Individual Behavioral Variation in a Highly-Mobile Marine Predator: Plasticity, Experience, and Fitness Outcomes

Abstract

In this dissertation, I examine variation in the foraging and breeding behavior of a marine predator. I describe patterns underlying this variation, measure fitness consequences of alternative behavioral strategies, and highlight the role of previous experience as a driver of behavioral decisions. First, I conduct the first test of correlated behavioral plasticities in a wild population and show that expressions of plasticity are coupled; not only does behavioral plasticity vary across a population, but the level of behavioral plasticity expressed by an individual is correlated across distinct behaviors. Second, I find that the fitness consequences of coordinated reproductive plasticity are mediated by environmental conditions. While plasticity improves reproductive success in the context of highly productive ocean conditions, it does not buffer against the negative reproductive impacts of highly unproductive conditions. Third, I use metrics of foraging success derived from high-resolution biologging data to reveal that previous success impacts broad-scale movement decisions and fine-scale foraging activity allocation. I highlight this state-behavior feedback as a mechanism that can produce and maintain interindividual behavioral variation. Together, this dissertation advances our understanding of behavioral variation by drawing connections across movement, foraging, and cognitive ecology.