted by anthropogenic noise; however, the mechanism by which responses are affected is unclear. Masking and distraction are the two hypotheses that have emerged as likely explanations for changes in behavior in noise. Masking occurs when the signal and noise fall within the same sensory domain; noise overlapping the energy in the signal reduces signal detection. Distraction can occur when noise in any sensory domain contributes to a greater cognitive load, thereby reducing signal detection. Here, we used a repeated measures field experiment to determine the relative contributions of masking and distraction in mediating reduced anti-predator responses in noise. We r

SUBMITTER: Chou TL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10437853 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature