A conceptual framework for understanding behavioral responses to HIREC

•We need theory to explain variation in behavioral response to environmental change.•Signal detection models predict prey responses to novel organisms.•New models address factors that explain responses to habitat change.•New models are needed to account for the use of multiple cues to evaluate options.•A general framework can predict the relative importance of genes and plasticity.

Although animals vary substantially in their behavioral responses to human-induced rapid environmental change (HIREC), we are only beginning to develop theory to explain this variation. Signal detection theory predicts variation in responses to novel dangerous organisms (exotic predators or toxic prey) or exotic organisms that are safe but might appear dangerous (e.g. ecotourists). Models of dispersal and habitat use explain variation in ability to cope with habitat change (loss, fragmentation). Many models assume that organisms use one main cue axis to evaluate options. New models are needed to account for the use of multiple cues. A general framework that treats genes as cues that set a 'prior' that can be updated by experiences predicts genetic versus plastic responses to HIREC.