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Population Dynamics Of Feral House Mice And Meadow Voles On A Dredge Disposal Site, Georgia E. Kratimenos

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The population dynamics of two species was studied for one year on Craney Island in Portsmouth, Virginia. This dredge disposal site provided good habitat for the house mouse, Mus musculus, whose opportunistic behaviors can withstand the sudden changes in a dynamic environment. Although the site was not optimal habitat, a population of Microtus pennsylvanicus, the meadow vole, was sustained there. Of the seven species of small mammals captured, 65% were house mice and 28% were meadow voles. Meadow voles were more successful at establishing short periods of residency than were house mice; on average, each meadow vole was …

Computer Simulation Techniques To Assess Bias And Precision In The Roving Creel Survey Estimator, David L. Wade

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Fisheries scientists use roving creel survey methods to estimate total catch and total effort of recreational fisheries. Bias in the roving creel estimators had been known to the scientific community, but it had not been quantified. I developed a roving-creel-survey computer simulation model to investigate the bias and precision of roving creel estimators, and estimated parameters for the model based on field observations from the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) fishery of the Chesapeake Bay. The computer model was used to identify bias in roving-creel effort and catch estimators and to demonstrate survey methods that will reduce this bias. …

A Laboratory Study Of Predation On The Trinidadian Guppy, Poecilia Reticulata, By Two Natural Piscine Predators: Effects Of Predator Size, Prey Size, And Habitat Complexity, Hayden Thomas Mattingly

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Test populations of different-sized guppies, Poecilia reticulata, were exposed to individuals of two natural predatory species, the pike cichlid Crenicichla a/ta and the killifish Rivulus harti, under conditions of varying prey (guppy) density and habitat complexity in the laboratory. Rivulus fed most frequently on newborn and juvenile guppies < 14 mm. Crenicichla consumed more and larger guppies than did Rivulus. The mean guppy size eaten by Crenicichla was dependent on the length of the individual predator, but as a group, the 15 Crenicichla tested were non-selective with respect to guppy size and gender. The prey gender preference of Rivulus could not he determined …

The Identification, Distribution, And Status Of The Threatened Dismal Swamp Shrew (Sorex Longirostris Fisheri), Thomas M. Padgett

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Southeastern shrews (Sorex longirostris) were trapped throughout southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina to determine if any morphological characters could

be identified that would aid in the identification and distribution of the threatened subspecies Sorex l._ fisheri, endemic to the Great Dismal Swamp, the more upland nominate subspecies Sorex l. longirostris, and possible intergrades between the two subspecies. Animals were classified a priori into three groups, based on their location of capture. Animals collected from the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (GDSNWR) and associated bottomland habitats were designated as "fisheri", animals collected farthest from the Swamp as "longirostris", and …

The Influence Of 17-B-Estradiol And Tamoxifen On Protein Profiles From In Vitro Cultured Preimplantation Mouse Embryos, Darrin D. Demoss

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at Morehead 'State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biology by Darrin Lee DeMoss on August 16, 1991.

Population Dynamics And Movements Of Problem Black Bears In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, William Henry Stiver

Masters Theses

From 10 July 1967 to 6 December 1989, 341 black bears (Ursus americanus) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park were captured and relocated 570 times. Capture, release, and recovery locations of relocated bears were plotted on topographic maps using the Universal Transverse Mercator grid system. Objectives of this study were to delineate the sex and age structure of problem black bears and to determine factors contributing to the success of black bear relocations.

Excluding cubs and dependent yearlings, mean ages at initial capture of male and female bears were 3.9 and 4.6 years, respectively. Males comprised 619% of …

Age Growth And Reproduction Of Black Drum, Pogonias Cromis, In Virginia, Stephen J. Bobko

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The black drum, Pogonias cromis, is of great economic importance to the communities of the lower Eastern Shore of Virginia. Fish are sought both commercially and recreationally during their yearly spring spawning run. Although the number of fish caught each year does not rival other exploited species, it is a directed fishery that partially supports many local fishermen, seafood distributors, marinas, motel owners, and restauranteurs.

Black drum were collected during the fall of 1989 and the spring of 1990 to investigate the population dynamics of fish found in Virginia's Chesapeake Bay and surrounding coastal waters. A total of 235 fish …

Mink Research: Wet Vs. Wet/Pellet Feeding Programs, Troy W. Hobbs

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Hobbs Fur Farm, of Franklin, Idaho, has been feeding the Fur-Pro pellet (made by Fur Breeders CO-OP, Midvale, Utah) for the past 8 years. Tim Hobbs, the owner, questioned the efficacy of the pellet feed. His concern was the quality of pelt being produced by mink on the wet/pellet feed program. A comparison of mink raised on the wet/pellet feed program vs. mink raised solely on a wet feed program was performed to determine if any significant differences could be noted.

Winter Habitat Selection Of Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus Clarki) In A Large Regulated River, Ronald A. Englund

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Microhabitat use by cutthroat trout and macrohabitat use by both cutthroat and rainbow trout were studied i n the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam during the winters of 1988 and 1989. Microhabitat parameters used by cutthroat trout, such as focal velocity, depth, and fish elevation, differed significantly in eddies, runs, and riffles. Mean focal velocities in runs were 0.79 body lengths/seconds (bl/s), in riffles 0.66 bl/s, and in eddies 0.24 bl/s. Cutthroat trout size also varied significantly with macrohabitat; larger fish were found in riffles.

Macrohabitat use by cutthroat trout and rainbow trout differed significantly among species, macrohabitat types, …

Is Rainbow Trout Condition Influenced By Invertebrate-Drift Density?, Randall B. Filbert

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Users of the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology CTFIM) commonly assume that there is a positive linear relationship between available habitat (WUA) and stream fish biomass. However, several studies have shown a lack cf correlation between WUA and biomass. Such poor relationships may occur if other factors limit fish abundance. Food availability is a potentially important factor limiting abundance of stream fishes and can affect blomass by influencing fish condition (individual weight). I collected rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to different levels of invertebrate-drift density to determine if condition was greater where food was more abundant. I also examined …

Identification Of Potential Adhesins Shared Among Isolates Of Actinobacillus Species And Actinobacillus-Like Bacteria Cultured From Ram Lambs With Clinical Epididymitis, Yu-Wen Liu

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Ram lamb epididymitis, a serious reproductive disease of sheep, is caused principally by bacteria belonging to the genera Haemophilus and Actinobacillus. Six bacteria were studied: the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) of Actinobacillus seminis (ATCC 15768), ATCC of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (ATCC 29522), field isolates of A seminis (86722 and 4101) and field isolates of Actin obacillus- like bacteria (Y136 and D107). The objectives of this study were to quantitate the adhesion of these 6 bacteria to bovine kidney epithelial cells (BKECs) and ram epididymal epithelial cells (REECs), evaluate the effect of rabbit polyclonal antibody prepared against ATCC 15768 …

Habitat Use By Female Black Bears In A Southern Appalachian Bear Sanctuary, Steven Richard Reagan

Masters Theses

The objectives of the study were to 1) determine patterns of habitat utilization of female black bears, 2) identify timber management disturbances that affect habitat use of female black bears, and 3) integrate and summarize the research conducted on Harmon Den Bear Sanctuary since 1982. Harmon Den Bear Sanctuary is a 5971-ha area along the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. This sanctuary was established in 1971 with the purpose of protecting a core breeding group of female black bears.

From 7 June 1988 to 30 June 1989 16 bears were captured 21 times. The captures of these 16 individuals brought the …

Changes In The Vulvular And Vestibular Tissue Of The Bovine During The Estrous Cycle As Determined By The Use Of Near Infrared Interactance, Robert Alan Kunzler

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy is routinely used for the analysis of quality components of feedstuffs. Near infrared spectrophotometers, coupled with a fiber optic probe, could enable direct measurements of the live animal. This study was conducted to characterize changes in the vulva and vestibule during the bovine estrous cycle using near infrared (NI) spectroscopy. Sixteen cycling Holstein cows were observed for estrus twice daily from 40 days postpartum for three estrous cycles or until conception was verified. In addition, weekly rectal palpations, cowside milk progesterone tests, and tailhead chalk were used to aid in estrous detection. Near infrared spectra of …

Development And Evaluation Of An Expert System For Use As An Aid In Culling Dairy Cattle, Max L. Checketts

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

An expert system for identifying cows to be culled, MAXCULL, was programmed to run on an IBM or compatible personal computer. It was designed to be used with Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) records as an aid in decision making. MAXCULL used fifty-two health, seventeen reproduction, and thirty-nine production rules in the analysis.

MAXCULL was initially developed using two expert system tools. VP-Expert and Super Expert both had inductive abilities and were reasonably priced. VP-Expert was selected to continue the development of the MAXCULL system. The program used a rule-based method of storing knowledge, which was obtained from literature reviewed in …

Evaluation Of Antiviral Compounds Against Avian Influenza, Evan W. Call

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Tests in vitro for antiviral activity against avian influenza viruses, A/Turkey/Sanpete/85 (H6N8) and A/Turkey/Sanpete/86 (H10N9), isolated in Sanpete County, Utah, utilized known antiviral agents, amantadine⋅HCl (adamantanamine hydrochloride) and ribavirin (1-β-D ribofuranosyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide). The testing involved evaluation of seven drug concentrations. Maximum tolerated dose, minimum inhibitory concentration and therapeutic indexes were determined for each drug used. Both drugs demonstrated reasonable antiviral activity. Then they were tested against the H10N9 strain in 10-day-old Broad White turkey poults. Large- and small-particle aerosol delivery systems were the delivery methods utilized. Various parameters, including water and feed consumption, health score (based on visible signs), recoverable lung …

An Assessment Of Behavior Associated With Reproduction And Infant Caretaking In A Captive Family Group Of Saguinus Midas Midas, Melissa Elizabeth Martenson

Dissertations and Theses

The present study gathered both general and specific information about the behavior of a captive family group of Saguinus midas midas [red-handed tamarins] housed at the Washington Park Zoo, Portland, Oregon, USA. Saquinus midas midas is a rarely studied species, and detailed information about the behavior of this species is virtually nonexistent. For this reason, this study collected information about both activity budgets and social grouping within this family group.

The primary focus of this study was, however, the socialization of captive juvenile tamarins with respect to several behaviors relevant to reproductive success among the Callitrichidae. The behaviors assessed were: …

Prospects For Fisheries Development In West Africa, Steven K. Ireland

Theses and Major Papers

The production of food is a primary concern for the countries of Africa. Marine fisheries can contribute toward alleviating undernutrition and provide employment opportunities in developing countries. In West Africa there are substantial marine fisheries resources but there is a need for development and improved management of these resources. Fisheries development efforts have thus far achieved limited success in the region. However, there is considerable potential for increasing the contribution of fisheries to economic development if the problems of fisheries development can be overcome.

Striped Bass Management In Rhode Island, Thomas N. Fetherston Ii

Theses and Major Papers

The management of highly migratory marine species is a difficult and complex task. No creature better represents the myriad problems faced by those attempting interstate fisheries management than the striped bass of the Atlantic coast. Their high stock levels in the late 1960s attracted unprecedented attention from commercial and sport fishermen alike. The dramatic crash of these stocks in the late 1970s, subsequent attempts at coastwide management, eventual Federal intervention and finally the rebound of the Atlantic striped bass population is an interesting case study. This paper will focus on what transpired in the State of Rhode Island during this …

Possibilities For A Common Fisheries Development And Management Policy For The Organization Of Eastern Caribbean States (O.E.C.S.), Daven C. Joseph

Theses and Major Papers

The fisheries resources within the EEZs of countries in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States is not being exploited at their maximum sustainable yield. Fisheries development has however been hampered by a history of these states, little or no sectoral development planning. If member states are to realize any increased socio-economic growth in the fisheries sector, it is imperative that a common fisheries management and development strategy be implemented by these states, in an effort to rationalize the use of scarce financial and technical resources. Such a strategy would involve the pursuance of common goals and objectives and the provision …

The Gulf Of California As A Large Marine Ecosystem, Patricia A. Morrissey

Theses and Major Papers

Large marine regions characterized by unique bathymetry, hydrography and productivity, within which marine populations have adapted reproductive, growth, and feeding strategies constitute large marine ecosystems (LME) (Sherman and Alexander, 1986). The Gulf of California a semi-enclosed sea off the western coast of Mexico qualifies as a LME as it presents physical and biological characteristics not found in the adjoining Pacific. This area sustains the largest commercial fishery in the country which is the sardine fishery. the sardine population resident in the Gulf of California has coupled its reproductive and migration strategies to the environment of this region. Fluctuations of the …

Malaysia And The Law Of The Sea, Mohd Fadzil Shuhaimi

Theses and Major Papers

The new legal regime of the oceans has brought many changes in the Malacca Strait. The most recent one in the enactment of the Malaysian Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1984 as corollary to its proclamation on the Exclusive Economic Zone in 1980. A year later, the Fisheries Act 1985 was enacted by Malaysia as a result of increasing needs to address new issues in fisheries protection and management in the Malaysian fisheries waters. The conclusion of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, among other things, has improvised the concept of transit passage in the straits …

Factors Influencing The Role Of Women In Indonesian Fisheries Development, Melissa A. Upton

Theses and Major Papers

Gender consideration is an essential component of fishery development activities. The purpose of this thesis is to help guide planners and decision-makers who are concerned with understanding the role of women in fisheries development in general as well as in the Republic of Indonesia. Thus, it is partially based upon field research conducted in Indonesia among fishing communities which are representative of different types of fisheries. Justification for research concerning the role of women in the fisheries sector and the reasons why women should be included in development policy and planning are presented in Chapter I. The general research setting, …

Mariculture Management For Pohnpei State, Federated States Of Micronesia, Kevin Brooks Foster

Theses and Major Papers

The Marine Resources Division of Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia is currently engaged in development activities that include the establishment of family scale mariculture projects for community members of remote villages and outer islands. The goal of this undertaking is to supplement subsistence and income generation ventures for community members through the wise use and exploitation of the marine environment. These aims may be jeopardized unless a management plan is devised that reflects the customary marine resource practices as embraced by islanders from each community. The intent of this thesis projects is to devise a mariculture management model that …

Ecology Of The Green Salamander : Aneides Aeneus (Cope And Packard), In West Virginia, Ronald A. Canterbury

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Much has been written about the ecology of the green salamander, Aneides aeneus (Cope and Packard). The life history and ecology of southern populations of this species have been studied intensively by Gordon (1952), Woods (1968), and Snyder (1971). Gordon collected data in Highlands, North Carolina on distribution, habitat selection, population dynamics, and the ability of aeneus to withstand water loss as compared to Plethodon jordani melaventris. Woods conducted a similar study in Mississippi, and Snyder examined the adaptive brooding behavior of aeneus. In addition to these studies, further research has been conducted by Dr. Paul V. Cupp, Jr. of …

Life History, Ecology, And Morphology Of The Ravine Salamander, Plethodon Richmondi, Ronnie D. Jewell

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The distribution of P. richmondi and P. cinereus has been of interest to herpetologist for many years. Plethodon cinereus is found throughout the state except for part of the Allegheny Plateau Province where P. richmondi occurs. There is a somewhat abrupt end to their ranges where they overlap which does not appear to be influenced by elevational differences, vegetation patterns, or general climatic changes. The propose of this study was to determine if temperature and/or moisture are limiting the distribution of P. richmondi and P. cinereus in West Virginia. The natural history of P. richmondi has not in West Virginia …

A Comparison Of Meristics And Morphometrics Between Two Strains Of Pond Cultured Striped Bass (Morone Saxatilis), Steven Gornak

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.

Comparative Ecology, Morphology, And Population Genetics Of Black Triggerfish, Melichthys Niger, Kathryn D. Kavanagh

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.

Food And Feeding Of Northern Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus Thynnus) And Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus Albarcares): A Comparative Study Of The Food And Feeding Habits Of The Northern Bluefin Tuna Off The Coast Of Virginia, Charles Gilbert Barr

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.

Factors Influencing Distribution And Abundance Of The Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius Ludovicianus Migrans) In South-Central Illinois, Eric Lantz Smith

Masters Theses

The loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) is listed as a threatened species in Illinois as a result of population declines that have occurred since approximately 1900. Although Graber et al. (1973) reported that this species had been largely extirpated from the northern two-thirds of Illinois by 1965, there has been no research on shrike distribution or abundance in the state since that time. Consequently, a roadside survey was completed in 32 south-central Illinois counties to delineate the abundance of loggerhead shrikes in the study area and attempt to relate their abundance to land-use patterns among counties surveyed.

Two hundred and eleven …