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Size Structure And Intraguild Interactions Between Two Ambystoma Species, Gwyneth Daunton
Size Structure And Intraguild Interactions Between Two Ambystoma Species, Gwyneth Daunton
Theses and Dissertations
Intraguild interactions affect population and community structure through a combination of competition and predation. Changes in size structure influence intraguild interactions by affecting the strength and direction of these species’ interactions. I tested for size-structured intraguild interactions in temporary pond ecosystems between marbled salamanders (Ambystoma opacum) and tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) using an outdoor mesocosm experiment. I hypothesized that 1) A. opacum survivorship and growth would be negatively impacted when both species start at a similar size because tiger salamanders grow faster and are more aggressive 2) A. tigrinum will grow slower and have lower survivorship when they occur with …
Non-Native Leaf Litter Modifies Algal Resources With Effects On Tadpole Growth, Spencer L. Cruz
Non-Native Leaf Litter Modifies Algal Resources With Effects On Tadpole Growth, Spencer L. Cruz
Theses and Dissertations
Leaf litter species play a key role in determining the quality and quantity of algal resources in aquatic ecosystems as a cross-boundary subsidy. The invasion of non-native plant species into forests can alter aquatic resources. I investigated the effects of non-native leaf litter species on algal resources and green frog, Lithobates clamitans, development using a randomized complete block experiment that lasted 288 days. In experimental ponds, I added two non-native and two native leaf litter species in the presence and absence of tadpoles. Early in the experiment, Japanese honeysuckle and Chinese privet decreased periphyton N:P ratios and stimulated tadpole growth …