Behavioral responses to changing environments

• Published in: Behavioral ecology Vol. 26; no. 3; pp. 665 - 673
• Main Authors: Wong, B. B. M., Candolin, U.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.05.2015
• Subjects: anthropogenic activities; ecological function; humans; plasticity
• ISSN: 1045-2249; 1465-7279
• DOI: 10.1093/beheco/aru183

Lay Summary Humans are having a devastating impact on the natural world. For many animals, changes in behaviour can often help to explain whether a species is able to survive - or even thrive - in changing environments, while others languish. This paper discusses the role of animal behaviour in response to human-induced environmental change and how behavioural adjustments (or, in some cases, lack thereof) can affect populations, ecosystems and the evolutionary process.Humans have brought about unprecedented changes to environments worldwide. For many species, behavioral adjustments represent the first response to altered conditions. In this review, we consider the pivotal role that behavior plays in determining the fate of species under human-induced environmental change and highlight key research priorities. In particular, we discuss the importance of behavioral plasticity and whether adaptive plastic responses are sufficient in keeping pace with changing conditions. We then examine the interplay between individual behavioral responses and population processes and consider the many ways in which changes in behavior can affect ecosystem function and stability. Lastly, we turn to the evolutionary consequences of anthropogenic change and consider the impact of altered behaviors on the evolutionary process and whether behavior can facilitate or hinder adaptation to environmental change.