Breeding behavioral effects

Neurotoxic compounds can have behavioral effects in the field (see Chapters 5, 9, and 15), and these may reduce the breeding or feeding snccess of animals and their ability to avoid predation. A number of the examples that follow are of sub-lethal effects of pollutants. The occurrence of sublethal effects in natural populations is intimately connected with the question of persistence. Chemicals with long biological half-lives present a particular risk. The maintenance of substantial levels in individuals, and along food chains, over long periods of time maximizes the risk of sublethal effects. Risks are less with less persistent compounds, which are rapidly... 

Many of these tests gave evidence for changes in behavior following exposure to neurotoxic pesticides. The author concludes that significant behavioral effects were often recorded down to one order of magnitude below the LCjo in question. Some tests, such as operant tests, were relatively simple and gave reproducible results, but it was difficult to evaluate the relevance of these to survival in the wild. Other tests, such as breeding behavior and prey capture, were more complex and less reproducible, but more relevant to the natural world. 

Broadly speaking, the direct behavioral effects of neurotoxic pollutants on wild animals may be on feeding, breeding, or avoidance of predation (Beitinger 1990), or any combination of these. Any of these changes may have adverse effects on populations. Additionally, in the natural world, populations may be affected indirectly because of neurotoxic and behavioral effects on other species. Thus, a population decline of one species due to a behavioral effect of a pollutant may lead to a consequent decline of its parasites or predators, even though they are not themselves directly affected by the chemical. Direct effects will now be discussed before considering indirect ones. 

Numerous prescriptive works outUne methodologies for effective managerial coaching. The following list outlines behavioral practices drawn from interviews with best of breed manager-coaches in business and industry contexts ... 

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