University of Tennessee, Knoxville TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange Doctoral Dissertations Graduate School 5-2013 Effects of Traffic Noise on the Social Behavior of Tufted Titmice (Baeolophus bicolor). Jessica Lynn Owens [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss Part of the Natural Resources and Conservation Commons Recommended Citation Owens, Jessica Lynn, "Effects of Traffic Noise on the Social Behavior of Tufted Titmice (Baeolophus bicolor).. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 2013. https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/1767 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. It has been accepted for inclusion in Doctoral Dissertations by an authorized administrator of TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. For more information, please contact [email protected]. To the Graduate Council: I am submitting herewith a dissertation written by Jessica Lynn Owens entitled "Effects of Traffic Noise on the Social Behavior of Tufted Titmice (Baeolophus bicolor).." I have examined the final electronic copy of this dissertation for form and content and recommend that it be accepted in partial fulfillment of the equirr ements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, with a major in Experimental Psychology. Todd M. Freeberg, Major Professor We have read this dissertation and recommend its acceptance: Gordon M. Burghardt, Neil Greenberg, Michael A. Olson, David A. Buehler Accepted for the Council: Carolyn R. Hodges Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School (Original signatures are on file with official studentecor r ds.) EFFECTS OF TRAFFIC NOISE ON THE SOCIAL BEHAVIOR OF TUFTED TITMICE (BAEOLOPHUS BICOLOR) A Dissertation Presented for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Jessica Lynn Owens May 2013 © 2013 Jessica Lynn Owens ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ii In Memory of Grandpa Owens: February 24, 1933 - November 15, 2012 Behave yourself, wherever you are now For my family: past, present and future. two-legged and four. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Having received a D in the third semester of my 6th grade science class, I never thought I would be here writing these words. My ability to thank each person, animal, being or item that has contributed to, assisted with, motivated, or inspired me, in the myriad of ways that they have done so, is inherently limited by language. However, this accomplishment is shared among us all, and it would not have been possible without each interaction. Having said this, I will do my best to show my gratitude in the lines to follow. I do not apologize for the length of this section as it is in no comparison to the amount of love and support given to me. Family, to call it support is a gross underestimation and limited description of the function of your role in my life. Although often not mainstream, the love of my family has been imperative to my development. You have taught me compassion and respect and the importance of independence and critical thought. But most of all, I thank my family for providing me with the memories that have kept me smiling and laughing throughout the past scholastic decade. My parents, although unable to accurately describe what I do, have given me unending support in their own ways. Dad you were always in the crowd at my swim meets. Mom, your advice was always provided in a tough spot. And you have both been there for countless dance recitals, birthdays, graduations, and let us not forget all the religious-sacraments you made me endure. I hope that each of these small successes have made you proud and given you fulfillment as a parent. My sisters, from painting me pictures or writing poems ranging from heartfelt to the honestly obscene, you have shown me a comradery that will never be broken by distance or disagreement. I will forever treasure our secrets and look forward to any excuse to share a bottle iv of whiskey with you. I am proud of you both and could not ask for better partners to travel through this life with. My cousins, we have been partners in crime, used as unpaid help to clean up after family meals and most importantly we understand each other's journeys and challenges and are always there for one another. Jacki, we spent our childhoods dreaming about our future successes and making fun of Mike. Lauren, Ryan and Jaren, the age difference made you royal pains in my side; but watching you grow up has been one hell of a payback. You are all so different, but your talent and heart are of the same mold. Lauren, we should include Ryan and Jaren in our next 'shots for grandma' campaign, and I fully expect to be the cousins responsible for tainting the Zwick and Owens kids. Willa, Marta and Peter, our time together in Montauk is so special to me. I think you three are among the most amazing and beautiful people I have ever met and I look forward to your future successes and families. Nick and Vinnie, what do I say to you ? You have not become any less mischievous with age, nor have I, which is why I have so much fun when we are together. Thank you so much for being such a perfect blend of your parents. And to everyone else, you are part of something amazing, never forget it. Use your family as a resource and take as many memories from them as you can. You will be surprised at how those memories will take the place of food, warmth, money and material things in bringing you comfort and happiness. My aunts and uncles, I apologize for ruining your clothes, plans and fun when I was younger. I was whiney and selfish; but I loved you all so much. Uncle Donald and my rocking horse, Aunt Dawn and her visits with gifts from the mysterious Avedon, Aunt Renee and Uncle Jim held the key to my heart with the farm and the horses, Aunt Cheryl taught me to drive at the age of 8, the mention of Uncle Steve used to get me out of trouble at Perry High School, Uncle v Greg gave me the biggest surprises when he came to birthday parties, Uncle Gary and the Cleveland Indians games, Aunt Lisa always saying "...Jess" with surprise and shock and a bit of disappointment, Aunt Debbie was my stylist and Uncle Jeff my punching bag. I could not be more lucky and I thank you for all of the times and ways that you have loved and supported me over the years. No birthday or christmas gift was forgotten and the gatherings around the table, pool, fire or downstairs bars are fodder for stories for years to come. My grandparents. This is especially difficult to write. I have been so lucky to spend so much of my life with you all. I can only imagine how it must feel to see me at nearly 30 achieve this goal I have worked so hard for and that you are all so much a part of. As of right now you are all fighting a battle with health, and the fact that I am unable to be there is unbearable. Grandpa Owens, you passed away two weeks before my defense. While I will never forgive myself for putting off a visit home so that I could finish this degree, I know that you understood. Grandma and Grandpa Owens, you never missed a dance recital and every year you came over to help mom and dad with christmas while I was asleep. I still remember the look on your face, grandma, when you came over to see me off for my first homecoming dance. And Grandma and Grandpa Roman, the enormity of your roles in my life is inexplicable. Tradition and respect are among the greatest lessons I have learned from you. I will always treasure the stories and memories from Christmas Eve's past and laughs shared at each others' expense. You have all taught me the true meaning and importance of family. My dogs. Tarr, Joe, Josey, Sport and Nani, you were my original friends. Without you I never would have forged the interest in animal behavior that I have now. Josey, you stood by me every day and gave me an unconditional love. I endured a lot of ridicule for the way I referred to you in the presence of others; after all, you were just dogs. However, what one can never vi understand could never be explained. Thank you for your love, I only hoped I was able to return the favor during your lives. To my dogs: Cherry, Chino, Sasha and Amos. You have served such a distinguished purpose in my life thus far. Every day that I come home to a pile or puddle I smile and laugh; those messes mean you are alive and are there to welcome me home and give love. From your cancer to your skin allergies, appointments with behaviorists and dermatologists, and your myriad of medications and specific dietary needs, you have all cost so much. But the gifts you have given me are so much more. Feeling you stand on the back of my chair, or your head on my feet, or your wet tongue on my face when I have been sitting at a computer for hours on end has reminded me of the important things in life. Your faces bring me joy and have made me smile many times over the past years. I am not sure who saved who, but thank you.