The effects of exposure to predators on personality and plasticity

Past experiences are known to affect average behavior but effects on animal personality and plasticity are less well studied. To determine whether experience with predators influences these aspects, we compared the behavior of Gryllodes sigillatus before and after exposure to live predators. We found that emergence from shelter and distance moved during open-field trials (activity) changed after exposure, with individuals becoming less likely to emerge from shelters but more active when deprived of shelter. We also found that behavioral plasticity in activity increased after exposure to predators. Our results demonstrate that experience with predators affects not only the average behavior of individuals but also how individuals differ from their own prior behavior.

Automated summary

The study on Gryllodes sigillatus before and after exposure to live predators revealed that experience with predators affects not only the average behavior of individuals but also how individuals differ from their own prior behavior. Behavioral plasticity in activity increased after exposure to predators, showing that past experiences play a role in shaping animal personality and plasticity.