Document Type

Honors Thesis

Major

Marine Science

Advisor(s)

Heather Hamlin

Committee Members

Gail Schwieterman, Scarlett Tudor

Graduation Year

May 2024

Publication Date

Spring 5-2024

Abstract

In aquatic ecosystems, nitrate pollution due to anthropogenic activities has led to an increase in nitrate in water runoff and water resources. Nitrate is an essential component in the environment, especially for plant nutrients, but excess amounts can create water quality problems which can lead to serious consequences in humans and aquatic organisms. The effect of nitrate on organismal behavior is not well studied. The objective of this study was to examine how 96-h exposure to nitrate treatments (0, 10, 100ppm) modified female Betta splendens behavior, particularly mate preference for male color (e.g., red vs. blue males) and anxiety-like behavior. We used a dichotomous preference test to measure mate choiceand a scototaxis test to measure anxiety-like behaviors. There was no significant difference in the amount of time females spent associating with the red and blue males in any given treatment group. Females exposed to 10ppm spent significantly more time in the dark section of the scototaxis tank, suggesting an increase in anxiety. There was no effect of scototaxis on the strength of preference for red males. Future research should incorporate larger sample sizes to provide more precise results.

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