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Abstract
Cervidae encompasses a diverse grouping of species that serve as important ecological drivers within their ecosystems. Cervid visual ecology refers to the study of how their visual systems are specialized to meet their ecological needs. This area of research incorporates aspects of a deer’s visual physiology (e.g., spectral sensitivity, spatial resolving power, etc.) to determine how these factors influence behavior, habitat selection, and inter- and intra-specific interactions. Understanding cervid visual ecology is important for conservation efforts, management strategies, and for designing effective methods for reducing human-wildlife conflicts. It can also shed light on the evolutionary adaptations that have shaped the visual systems of these animals in response to their ecological niche and environmental conditions. I examined relevant literature and provided a comprehensive review of cervid visual ecology to help bridge the gap between our understanding of cervid physiology and their ecology. Using step-selection functions in combination with fine-scale movement data from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), I determined that light environments might represent an underappreciated driver of ungulate movement behavior due to differences in visual perception. I characterized the spectral reflectance of the tapetum fibrosum in white-tailed deer and uncovered potential spectral tuning of this ocular media across differing geographic locations. I measured the temporal contrast sensitivity of white-tailed deer using electroretinography and discovered a slower than expected maturation rate and found the visual system of deer might prioritize visual detection over identification. I used behavioral discrimination tasks to investigate potential orientation bias in the spatial resolving power of white-tailed deer and highlighted the need for additional research on this aspect of the deer visual system. I described the spatiotemporal dynamics of deer bed site selection and use in Florida using fine-scale encamped data. My findings emphasize the importance of more open vegetative cover (e.g., shrubs) in warm, humid climates. Overall, this research expands our understanding of cervid visual ecology and provides valuable insights into how deer vision is specifically adapted to meet their ecological needs.