Role of the acoustic environment in shaping behavior, community structure, and evolution, The

Growth in transportation networks, resource extraction, motorized recreation and urban development is responsible for chronic noise exposure across the globe, including remote wilderness sites. Increased noise levels reduce the distance and area over which acoustic signals can be perceived by animals. I will present a broad range of experimental research that my lab has conducted indicating the potential severity of this threat to diverse animal groups -- evidence that documents substantial changes in animal behaviors, distributions and community structure in response to noise.