Tag: Lisa Munger

Effect of Anthropogenic Noise on Eugene Duck Behaviors and Calls

Presenter(s): Piet Fretz — Philosophy

Co-Presenter(s): Lawren Paris, Kyle Hoekstra

Faculty Mentor(s): Lisa Munger

Session: (In-Person) Poster Presentation

This study investigated how duck species living in urban spaces have adapted their calls to account for human noise disturbances. By recording a cohort of ducks in local urban green spaces such as Alton Baker Park and the Willamette Waterfront in Eugene, Oregon, and contrasting that to recordings taken of a second cohort living in exurban natural habitats like Fern Ridge Lake, we isolated how these animals change their calls to account for anthropogenic sound masking. Using Cornell Labs Ravenlite software, we isolated the frequency, amplitude, and duration of duck calls. These field data were compared to existing published urban bioacoustic data to help develop a pattern of behavioral differences between these two cohorts of ducks. Results indicated that ducks of the same species altered their calls between the two locations. Additional research is needed to continue to develop the body of work relating to the effect human noise patterns have on existing wildlife.

Reduced success of S. purpuratus fertilization under low pH conditions

Presenter(s): Clara Rehmann

Co Presenter(s): Joe Dahlke

Faculty Mentor(s): Lisa Munger & Caitlin Plowman

Poster 59

Session: Sciences

The oceans serve as an important carbon sink, but rising amounts of dissolved carbon are reducing their pH. Projections anticipate a decrease in mean surface pH from 8.07 to 7.67 by 2100, and some regions are already experiencing pH fluctuations with lows below 7.15 units. Studies have demonstrated Strongylocentrotus purpuratus urchins to be evolving in response to acidifying conditions, but successful spawning amongst this species may be inhibited by more acidic seawater. To determine the effect of reduced pH on fertilization success, we simulated spawning by mixing collected gametes in seawater solutions of decreasing pH and assessed eggs for fertilization using a compound microscope. We found that mean percent fertilization decreased significantly from pH 8.06 (M=98%, SD=1.81) to pH 7.00 (M=84%, SD=12.33) seawater; t(8)=-2.52, p=.026. Natural pH fluctuations combined with ocean acidification could bring pH levels below 7.00 in the near future, possibly inhibiting the success of S. purpuratus reproduction. The resultant decline in urchin populations would have negative consequences for the Pacific kelp forests in which this species lives and could disrupt these fragile ecosystems.