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A genetic basis for ecologically relevant behavior in the invasive mourning gecko Lepidodactylus lugubris

Allemang, Ashley Jane
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1212173329

Abstract Details

2008, MS, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences : Biological Sciences.
Behavior may have an innate or learned basis, and distinguishing among these alternatives has important implications for ecological and evolutionary processes. I conducted two studies to distinguish the innate versus acquired components of ecologically relevant traits in invasive mourning geckos (Lepidodactylus lugubris). First, in a test of natal habitat preference induction(NHPI), captive bred geckos were reared in habitats identical in all respects except orientation, yet contrary to predictions, geckos showed a consistent, innate preference for vertically oriented habitats. Second, by rearing clones in controlled environments, I found a strong innate genetic basis for a suite of traits that have likely facilitated invasion success in one clone, but not the other. Some correlated personality traits were induced during development illustrating the importance of distinguishing innate and acquired behavior. In summary, innate behavior may be advantageous for invasive species if they are sufficiently generally and well suited to the novel environment.
Kenneth Petren, PhD (Committee Chair)
George Uetz, PhD (Committee Member)
Eric Maurer, PhD (Committee Member)
52 p.
Behaviorial Sciences; Biology; Ecology
Lepidodactylus lugubris; natal habitat preference induction (NHPI); behavior; invasive species

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Allemang, A. J. (2008). A genetic basis for ecologically relevant behavior in the invasive mourning gecko Lepidodactylus lugubris [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1212173329

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Allemang, Ashley. A genetic basis for ecologically relevant behavior in the invasive mourning gecko Lepidodactylus lugubris. 2008. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1212173329.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Allemang, Ashley. "A genetic basis for ecologically relevant behavior in the invasive mourning gecko Lepidodactylus lugubris." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1212173329

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1212173329
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© 2008, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.