Brandi Pessman

Animals rely on information to make critical behavioral decisions. Yet, heightened noise in their environment, especially from human activity, can degrade, distort, or even mask relevant signals and cues. Despite its ancient and ubiquitous use by animals, particularly arthropods, the vibratory channel is frequently overlooked in studies of sensory ecology. In my research, I investigate how animals in noisy habitats cope with variation in vibratory noise. I use a funnel-weaving spider, Agelenopsis pennsylvanica, which is prevalent across both urban and rural landscapes. Our studies have revealed that urban environments exhibit persistent vibratory noise, varying spatially with proximity to traffic, while rural areas experience seasonal fluctuations with peaks during harvest. In response to this disruptive noise, spiders employ strategies to modify the transmission of vibrations across their web, which enhances their ability to detect and respond to prey and mate cues. As the reach of noisy environments expands with ever-growing urban and rural areas, it is essential to understand how animals living in these areas persist to better understand why many perish.