PHOTOPOLLUTION EFFECTS ON URBAN WILDLIFE CIRCADIAN RHYTHM
Location
SU-215
Department
Biology
Abstract
Organismal behavior is synchronized by the light-dark cycles produced by the earth's rotation around its axis. Mammalian circadian systems have evolved to coordinate this synchronization and ensure organisms are properly utilizing temporal niches. These systems collect environmental light information through the eye and use them to synchronize the molecular clocks of the Suprachiasmatic Nuclei (SCN) in the hypothalamus. The SCN acts as the central clock synchronizing oscillations of the remaining clocks in the body. An organism's circadian rhythm is an emergent property of the combined outputs from these clocks creating a unique circadian oscillation for each individual organism. Until recently, wildlife could rely on predictable light cues from the sun, but human population growth, industrialization, and urbanization have increased the use of artificial light (photopollution). Photopollution alters environmental light signals and impacts the mammalian circadian system. In this study, we combined NASA’s Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer light pollution data across twenty-three cities with camera trap data from the Urban Wildlife Information Network. Using these data, we were able to compare photopollution levels to individual species activity patterns. We used the R statistical package to compare animal activity estimates, activity distribution, and the average time of maximum activity across nineteen species to understand the impact of photopollution on species activity patterns. These data illustrate the impact of photopollution on multiple species across diverse urban ecosystems. Understanding the ecological impact of light pollution on urban ecosystems is critical if we hope to preserve biodiversity in the face of urbanization.
Faculty Sponsor
Aaron Schirmer
Faculty Sponsor
Ting Liu
Faculty Sponsor
Caleb Gallemore
Faculty Sponsor
Seth Magle
PHOTOPOLLUTION EFFECTS ON URBAN WILDLIFE CIRCADIAN RHYTHM
SU-215
Organismal behavior is synchronized by the light-dark cycles produced by the earth's rotation around its axis. Mammalian circadian systems have evolved to coordinate this synchronization and ensure organisms are properly utilizing temporal niches. These systems collect environmental light information through the eye and use them to synchronize the molecular clocks of the Suprachiasmatic Nuclei (SCN) in the hypothalamus. The SCN acts as the central clock synchronizing oscillations of the remaining clocks in the body. An organism's circadian rhythm is an emergent property of the combined outputs from these clocks creating a unique circadian oscillation for each individual organism. Until recently, wildlife could rely on predictable light cues from the sun, but human population growth, industrialization, and urbanization have increased the use of artificial light (photopollution). Photopollution alters environmental light signals and impacts the mammalian circadian system. In this study, we combined NASA’s Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer light pollution data across twenty-three cities with camera trap data from the Urban Wildlife Information Network. Using these data, we were able to compare photopollution levels to individual species activity patterns. We used the R statistical package to compare animal activity estimates, activity distribution, and the average time of maximum activity across nineteen species to understand the impact of photopollution on species activity patterns. These data illustrate the impact of photopollution on multiple species across diverse urban ecosystems. Understanding the ecological impact of light pollution on urban ecosystems is critical if we hope to preserve biodiversity in the face of urbanization.