Global Warming Makes Fish Angry - Literally
By Matt J. Weiss, December 3, 2009 @ 02:41 PM (EST)
I read about a new study that explains how climate change is effecting the personalities of fish. This grabbed my attention for two reason -- I like the idea of fish having personalities and I really like the idea that climate change is making certain fish species angry. Even the fish are fed up!
The experiment focused on two species of damselfish from the Great Barrier Reef. Apparently certain species are either timid or bold and these "dispositions" can become exaggerated by increased water temperature.
Apparently, a slight increase of just one or two degrees can make certain species up to 30 times more aggressive.
The study is important because it gives a clear example of how the behavior of animals can be effected by rising ocean temperatures. A change in a fishes boldness can affect things like food acquisition, how it interacts with predators and more.
The authors suggested that other cold-blooded animals such as reptiles and amphibians should undergo similar studies.
You can read an article about the study here
The experiment focused on two species of damselfish from the Great Barrier Reef. Apparently certain species are either timid or bold and these "dispositions" can become exaggerated by increased water temperature.
Apparently, a slight increase of just one or two degrees can make certain species up to 30 times more aggressive.
The study is important because it gives a clear example of how the behavior of animals can be effected by rising ocean temperatures. A change in a fishes boldness can affect things like food acquisition, how it interacts with predators and more.
The authors suggested that other cold-blooded animals such as reptiles and amphibians should undergo similar studies.
You can read an article about the study here
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