Paul Preston's Lecture

Question 1

Why do animals have trouble living in cities?

Answer 1

Due to lack of natural food, unfamiliar habitats, noise and light pollution, increased competition, and difficulty finding mates

Question 2

What traits help animals survive in cities?

Answer 2

Traits like problem-solving, scavenging and defense to chemicals/bacteria

Question 3

How do genetics help animals survive in cities?

Answer 3

• Gives animals traits that naturally suit urban life
• Ex: pigeons are used to rocky cliffs, so they can easily live on buildings

Question 4

How does plasticity help animals in cities?

Answer 4

• Lets animals adjust their behaviour to new situations
• Ex: songbirds sing at higher pitches in noisy traffic to be heard

Question 5

Sensitization

Answer 5

A stronger response to a repeated stimulus over time

Question 6

Habituation

Answer 6

A weaker response to a repeated, harmless stimulus over time

Question 7

H0

Answer 7

No relationship between habituation and urban living

Question 8

H1

Answer 8

Urban birds habituate to human activity more than rural birds

Question 9

H2

Answer 9

Urban birds habituate to human activity less than rural birds

Question 10

Flight initiation distance

Answer 10

how close you can get to a bird before it flies away

Question 11

Long flight initiation distance

Answer 11

• Animal flees when you’re still far away
• low tolerance for human activity

Question 12

Short flight initiation distance

Answer 12

• Animal lets you get closer before fleeing
• shows higher tolerance for human activity