Date Approved

2021

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Biology

Committee Member

Cara Shillington, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Steven Francoeur, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Allen Kurta, Ph.D.

Abstract

Pace-of-Life Syndrome (PoLS) links physiology, behavior, and life history to understand how an organism lives and is under-researched in many invertebrate groups. In this study I used five tarantula species to assess if they follow the predictions of PoLS. I compared individual species as well as Old- and New-World lineages and solitary and sub-social species. I predicted that Old- World and sub-social species would have higher resting metabolic rates (RMRs) and activity levels compared to New-World and solitary species. RMRs were measured using an open-flow respirometry system, and a classic open-arena test was used to assess activity level. Spearman’s correlation determined that there were significant correlations between activity levels and RMR which followed PoLS predictions. I concluded these tarantula species followed the PoLS hypothesis although not all trends were significant. This is novel research and provides a strong foundation for future research studies within this area.

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