The Influence of the Circadian Rhythm of Green Frog (<i>Rana clamitans</i>) Tadpoles on Their Antipredator Behavior and the Strength of the Nonlethal Effects of Predators

Abstract

Prey trade off predation risk and foraging gain in their activity level. Their response to this trade-off mediates direct and indirect interactions between predators and the community (i.e., nonlethal effects). A prey's activity level may also vary independently because of circadian rhythms. I tested how the antipredator behavior of green frog (Rana clamitans) tadpoles can be influenced by their circadian rhythm (primarily nocturnal feeding) and how the strengths of nonlethal effects vary in turn. Tadpoles exhibited stronger activity reductions when under predation risk during the day (which may result in stronger resource depression). However, when predation risk was high and persistent, tadpoles remained inactive during both day and night. Consequently, the nonlethal effect on tadpoles (growth rate reduction) was more negative at night. Predicting prey behavior and its effects requires identifying how their perceived risk interacts with and is limited by all factors that can influence their response.