Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Keyword
-
- Biotelemetry (4)
- Ecology (3)
- Basking/nesting platform (2)
- Conservation (2)
- Crayfish (2)
-
- GIS (2)
- Graptemys geographica (2)
- Great Lakes (2)
- Myrmecochory (2)
- Recruitment (2)
- AOPs (1)
- Advanced oxidation processes (1)
- Algae (1)
- Allelochemicals (1)
- Altered Landscape (1)
- Amphibian (1)
- Animal behavior (1)
- Anthropogenic (1)
- Aphaenogaster (1)
- Aphaenogaster picea (1)
- Benefits (1)
- Biogeography (1)
- Biology education (1)
- Biomineralization (1)
- Caging (1)
- Canadian Shield (1)
- Captive-rasing (1)
- Chytrid (1)
- Cladophora (1)
- Community ecology (1)
- Publication
Articles 1 - 24 of 24
Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network
Round Goby (Neogobius Melanostomus) Seasonal Diet, Drift Impacts, And Influence On Stream Connectivity In Great Lakes Tributary Streams, Kyle R. Glenn Mr
Round Goby (Neogobius Melanostomus) Seasonal Diet, Drift Impacts, And Influence On Stream Connectivity In Great Lakes Tributary Streams, Kyle R. Glenn Mr
Biology Theses
Seasonality, energy recruitment, and food web position dictate the degree of impact fish impose on their surrounding environment. In the Great Lakes, the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is known to out-migrate from nearshore habitat to offshore depths in the winter months. However, in Great Lake tributaries, round goby populations were found up to 25 km upstream during winter months, and distance upstream was a predictor of out-migration propensity; populations farthest upstream did not out-migrate. Seasonal resources shaped the diet and condition of these fish thus creating inland populations with different average lengths, diets, and body condition compared to …
Filamentous Green Algae (Cladophora Glomerata) In Near Shore Lake Ontario: An Investigation Of Tissue And Water Nutrient Dynamics Through A Period Of Growth And Decomposition., James L. Wagner Jr
Filamentous Green Algae (Cladophora Glomerata) In Near Shore Lake Ontario: An Investigation Of Tissue And Water Nutrient Dynamics Through A Period Of Growth And Decomposition., James L. Wagner Jr
Biology Theses
Cladophora glomerata, a filamentous green alga abundant in the Laurentian Great Lakes, has long been considered a nuisance throughout the region. Previous phosphorus (P) abatement practices and legislation successfully reduced the abundance of the algae, but with the introduction of dreissenid mussels, a resurgence has been observed. Though there is substantial literature and modeling of the growth cycle of Cladophora, relatively little research has been dedicated to the decomposition stage of the algae, a period which may contribute to a substantial influx of nutrients to near-shore environmental regions. By first examining a period of in-situ growth within Lake …
Regional-Scale Climate-Induced Variation In Ant Physiology And Morphology, Daniel E. Murphy
Regional-Scale Climate-Induced Variation In Ant Physiology And Morphology, Daniel E. Murphy
Biology Theses
The biology of ectotherms such as insects is influenced by ambient thermal conditions. Ants are a ubiquitous and ecologically important group of insects and are well-established as bioindicators of thermal conditions. Ants are sensitive to the thermal extremes that vary with latitude, elevation, and land use, and these thermal gradients influence their spatial and temporal distributions. As a result, ants have evolved physiological and morphological thermal adaptations in response to the thermal environment of their habitats. These adaptations include increased physiological and morphological tolerance for temperature extremes. In Western New York (WNY), temperatures are temporally and spatially heterogeneous, changing with …
Combining Historic Records And Multi-Criteria Habitat Suitability Analysis For The Potential Reintroduction Of Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser Fulvescens Rafinesque) Into Tributaries Of Lake Erie, Kylie P. Wirebach, Christopher Pennuto, Dimitry Gorsky
Combining Historic Records And Multi-Criteria Habitat Suitability Analysis For The Potential Reintroduction Of Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser Fulvescens Rafinesque) Into Tributaries Of Lake Erie, Kylie P. Wirebach, Christopher Pennuto, Dimitry Gorsky
Biology Theses
Predicting the location and quality of habitat for imperiled species is an increasingly important application of modeling technology. The Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) is a widely-extirpated fish of the Laurentian Great Lakes whose recovery is dependent on the availability and connectivity of suitable stream habitat today. This is especially true in Lake Erie, where the largest Lake Sturgeon fishery was once found. I predicted that modern habitat suitability would be dependent on land use legacies from the past 200 years, with western Lake Erie tributaries having less suitable habitat compared to the eastern Lake Erie tributaries. I developed a multi-criteria …
Native And Non-Native Ant Impacts On Soil Microbes, Hannah A. Stewart
Native And Non-Native Ant Impacts On Soil Microbes, Hannah A. Stewart
Biology Theses
Organisms produce chemical weapons for defense, but target organisms can develop resistance. In their introduced range, non-native species may bring “novel weapons” against which native organisms have not co-evolved resistance. The invasive European fire ant (Myrmica rubra) may have brought antimicrobial secretions to the Northeastern United States that are novel weapons against native fungal and bacterial soil organisms. I hypothesized that M. rubra would better inhibit seed pathogens resulting in greater emergence of native myrmecochorous Viola sororia seeds and, as a side effect, more strongly inhibit arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi than a native seed dispersing ant (Aphaenogaster picea …
Shell Calcification And Growth Of The Aquatic Snail Planorbella Trivolvis Under Low Calcium Conditions Typical Of Decalcified Northern Lakes, Shawn A. Witte
Shell Calcification And Growth Of The Aquatic Snail Planorbella Trivolvis Under Low Calcium Conditions Typical Of Decalcified Northern Lakes, Shawn A. Witte
Biology Theses
The water calcium concentration of northern softwater lakes has declined to critically low levels due to numerous anthropogenic stressors, and the availability of calcium is expected to decline further. To assess the impact that critically low water calcium has on aquatic snail shell calcification and growth, juvenile Planorbella trivolvis were raised for 60 days in one of four treatments, each containing a different amount of dissolved calcium (0.64, 1.3, 2.5, and 5.1 mg/L). There was no difference in tissue weight or shell size among treatments, suggesting low water calcium concentrations do not impact adult body mass or size. However, snails …
Developmental And Behavioral Responses Of Early Life Stages Of Fathead Minnows (Pimephales Promelas) To Urban Effluents Treated With Advanced-Oxidation Processes, Amy Cavanaugh
Biology Theses
Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) are the main vector for pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) to enter waterways. Many PPCPs are lipophilic, allowing them to bioaccumulate and biomagnify within aquatic organisms. PPCPs have been known to alter fish behavior and physiological processes, such as nesting defense and sex ratios, and produce an increase in deformities. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are novel ways for treating WWTPs effluents that use hydroxyl radicals to indiscriminately breakdown PPCPs. In this study, fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were used to examine the biological effects of AOP-treated municipal effluent as they developed from eggs to …
Life History And Metabolic Responses Of Daphnia Magna Exposed To Effluents Of Urban Origin Treated By Advanced Oxidation, Benjamin Z. Szczygiel
Life History And Metabolic Responses Of Daphnia Magna Exposed To Effluents Of Urban Origin Treated By Advanced Oxidation, Benjamin Z. Szczygiel
Biology Theses
Modern sewage treatment processes do not remove many chemicals that pass through the sewer system, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products that have been shown to have negative effects in ecosystems. New processes have been developed to remove these chemicals, known as advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). In this study, Daphnia magna are used to examine the effects of wastewater effluent treated conventionally compared to effluent treated with AOPs (Peracetic Acid/Ultraviolet Light and Hydrogen Peroxide/Ultraviolet Light). For this purpose, two sets of experiments were preformed: a five-day survivorship trial, and a 14-day life history experiment. Growth, survival, and reproduction of Daphnia …
Release Of Captive-Raised Eastern Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis) To Test The Success Of A Chytrid Vaccine And New Cage Design, Megan C. Kocher
Release Of Captive-Raised Eastern Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis) To Test The Success Of A Chytrid Vaccine And New Cage Design, Megan C. Kocher
Biology Theses
Researchers and managers commonly apply captive-raising and reintroductions of animals to offset losses due to worldwide amphibian declines. Recent declines in the Eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) have resulted in several reintroductions that have had little success. There is evidence that chytridiomycosis (chytrid), a disease caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), may negatively affect hellbenders post-release. Further, excessive post-release movement may result in movement away from suitable habitat and increased risk of predation which can have negative effects on the survival of released hellbenders. Caging captive-raised animals can be effective for limiting excessive post-release movement. …
Movements And Behaviors Of Resident And Translocated Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys Geographica) In The Upper Niagara River With Artificial Basking/Nesting Platforms As A Management Strategy, Chelsea L. Moore
Biology Theses
Urbanization and degradation of riparian zones has contributed to the decline of fish and wildlife populations throughout the world. Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica) in the upper Niagara River face similar declines due to shoreline development and the concurrent loss of backwater habitats and terrestrial nesting sites. A project was initiated in which basking/nesting platforms were created, and Northern Map Turtles from a Lake Erie population were translocated into the river. Resident and translocated turtles were tracked using biotelemetry and their habitat use, behaviors, and swimming paths were compared. Translocated turtles exhibited homing behavior and had longer home …
A Biotelemetric Study Comparing Diving Behavior And Brumation Sites Of Translocated And Resident Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys Geographica) And Their Response To Replica Model Turtles On Artificial Basking/Nesting Platforms In The Upper Niagara River, Jesse M. Karcher
Biology Theses
Anthropogenic shoreline development leading to a lack of access to terrestrial nesting sites is one of the causes for northern map turtle decline in the upper Niagara River. Translocation of adult map turtles and the development of floating basking/nesting platforms were proposed as possible remedies for this population decline. Biotelemetry along with aerial and underwater drones were used to assess habitat preferences between resident and translocated turtles. It was expected that the platforms would be used for basking and nesting and that a platform located in a natural location would be more successful than one in a developed area, due …
Reproductive Effort And Lipid Dynamics Of The Emerald Shiner (Notropis Atherinoides) In The Upper Niagara River, New York, Christopher A. Osborne
Reproductive Effort And Lipid Dynamics Of The Emerald Shiner (Notropis Atherinoides) In The Upper Niagara River, New York, Christopher A. Osborne
Biology Theses
Life history theory predicts that reproductive characteristics of organisms will be shaped by biotic and abiotic factors to maximize their overall fitness. In this study, I investigated how growth, reproductive effort, and lipid dynamics vary ontogenetically and seasonally for emerald shiners (Notropis atherinoides) in the upper Niagara River. Growth rates were highest in age 2 shiners and lower in age 1 and age 3 individuals. Evidence of reproduction was found beginning at age 1, and reproductive investment as measured by ovarian lipid content was lowest in age 1 and age 2 individuals and greatest in age 3 fish. …
It’S Complicated: Does Food Web Structure Affect Detrital Processing In Streams?, Stephen H. Tentinger
It’S Complicated: Does Food Web Structure Affect Detrital Processing In Streams?, Stephen H. Tentinger
Biology Theses
Trophic cascades involve powerful feeding interactions that can alter the flow of energy and the abundance of species in an ecosystem. In western NY streams, the negative impacts of a new benthic invertivore, the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is altering benthic community structure and leaf litter decomposition. Streams with round gobies have a reduced abundance of shredders and slower leaf decay than streams without gobies. However, crayfish, as shredders of leaf litter, may be large or aggressive enough to avoid predation by round gobies. I used a 30-day full factorial field experiment with blocks to determine if round gobies affected …
An Analysis Of Morphometric Differentiation In Lake And River Populations Of The Emerald Shiner, Notropis Atherinoides, John J.V. Lang
An Analysis Of Morphometric Differentiation In Lake And River Populations Of The Emerald Shiner, Notropis Atherinoides, John J.V. Lang
Biology Theses
Understanding mechanisms that account for phenotypic variation has been of interest to biologists since the advent of Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. It is now understood that adaptive divergence is a key driving force of intraspecific differentiation. Further, differences in habitat (e.g., flow regime, prey regime) have been shown to drive adaptive divergence in fish. For instance, fish inhabiting faster flowing water generally exhibit more fusiform bodies than their lake counterparts. Similarly, the partitioning of benthic and pelagic morphs generally results in smaller heads with the latter. This study used geometric shape analysis to assess morphological differences between …
Do Novel Weapons That Degrade Mycorrhizal Mutualisms Explain Invasive Species Success?, Philip L. Pinzone Mr.
Do Novel Weapons That Degrade Mycorrhizal Mutualisms Explain Invasive Species Success?, Philip L. Pinzone Mr.
Biology Theses
Invasive plants often dominate novel habitats where they did not co-evolve with local species. Several hypotheses suggest mechanisms that explain increased exotic plant success, including 'novel weapons' and 'degraded mutualisms'. Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) are widespread plant invaders in North America that can dominate ecosystems. The goal of this study is to test whether these impacts are more consistent with novel weapons or degraded mutualism hypotheses. I examine tree seedling recruitment, (germination and initial survival) growth, (biomass) and mycorrhizal invasion (AMF content) as a function of F. japonica and R. cathartica …
Behavioral Differences Between Native And Exotic Invertebrate Prey Affect Susceptibility To Predation By A Native Amphibian Predator, Zachary Cava
Biology Theses
Invasive species threaten global biodiversity via mechanisms that include altering the dynamics and structure of native food webs. Whereas much research has focused on how exotic species respond to native predators, less is known about how native predators are affected by invasive prey. Here I investigate the response of a rare and threatened native predator—the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) to a high-profile invasive crayfish species, Orconectes rusticus. Hellbenders have declined throughout much of their range, and although the potential for exotic predators (i.e. sport fish) to negatively impact C. alleganiensis has been addressed, effects of exotic prey …
Forest Islands In A Sea Of Urban Habitat, Michael J. Olejniczak
Forest Islands In A Sea Of Urban Habitat, Michael J. Olejniczak
Biology Theses
Urban forests are poorly defined as ecological communities. Substantive links between anthropogenic landscape features and forest ecology are lacking. ‘Urbaness’ is commonly defined by human population density or land use classifications, but their use is inconsistent throughout the literature, and rarely is linked with ecological processes. Furthermore, it is unknown whether urban forests are functioning parts of a patchy urban woodland system or isolated islands amidst an ocean of unsuitable habitat. I first used digital satellite imagery and publicly available U.S. National Park data to link urban land use with forest processes. I then linked those land use classifications with …
More Than Movement – Ant Seed Dispersal Inhibits Phytopathogenic Fungi, Charlene H. Gray
More Than Movement – Ant Seed Dispersal Inhibits Phytopathogenic Fungi, Charlene H. Gray
Biology Theses
Seed dispersal by ants is a cosmopolitan mutualism involving thousands of plant species. Ants gain a food reward (elaiosomes) from the plant seed, and ant-mediated plants gain several presumed benefits, including dispersal away from parent plants and placement in 'safe site' microhabitat. Higher plant germination and survival in ant nest soils has been attributed to higher levels of nutrients, aeration, and soil moisture than surrounding soils, but evidence in support of these benefits is inconsistent. Ants secrete anti-microbial compounds that inhibit microbial pathogens. I explore the possibility that ants transfer anti-microbial properties to the soil they inhabit, and there is …
Home Range, Habitat Use, And Movements Of Native Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys Geographica), And Sympatric Invasive Red-Eared Slider Turtles (Trachemys Scripta Elegans), In The Upper Niagara River, Brian E. Haas
Biology Theses
Turtle populations throughout the world are in decline due to the effects associated with anthropogenic disturbances. Northern map turtles in the Upper Niagara River are facing the same effects associated with shoreline development, pollution, and human induced mortality. A biotelemetric study was conducted to understand the population structure, habitat use, and behavior of northern map turtles in the Upper Niagara River. Turtles were trapped, outfitted with radio and sonic transmitters, and tracked from August 2013 until April 2015. Invasive red-eared sliders, which also inhabit the Niagara River were captured and tracked to allow for comparison. This invasive species is a …
Rareness Starts Early For Disturbance-Dependent Grassland Plant Species, Matthew Candeias
Rareness Starts Early For Disturbance-Dependent Grassland Plant Species, Matthew Candeias
Biology Theses
Ecological communities always contain a few common species and an abundance of rare species. Mechanisms determining commonness and rarity require experimental investigation. Given that most plant mortality occurs in seeds and seedlings, recruitment best predicts plant community assemblage and distributions. In northeastern North America, grassland plant species constitute a sizable portion of the native flora. Approximately 30% of western New York’s threatened and endangered flora are associated with grasslands, apparent leftovers from a post-glacial landscape. I investigated the mechanisms behind grassland species commonness and rarity by examining how habitat type, disturbance and biotic interactions limit seed recruitment for three rare …
Forest Sustainability In An Altered Landscape Requires Human Intervention, Adam C. Labatore
Forest Sustainability In An Altered Landscape Requires Human Intervention, Adam C. Labatore
Biology Theses
Recruitment success determines the abundance and composition of plant communities. Successful recruitment can be summarized as a simple dichotomy of establishment versus seed limitations. Establishment limitation occurs when plant populations are inhibited by habitat availability and quality, whereas seed limitation occurs when seeds fail to arrive in necessary densities. Recruitment failure undermines overstory sustainability if the existing trees cannot replace themselves. Preliminary analysis indicated tree recruitment failure at an urban nature preserve with too few tree seedlings to replace mature canopy trees. These data suggested that the urban forest was not sustainable. The overarching goal of the study was to …
Comparison Of Movement Patterns In Captive-Released Eastern Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis Alleganiensis) Using Three Different Release Methods, Julie A. Boerner
Comparison Of Movement Patterns In Captive-Released Eastern Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis Alleganiensis) Using Three Different Release Methods, Julie A. Boerner
Biology Theses
Eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) population size has declined throughout much of its range. Previous captive-release headstarting programs have resulted in minimal success, presumably due to movement of captive-released animals away from the release site. This study aimed to increase the success of hellbender headstarting programs by assessing the effectiveness of three release methods. Releases were conducted in two stream sites within the Allegheny River drainage. Streams were similar; however stream A contained a higher boulder density. In each site, three salamanders were placed individually in cages, three salamanders were placed individually in nest boxes with the entrance …
Homing Behavior In Response To Displacement And Orientation Of The Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys Terrapin Terrapin) In Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, Nicole M. Lainhart
Homing Behavior In Response To Displacement And Orientation Of The Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys Terrapin Terrapin) In Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, Nicole M. Lainhart
Biology Theses
Increasing urbanization of the Barnegat Bayestuary in New Jersey has subjected northern diamondback terrapins to substantial habitat loss. Understanding whether terrapins have homing behavior, and determining the types of orientation cues they use to aid in this behavior, is important for conservation management. To test their homing behavior, nine non-gravid female terrapins were outfitted with biotelemetry tracking devices and data loggers and were displaced 4 km north and/or south. Eight of nine terrapins successfully returned home; the one terrapin that did not return home was inadvertently captured in a crab pot. Urbanization and shoreline development of the north displacement location …
Parentage Analysis And Conservation Genetics Educational Material For The Eastern Hellbender Salamander, Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis Alleganiensis, Sarah A. Chudyk
Parentage Analysis And Conservation Genetics Educational Material For The Eastern Hellbender Salamander, Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis Alleganiensis, Sarah A. Chudyk
Master's Projects
Populations of the Eastern hellbender salamander, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis, are declining, making this a species of special concern in New York State and under consideration for Federal Endangered Species listing. As a result of this decline, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Buffalo Zoo initiated a headstarting program with an egg mass found in the Allegheny River drainage. The juveniles being raised by the Zoo will be released back into the watershed and so understanding the genetic diversity and parentage of these hellbenders will inform the reintroduction efforts. Furthermore, in order to determine how to …