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Impact of an atrazine-based herbicide on an agrobiont wolf spider

Abstract Details

2017, Master of Science, Miami University, Biology.
For animals that live in association with humans, a key ecological question is how anthropogenic factors influence their behavior and life history. While major negative effects are obvious, subtle non-lethal responses to anthropogenic stimuli may provide insight into the features that lead to the success of species that thrive in habitats heavily impacted by humans. Here I explored the influence of the herbicide atrazine on the behavior and various life history traits exhibited by a wolf spider that is found in agroecosystems where this herbicide is commonly applied. In my first experiment, exposure to atrazine altered activity patterns of this spider. In my second experiment, exposure delayed maturation and increased the probability of spiders having a faulty molt. Atrazine also decreased the probability of producing an egg sac after mating, increased mass of egg sacs that were produced, and negatively impacted adult lifespans. These results suggest that the atrazine based herbicides that are routinely applied to agricultural fields result in altered behavior and life history traits of these spiders and may therefore influence the community of predators and their effects on the food web in complex ways.
Ann Rypstra, Dr. (Advisor)
Michelle Boone, Dr. (Committee Member)
Alan Cady, Dr. (Committee Member)
43 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Godfrey, J. A. (2017). Impact of an atrazine-based herbicide on an agrobiont wolf spider [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1505300839212697

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Godfrey, Jake. Impact of an atrazine-based herbicide on an agrobiont wolf spider. 2017. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1505300839212697.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Godfrey, Jake. "Impact of an atrazine-based herbicide on an agrobiont wolf spider." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1505300839212697

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)