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FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

2011

Fitness

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Trait Variation In An Everglades Invasive Species: Life Histories, Boldness, And Dispersal In The African Jewelfish, Diana P. Lopez Jan 2011

Trait Variation In An Everglades Invasive Species: Life Histories, Boldness, And Dispersal In The African Jewelfish, Diana P. Lopez

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Invasive range expansion is correlated to life- history variation, boldness and dispersal behavior. The invasion of the African Jewelfish in Everglades National Park provides an opportunity to test life-history trait variation, boldness and dispersal behavior in the invasion success of this species.

My study examined variation in somatic traits, boldness, and dispersal of jewelfish across their invaded range. Life histories were examined on wild individuals. Boldness and dispersal were tested in outdoor experimental tanks. Tested populations from the invasion front have higher somatic traits, but they were not bolder than longer established populations.

Understanding the underlying mechanisms of invasions are …