Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory

30 Apr, 07 AM - 31 Aug, 05 AM

Evolutionary biologists are beginning to understand the adaptive value of sociality. However, the proximate mechanisms of social evolution are less clear. Fitness benefits may arise through changes in behavior, physiology or both. Recent research suggests that neuroendocrine system variation corresponds to social system variation. Thus, it is likely that the neuroendocrine system was a target of natural selection during social system evolution. In this study, I will evaluate how the stress response, one component of the neuroendocrine system, and its relationship to immune function impact behavior and fitness in Belding?s ground squirrels. I will also evaluate how social relationships may change physiology and how physiological changes, in turn, mediate fitness. Building upon results from three field seasons studying U. beldingi in Rock Creek Canyon, I will conduct captive experiments at SNARL to test how living with kin or non-kin affects physiology and behavior, how glucocorticoids affect vigilance behavior and how group living mediates predation risk. Taken together, the results from these experiments will lead to a deeper understanding of how group living evolved in kin based societies and the relative importance of kin effects versus group effects. I will trap squirrels from Mono County and bring them to the outdoor enclosures at SNARL. For one experiment, I will place squirrels in either kin or non-kin groups. I will measure their behavior and collect blood and fecal samples for one week. For the second experiment, I will place squirrels in the enclosures and raise their glucocorticoid levels non-invasively for 2 weeks. I will record behavior and collect blood and fecal samples for one week.

Visit #28433 @Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory

Approved

Under Project # 25221 | Research

Proximate and ultimate benefits of group living in Belding?s ground squirrels

graduate_student - University of Chicago

Reservation Members(s)

Katherine Brooks Apr 30 - Aug 31, 2012 (124 days)
Katherine Brooks Apr 30 - Aug 31, 2012 (124 days)

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