Meeting Abstract
Animals make important ecological decisions regarding resource use based on a cost-benefit analysis of predation risk. Such decisions will result in tradeoffs between costs and benefits and ideally will maximize resource use while minimizing predation risks. To investigate ecological decision making under this cost-to-benefit context, we presented a crayfish with a choices of resource rich and poor habitats under different sensory conditions that would mimic a predation event. The simulated predatory event, resource distribution, and resource quality was randomized in the choice area of a y-maze. Because of recent interest in non-consumptive effects of predators on prey behavior, we also tested the impact of simulated predation events on multi-trophic level interactions mediated through crayfish shredding. We quantified potential alterations nutrient levels and primary producer biomass. Trials were seven days with a simulated predatory event placed in streams every 12 hours. The results show that crayfish will make decisions on habitat choice based on the presence of predators as well as the presence and type of resources. As a keystone species, the consequences of these choices and resource use as a result of predation events will alter carbon movement within aquatic habitats. The complexity of habitat and resource distribution as well as the types of predators are critical in the ecological decisions of crayfish and how these decisions impact the environment.
