Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory

25 Apr, 12 PM - 30 Jun, 01 AM

The current studies involve investigations of learning and memory in a free-living animal, Belding?s ground squirrels. In particular, these studies will focus on the role of glucocorticoids in enhancing or impairing the development of anti-predator behaviors, and whether variation in glucocorticoids early in development has long-term effects on adult behaviors. The development of species-typical behaviors, especially those critical to survival, has been a relatively unexplored area of learning and memory, and this research will provide a rare example of how adrenal functioning affects cognition in freely behaving, outbred animals. A second line of research focuses on mechanisms of kin recognition in this highly nepotistic species. Most work will be done at a field site located within the Lower Horse Corral, Rock Creek Canyon. At Lower Horse Corral, where I have been observing animals since 1992, I will trap and mark animals, and immediately release them. Other observations will be conducted at Mammoth Lakes Ranger Station, Mono County Park, Lundy Campground and Lee Vining Campground, among other possible sites. Animals will also be observed at SNARL, housed temporarily in the animal facility and the outdoor enclosures. In general, methods include non-invasive collection of dna and hormone samples, playbacks of auditory stimuli and video recordings of subsequent behaviors, and, likely this year, measurement of acute responses to stress during learning and memory tasks.

Visit #4965 @Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory

Approved

Under Project # 997 | Research

University of Chicago - Institute for Mind and Biology

faculty - University of Chicago

Reservation Members(s)

Group of 2 Graduate Student Apr 25 - Jun 30, 2005 (67 days)
Jill Mateo Apr 25 - Jun 30, 2005 (67 days)
Group of 2 Undergraduate Student Apr 25 - Jun 30, 2005 (67 days)

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Q8 5 Apr 25 - Jun 30, 2005