Nicole Tseung
Pronouns: she/hers
Research Mentor(s): Alison Davis Rabosky, Assistant Professor and Curator
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Presentation Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Session: Session 3 (1pm-1:50pm)
Breakout Room: Room 18
Presenter: 1
Abstract
Animals perceive and react to different predation signs based on the severity of the threat; the age of the animal often affects the aggressive and defensive reactions towards the predation signals. My study tests how exposing Ninia (a nocturnal snake) of different age classes to varying stimuli could elicit different aggressive and defensive responses. Data was collected by capturing and filming snakes in the neotropics, and then those videos were analyzed for specific behaviors. I predict that if Ninia are exposed to aggressive stimuli, they will engage in defensive behavior, regardless of age. If Ninia are exposed to non-aggressive stimuli, they will engage in aggressive behaviors if they are an adult but will engage in defensive behaviors if they are younger. The potential influence of age in Ninia’s response to non-aggressive stimuli may indicate that the size of the snake (which correlates with age) is an important predictor for understanding behavioral reactions to threats. If age has no influence on Ninia’s response to aggressive stimuli and their responses are more defensive; this may mean that in a life-or-death situation, it is more advantageous to respond defensively in order to increase the chances of survival. Overall, this study provides the opportunity to shed light on general defensive behaviors of animals, and how age and perceived aggression levels of a predator influence their responses to threats.
Authors: Nicole Tseung
Research Method: Computer Programming
