Plasticity in a changing world behavioural responses to human perturbations

Joan van Baaren (1) , Ulrika Candolin (2)

1 ECOBIO - Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution [Rennes]
2 Helsingin yliopisto = Helsingfors universitet = University of Helsinki

Most insect species are affected by Human Induced Rapid Environmental Changes (HIREC). Multiple responses to HIREC are observed in insects, such as modifications of their morphology, physiology, behavioural strategies or phenology. Most of the responses involve phenotypic plasticity rather than genetic evolution. Here, we review the involvement of behavioural plasticity in foraging, reproduction, habitat choice and dispersal; and how behavioural plasticity modifies social behaviour and inter-specific interactions. Although important, behavioural plasticity is rarely sufficient to cope with HIREC. An increasing number of studies find species to respond maladaptively or insufficiently to various anthropogenic disturbances, and less often is large degree of plasticity linked to success.

Domains: Environmental Sciences; Biodiversity and Ecology

Joan van Baaren, Ulrika Candolin. Plasticity in a changing world behavioural responses to human perturbations. Current Opinion in Insect Science, 2018, 27, pp.21-25. ⟨10.1016/j.cois.2018.02.003⟩. ⟨hal-01739503⟩