Effects of Urban Noise on the Development and Behavior of Dryophytes arenicolor.

Noise pollution, a persistent consequence of human activity, disrupts sensory perception and has traditionally been studied for its impact on animal communication. Recent research has expanded its focus to investigate the effects of noise pollution on other traits, including stress and short-term behaviors. However, less is known about long-term consequences of chronic noise exposure, which may be common in urban and suburban environments. Amphibians, many of which undergo metamorphosis from an aquatic to terrestrial lifestyle, present a unique opportunity to study the developmental impacts of noise pollution. In this study, we exposed tadpoles of Dryophytes arenicolor to urban noise for 6 h a day until metamorphosis. We observed growth and behavior throughout the tadpole and juvenile (recently metamorphosed) stages. Our findings reveal that animals exposed to urban noise exhibited normal growth but delayed metamorphosis. Tadpoles showed a decrease in their activity levels when exposed to urban noise. Additionally, recently metamorphosed frogs (froglets) that experienced urban noise during development displayed a longer latency to catch prey but no differences in jumping performance. We speculate that urban noise may compromise their energy stores, resulting in a slight decrease in their activity. Also, foraging may be impacted by the effects of noise pollution on development, but this hypothesis needs further research. This study underscores the importance of exploring the consequences of sensory pollution, which may have significant implications for the performance and fitness of amphibians throughout their life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]