Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

McCoy , Michael

Abstract

Octopus predation and species selection contribute to community structure in benthic habitats, where plastic pollution accumulates. This study investigated how the bioactive plastic additive oleamide alters trophic interactions and behaviors of the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and its prey. We quantified activity budgets and trophic interactions for octopuses and multiple prey types (hermit crabs, free-living crabs, bivalves, and gastropods) before and after exposure to oleamide. Our analysis suggested that some taxa (octopuses and hermit crabs) exhibit more active behaviors during oleamide exposure. Free living crabs responded primarily to the threat of octopus predation, while other taxa did not show clear behavioral responses. Exposure to oleamide increased trophic interactions and the probability of mobile prey taxa being observed on the same side of the aquarium as the octopus, thus increasing the opportunity for predation. Our results support previous research showing that plastic leachates can impair decision-making, making prey more susceptible to predation.

Extent

76 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (MS)--Florida Atlantic University, 2023.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00014278

Format

pdf

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