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A Study Of Epixylic Bryophyte Ecology On Fraser Fir Logs In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Erica Choberka

Masters Theses

The Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest is experiencing the chaotic conditions of ecosystem destruction resulting from the balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceae (Ratz)) infestation. In the present study, I have examined the community structure of bryophytes on fir logs in the high elevation spruce-fir forest of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) to learn about the responses of bryophytes to the sudden change in forest structure.

This study has four primary objectives: 1) to provide an updated list of the epixylic bryophytes on fir logs in the spruce-fir forest of the GS MNP; 2) to compare results with previous …

Behavior And Ecology Of Holothuria Floridana In The Florida Keys : Movement Patterns And Feeding Preferences, Matteson Todd Bowles

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A Geomorphological Investigation Of Soils Forming On The Humboldt Terrace In Western Tennessee, David Edward Smith

Masters Theses

Soils forming on the Humboldt terrace in western Tennessee were investigated for their genesis and classification. Diatoms within the profiles were used to determine whether the Humboldt terrace originated in a fluvial environment, which is the accepted theory, or a tidal environment.

A total of seven sites were chosen on the Milan Agricultural Experiment Station. Five of the sites were located in an upland position on the Humboldt terrace, while two other sites were located on a lower lying flood plain. The five terrace sites were sampled to a depth ranging from 3.5 to 5 meters. The flood plain sites …

Heartworm And Lungworms In Illinois' Canids And Their Possible Effect On Coyote Condition And Reproduction, David G. Gregory

Masters Theses

This study focuses on the prevalence of heartworm and lungworms in Illinois' canid species, and the effect that they may have on condition (body weight, kidney fat, marrow fat) and reproduction (placental scars) on coyote populations. A total of 1,150 coyotes (Canis latrans), 2,269 domestic dogs, 47 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and 2 gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) were examined. Prevalence of heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) averaged 17.8% in coyotes, 3.0% in domestic dogs, 2.0% in red foxes, and 0% in gray foxes. Domestic dogs not receiving any type of prophylactic treatment had a higher prevalence (12.5%) of heartworms than dogs on …

The Role Of Bowfin, Amia Calva, In Multiple Species Management Plans, Benjamin Jacob Hausmann

Masters Theses

The major challenge to fisheries managers of the 21st century will be to maintain the diversity, not only of fishing opportunity, but also of traditionally non-game and economically unimportant species. With the relatively recent understanding of the importance of ecosystem level management, attention is being focused on native species that were often ignored or eradicated under past management practices. One such fish that has been largely ignored is the bowfin, Amia calva. Ecological data pertaining to bowfin natural history are limited and to date no attempt has been made to integrate bowfin into fisheries management decisions within the species native …

Habitat Selection, Reproductive Success, And Impaling Patterns Of A Migratory Population Of Loggerhead Shrikes, Jeffrey D. Esely Jr.

Masters Theses

I studied habitat selection and reproductive success of a migratory population of Loggerhead Shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus migrans) as well as the temporal and spatial patterns of impaling exhibited by this population during the nesting season. The selection of breeding habitat was investigated at different spatial scales. Thirty-eight (67%) of 57 nests were located in osage orange (Maclura pomifera) trees. Shrike territories (area ≤ 200 m from nest site) contained significantly more pasture, fenceline, and perch sites, but less com, alfalfa, and forest than random sites. At larger spatial scales, more grassland was detected within 300 m …