Peripheral vision obstruction experiment (Sciuridae)

Knowledge graph centered on Peripheral vision obstruction experiment (Sciuridae) with 12 nodes and 37 connections. Top connected: Marmota flaviventris, focal animal sampling (Sciuridae), antipredator behavior, Peripheral obstructions influence marmot vigilance, time allocation tradeoff.

Method synopsis

Controlled experiment using a feeding apparatus with removable clear or opaque panels to test the direct effects of peripheral visual obstruction on marmot vigilance and foraging behavior. Uses within-subject design with counterbalanced treatment order.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 1 paper using this protocol.

Procedure as described in the canonical source

Steps below were extracted from the paper that introduces this protocol — Peripheral obstructions influence marmot vigilance: integrating observational and experimental results (2009), Behavioral Ecology. Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Build experimental apparatus
   Constructed a 3-sided 0.61-m³ box with bottom made of urethane-coated 1/4″ plywood. Top sides were removable and consisted of either 1/16″ thick clear polythylene or 1/16″ thick opaque white polypropylene plastic sheets. The apparatus could be configured with clear sides for unobstructed view or opaque sides to block peripheral vision.
   Quantities: 0.61 m³ volume, 1/4 inch plywood bottom, 1/16 inch thick plastic sheetsDuration: Pre-experimental construction phaseConditions: Built prior to June 2008 experimental period
   Equipment: urethane-coated plywood, clear polythylene sheets, opaque white polypropylene sheets
2. Conduct feeding experiments
   Baited marmots into feeding apparatus by placing Omolene 100 horse food inside the box. Twenty-five marmots completed both clear and blocked treatments, with 13 individuals experiencing blocked treatment first and 12 individuals experiencing clear treatment first. Conducted experiments at similar times of day for each location with mean difference of 4.48 ± 13.6 minutes earlier in the day between treatments.
   Quantities: 25 marmots total, 13 blocked-first, 12 clear-first, mean 4.48 ± 13.6 minutes time difference between treatmentsDuration: June 6 to June 19, 2008Conditions: Similar times of day for each location to control for temporal effects
   Equipment: Omolene 100 horse food, feeding apparatus with removable panels
3. Record experimental behavior

Typical Equipment

• urethane-coated plywood
• clear polythylene sheets
• opaque white polypropylene sheets
• Omolene 100 horse food

Output Measurements

• time in apparatus
• vigilance while in box
• vigilance while outside box
• foraging time

Papers Using This Protocol (1)

Species Studied With This Protocol