Variation in personality traits across a metal pollution gradient in a free-living songbird

The Science of the Total Environment
Andrea S GrunstM Eens

Abstract

Anthropogenic contaminants could alter traits central to animal behavioral types, or personalities, including aggressiveness, boldness and activity level. Lead and other toxic metals are persistent inorganic pollutants that affect organisms worldwide. Metal exposure can alter behavior by affecting neurology, endocrinology, and health. However, the direction and magnitude of the behavioral effects of metal exposure remain equivocal. Moreover, the degree to which metal exposure simultaneously affects suites of correlated behavioral traits (behavioral syndromes) that are controlled by common mechanisms remains unclear, with most studies focusing on single behaviors. Using a model species for personality variation, the great tit (Parus major), we explored differences in multiple behavioral traits across a pollution gradient where levels of metals, especially lead and cadmium, are elevated close to a smelter. We employed the novel environment exploration test, a proxy for variation in personality type, and also measured territorial aggressiveness and nest defense behavior. At polluted sites birds of both sexes displayed slower exploration behavior, which could reflect impaired neurological or physiological function. Territorial aggr...Continue Reading

Citations

Nov 18, 2018·The Science of the Total Environment·Stephanie C McClellandJordan Karubian
Oct 30, 2020·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Luca CanovaFederica Maraschi
May 26, 2021·The Science of the Total Environment·Melissa L GrunstMarcel Eens
Aug 3, 2019·Environmental Science & Technology·Andrea S GrunstMarcel Eens
Jul 3, 2021·Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society·David N FisherEric W Wice

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