A conceptual framework for understanding behavioral responses to HIREC

Although animals vary substantially in their behavioral responses to human-induced rapid environmental change (HIREC), we are only beginning to develop theory to explain this variation. Signal detection theory predicts variation in responses to novel dangerous organisms (exotic predators or toxic prey) or exotic organisms that are safe but might appear dangerous (e.g. ecotourists). Models of dispersal and habitat use explain variation in ability to cope with habitat change (loss, fragmentation). Many models assume that organisms use one main cue axis to evaluate options. New models are needed to account for the use of multiple cues. A general framework that treats genes as cues that set a ‘prior’ that can be updated by experiences predicts genetic versus plastic responses to HIREC.