DIMINISHED STRESS RESPONSE IN THE MEXICAN BLIND CAVEFISH

Author

• Claude Gassant

Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Duboué, Erik R.

Abstract

There are various stressors that exist in different natural environments. The function of a stress response is to provide an organism with a better chance at survival. A functional stress response is essential to the survival of many species, but the influence of ecology on these behaviors is poorly understood. Astyanax mexicanus provides an effective model to study this relationship. In this thesis we used variations of the novel tank assay to investigate the connection between ecology and behavior. We found that cave fish exhibit a diminished stress response relative to their surface conspecifics. These findings provide a baseline for further exploration into the connection between ecology and behavior.

Comments

Includes bibliography.

Recommended Citation

Gassant, Claude, "DIMINISHED STRESS RESPONSE IN THE MEXICAN BLIND CAVEFISH" (2019). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019. 394.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors_2/394

Extent

28 p.

Identifier

FAUHT00113