Eric Phendler
Project
Plasticity in the Reproductive Phenology and Spring Mass of a Population of Eastern Chipmunks (Tamia striatus): Effects of Supplemental Feeding During Mast and Non-Mast YearsI aim to assess how fluctuating food resources and environmental cues influence plasticity in the reproductive phenology and spring growth (mass) of a population of Eastern chipmunks. Food supplementation studies have been conducted on our study site for two consecutive years, with chipmunks having access to ad-libitum sunflower seeds from May 19th to June 24th, which coincides with the summer reproductive season but not with juvenile emergence. By continuing the supplementation study, I aim to determine whether reproductive phenology can be manipulated by improving adult conditions, causing them to reproduce opportunistically or if summer breeding only occurs with reliable natural cues indicating mast availability timed with juvenile and mother emergence post-weaning. Our research seeks to provide a better understanding of the adaptive strategies employed by plastic species and their susceptibility to both natural and anthropogenic environmental stochasticity.
