Similar content being viewed by othersīiomedical scientists studying post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and ecologists, have independently developed an interest in the impacts of predator-induced fear in the last two decades 1, 2. We suggest our findings support both the proposition that PTSD is not unnatural, and that long-lasting effects of predator-induced fear, with likely effects on fecundity and survival, are the norm in nature. Our results demonstrate enduring effects on the brain and behaviour, meeting the criteria to be considered an animal model of PTSD – in a wild animal, which are of a nature and degree which can be anticipated could affect fecundity and survival in free-living wildlife. Exposure to a natural cue of predator danger (predator vocalizations), had enduring effects of at least 7 days duration involving both, a heightened sensitivity to predator danger (indicative of an enduring memory of fear), and elevated neuronal activation in both the amygdala and hippocampus – in wild birds (black-capped chickadees, Poecile atricapillus), exposed to natural environmental and social experiences in the 7 days following predator exposure. We endeavoured to provide this empirical linkage by conducting experiments drawing upon the strengths of both disciplines. There has been a growing discourse between these disciplines but no direct empirical linkage. Ask, “What would happen if a predator fed on only one kind of prey?” (Predator population numbers would closely follow prey population levels).Predator-induced fear is both, one of the most common stressors employed in animal model studies of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a major focus of research in ecology. Review the concept of a food web with students.The ecosystem would be unable to support the larger population, so some of the the prey individuals would begin to die, or they would evolve to exploit new resources in the same location or a different one). However, as the population expanded, the prey eventually would exhaust available sources of food and shelter.
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