EXTRA CREDIT STRESS SCENARIOS – For each of the following gr…
EXTRA CREDIT STRESS SCENARIOS – For each of the following graphs, explain WHAT IS HAPPENING to raise the glucocorticoids (cortisol) level of the animals. Note that you must go beyond what is already stated, which may require that you speculate on the cause of the glucocorticoids rise. (Worth 1 point each) ELEPHANTS – Foley et al. (2001) collected fresh fecal samples from 16 female elephants (Loxodonta africana) in three different groups over 23 months at Tarangire National Park, Tanzania, and analyzed them for fecal progesterone and cortisol metabolites. Social and ecological measures (rainfall) were collected concurrently. They noted a decline in body condition during the dry season. Elephant diet changes seasonally from high-quality grass in the wet season to less nutritious and more sparsely distributed leaves and bark in the dry season, and which time competition for good forage also increases. They also noted that most births occurred during the wet season (Fig. 1).