Graduation Term

Summer 2026

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

School of Biological Sciences

Committee Chair

Fernanda Duque

Committee Member

Carlos Rodriguez-Saltos

Committee Member

Joe Casto

Committee Member

Ryan Paitz

Abstract

Animals must adaptively respond to stressors for survival, but stress can alter how they perceive and respond to stimuli. One essential function of the stress-related hormone corticosterone (CORT) is to help the body respond to stressors and signal glucose production, thereby increasing energy in response to stress. Our study investigates the impact of stress on social behavior in non-breeding female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Females underwent one of three different stress conditions and were given a social preference test immediately following a bout of experimental handling stress. After this, all females were blood-sampled to assess treatment-induced circulating CORT levels. The results indicate no significant differences in CORT levels or preference for a social stimulus among the three treatments. Females in all treatments preferred the social stimulus over the nonsocial stimulus. Despite no correlation between CORT levels and behavior, individuals overall moved the least toward the nonsocial stimulus, suggesting they avoided it. The chronically stressed birds, however, moved the most, suggesting they were anxious and restless. In addition, the control birds groomed the least, suggesting that although there was no difference in CORT levels, birds exposed to the stress treatment exhibited a behavioral change.  This research offers insight into how stress influences social interactions across animals, given the strong conservation of the stress response across species.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

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Available for download on Thursday, October 12, 2028

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