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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
A Characterization Of West Virginia Coyotes (Canis Latrans) Utilizing Skull Morphology, Katharina E. Scholer
A Characterization Of West Virginia Coyotes (Canis Latrans) Utilizing Skull Morphology, Katharina E. Scholer
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Coyotes (Canis latrans) are now found throughout North and Central America, but before European colonization were restricted to west of the Mississippi. Migration occurred in two major paths to the East; north over the Great Lakes (through Canada) and south below the Great Lakes. The location of these routes is significant because those migrating north interbred with the wolves that reside there. These hybrid animals are larger and behaviorally different from their western counterparts. It is possible to differentiate these hybrids morphologically and genetically. Hybrids are known to be located in Maine, New York, and Pennsylvania, but the interest of …
Hibernacula Site Selection Of The Eastern Box Turtle, Terrapene C. Carolina, In A West Virginia Population, Benjamin Owen Koester
Hibernacula Site Selection Of The Eastern Box Turtle, Terrapene C. Carolina, In A West Virginia Population, Benjamin Owen Koester
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene c. carolina) are a terrestrially hibernating reptile found throughout the eastern United States. Despite their prevalence, little, outside of anecdotal observations, is known about their hibernacula selection. This study examines if they preferentially select hibernacula locations, and if so, what characteristics they select in a West Virginia population. Over the course of two years, radio-tagged turtles (n=12) were followed into hibernation in Wayne County, WV. Upon entering hibernation, ~36 data point were collected in a grid-like fashion around the hibernacula, with an additional point collected at the hibernacula. At each point, seven variables were recorded: soil …
Natural History Of A Population Of Wood Turtles (Glyptemys Insculpta) In West Virginia, Jessica Curtis
Natural History Of A Population Of Wood Turtles (Glyptemys Insculpta) In West Virginia, Jessica Curtis
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
The Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) is listed as vulnerable in West Virginia and only occurs in the Eastern Panhandle. The study population is unique in West Virginia because it occurs at a much higher mean elevation than other Wood Turtle populations in the state. The primary objective of this study was to determine if, and to what extent, altitude affected this population’s ecology. Turtles were located with opportunistic surveys and captured by hand. I located 31 turtles: 18 males, and 13 females. Turtles were captured a total of 68 times. Ratio of males to females did not differ significantly from …
The Natural Life History Of Cambarus (Puncticambarus) Smilax, The Greenbrier Crayfish, Paul William Hughes
The Natural Life History Of Cambarus (Puncticambarus) Smilax, The Greenbrier Crayfish, Paul William Hughes
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
The natural life history of Cambarus (Puncticambarus) smilax, the Greenbrier Crayfish, was studied in West Fork of the Greenbrier River and in Thorny Creek, a tributary of the main stem of the Greenbrier River. The Greenbrier Crayfish gets its name from the Greenbrier River watershed where it is thought to occur exclusively. Among described members of the subgenus Puncticambarus, C. smilax is a sister taxon most similar to Cambarus (Puncticambarus) robustus. Monthly collections were made within the two study sites, from August 2010 to July 2011. Collecting techniques included dip-netting, seine-netting, and hand collecting. Cambarus smilax and all other species …
The Crayfishes Of West Virginia’S Southwestern Coalfields Region With An Emphasis On The Life History Of Cambarus Theepiensis, David Allen Foltz Ii
The Crayfishes Of West Virginia’S Southwestern Coalfields Region With An Emphasis On The Life History Of Cambarus Theepiensis, David Allen Foltz Ii
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Crayfish are the third most endangered faunal group in the world behind freshwater snails and unionid mussels. A better understanding of each species’ life history is vital in order to aid in crayfish conservation; however, little to no life history information is available for most crayfish. Recently, an undescribed species of crayfish, Cambarus theepiensis, was discovered in the Cumberland Mountains of West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky. In conjunction with the species’ scientific description, life history data was collected from May 2012 through April 2013 from two sites located within the Twelvepole watershed of southwestern West Virginia. Animals were collected monthly …
The Effect Of Auditory Call Playback On Anuran Detection And Capture Rates, Derek Adam Bozzell
The Effect Of Auditory Call Playback On Anuran Detection And Capture Rates, Derek Adam Bozzell
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Calls of male anurans during breeding seasons are species-specific identification tools. However, males cease calling after any nearby disturbance, including those of researchers. I proposed a variation on current methods that attempts to reduce this lag in calling after researcher-created disturbance by utilizing the propensity for competition in male frogs. I surveyed 14 breeding sites in Cabell and Wayne counties during the 2010 and 2011 breeding seasons. First, I used traditional visual encounter surveys (VESs). After using automated recording devices to gather site-specific recordings of calls of all species present, I conducted secondary VESs while playing these playlists over a …
A Natural History Study Of Bufo A. Americanus, The Eastern American Toad, And The Phenology Of Spring Breeders In Southwest West Virginia, Tomi Maria Bergstrom
A Natural History Study Of Bufo A. Americanus, The Eastern American Toad, And The Phenology Of Spring Breeders In Southwest West Virginia, Tomi Maria Bergstrom
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Natural history traits have not been thoroughly collected and analyzed on the "common hoptoad," Bufo a. americanus (eastern American toad) in West Virginia. Updating natural history information is important to understand the present population status (Jackson, 2001). I chose to have two study sites at opposing physiographic regions to constitute a better understanding of B. a. americanus natural history in WV. The study was initiated in spring 2008 at Beech Fork State Park and Green Bottom Swamp Wildlife Refuge (in Mason and Cabell counties) and in 2009 incorporated Canaan Valley of Tucker County. Ten natural history morphometrics and characters were …
The Natural History Of Cave-Associated Populations Of Eurycea L. Longicauda With Notes On Sympatric Amphibian Species, Kevin Wayne Saunders
The Natural History Of Cave-Associated Populations Of Eurycea L. Longicauda With Notes On Sympatric Amphibian Species, Kevin Wayne Saunders
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
The purpose of this study was to collect data on the natural history of the Long-tailed Salamander (Eurycea l. longicauda) in eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. The objectives of this research included characterization of epigean and hypogean habitat for this species, recording distances moved by individuals in populations associated with caves, and collection of data on courtship, oviposition, and larval development. The primary study site was Carter Caves State Park in Olive Hill, Kentucky. This area was visited from October 2007 to December 2008. Salamanders were photographed for identification based on unique pattern aberrancies and distances were measured between the …
Distribution And Conservation Genetics Of The Cow Knob Salamander, Plethodon Punctatus Highton (Caudata: Plethodontidae), Matthew R. Graham
Distribution And Conservation Genetics Of The Cow Knob Salamander, Plethodon Punctatus Highton (Caudata: Plethodontidae), Matthew R. Graham
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Being lungless, plethodontid salamanders respire through their skin and are especially sensitive to environmental disturbances. Habitat fragmentation, low abundance, extreme habitat requirements, and a narrow distribution of less than 70 miles in length, makes one such salamander, Plethodon punctatus, a species of concern (S1) in West Virginia. To better understand this sensitive species, day and night survey hikes were conducted through ideal habitat and coordinate data as well as tail tips (10 to 20 mm in length) were collected. DNA was extracted from the tail tips and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene fragments. …
Spatial Heterogeneity Of Soil Nutrients, Nitrogen Dynamics, And Vegetation In A 3rd Order Stream Floodplain In Southwestern West Virginia, David Allen Dick
Spatial Heterogeneity Of Soil Nutrients, Nitrogen Dynamics, And Vegetation In A 3rd Order Stream Floodplain In Southwestern West Virginia, David Allen Dick
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Soil processes often exhibit spatial heterogeneity within ecosystems and this heterogeneity may influence community structure. This study was conducted to determine spatial patterns and variability of soil nutrients and plant communities within different vegetation types in a stream floodplain in southwestern West Virginia. One 5-m × 5-m site was established in each of three vegetation/drainage types: pasture (PA), old field (OF), and wetland scar (SC). Pasture and SC sites were located ~25 m apart on flat bottomland; the OF site was located on a moderate slope 6.3 m above bottomland, ~200 m from PA and SC. A 10-m × 1-m …
Computer Simulation For Feature Extraction In Pattern Recognition And Geobiophysical Modeling In Mountaineous Wetland Delineation, Natalie Ripsher
Computer Simulation For Feature Extraction In Pattern Recognition And Geobiophysical Modeling In Mountaineous Wetland Delineation, Natalie Ripsher
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Delineation of wetlands is an important aspect of protecting of these ecologically diverse and biocomplex habitats. Selected image-processing techniques are applied to remotely sensed imagery of Canaan Valley, in order to determine the best method of extracting wetland features for habitat delineation. Remotely sensed data from April 1997 and September 1999 were compared to determine the accuracy of feature extraction, and the effect of seasonal and long term climate change on wetland delineation. Pattern recognition for feature extraction was used to identify vegetation associations and changes in habitats. Computer simulation of the infrared band was performed using ER Mapper so …
Natural History Of The Marbled Salamander, Ambystoma Opacum (Gravenhorst), In West Virginia, With Special Notes On Reproduction And Larval Development, Jason J. Watkins
Natural History Of The Marbled Salamander, Ambystoma Opacum (Gravenhorst), In West Virginia, With Special Notes On Reproduction And Larval Development, Jason J. Watkins
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
This study observed a population of Ambystoma opacum in Kanawha State Forest, Kanawha County, five miles south of Charleston, West Virginia. Data were collected from September 1995 to November 1997. Reproductive biology and salamander development were examined. Predation of A. opacum and potential predators were also noted. Like other species in the genus Ambystoma, adult A. opacum are mostly fossorial and rarely seen above ground outside of the breeding season. During the breeding season, adults make their way to the breeding pools. Males ventured to the breeding pool first in early September and ranged in size from 49 to 75mm …
Natural History Of The Four-Toed Salamander, Hemidactylium Scutatum, In West Virginia, Sandra L. Kilpatrick
Natural History Of The Four-Toed Salamander, Hemidactylium Scutatum, In West Virginia, Sandra L. Kilpatrick
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
A 2-year study was conducted to determine the reproductive and nesting habits, embryonic and larval development, and tolerance to acid conditions of Hemidactylium scutatum in West Virginia. Five study sites located in or adjacent to the Otter Creek National Wilderness Area, Monongahela National Forest, Randolph County, West Virginia, were monitored to determine nesting habits and length of incubation and larval periods in Hemidactylium Time of breeding was determined by spermatogenic wave analysis and time of egg deposition was determined by examination of ovarian follicles and field observations of gravid females migrating to nest sites. Breeding occurred in autumn and again …
A Study On The Life History And Seasonal Foraging Habits Of The Salamander Desmognathus Quadramaculatus Holbrook, In Wv, Glenn R. Mills
A Study On The Life History And Seasonal Foraging Habits Of The Salamander Desmognathus Quadramaculatus Holbrook, In Wv, Glenn R. Mills
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
A study was conducted on Desmognathus quadramaculatus in the northern periphery of its range with some aspects of its life history, surface density, and seasonal foraging habits. The results in this study are compared to studies done on D. quadramaculatus in the southern portion of its range. Female D. quadramaculatus have been found tending egg clutches from June to September in the southern portion of its range and data collected in this study shows that egg deposition also occurs during this period in the northern population. Female size (SVL) at which D. quadramaculatus reach sexual maturity ranged from 57.6- 77.5 …
A Distributional And Taxonomic Study Of The Adults Of The Family Hydropsychidae (Trichoptera) In West Virginia, Toni Ann Phillips
A Distributional And Taxonomic Study Of The Adults Of The Family Hydropsychidae (Trichoptera) In West Virginia, Toni Ann Phillips
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
A survey of the adult Hydropsychiclae revealed 39 species, 14 of which were state records. The adult hydropsychids were collected from various locations throughout West Virginia. The most common species Hydropsychidae were Hydropsyche morosa, H. sparna, Cheumatopsyche analis, C. campyla, and Diplectrona modesta. Most of the species did not appear to be limited to any one particular drainage basin. Several species exhibited a preference for stream order (headwaters, middlereaches, large rivers). Aphropsyche monticola, Parapsyche apicalis, Cheumatopsvche wrighti, C, gyra, and Hydropsyche alhedra preferred the fast-flowing headwater streams in the higher elevations of the state. Macrostemum zebratum, Potomyia flava, Hydropsyche phalerata, …
A Survey Of The Mussels (Pelecypoda: Unionoidia: Unionacea) Of Twelvepole Creek, West Virginia With A Study Of Commensal Algae Found On Selected Mussels, Kevin Joe Smith
A Survey Of The Mussels (Pelecypoda: Unionoidia: Unionacea) Of Twelvepole Creek, West Virginia With A Study Of Commensal Algae Found On Selected Mussels, Kevin Joe Smith
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
A survey of the Unionacea of Twelvepole Creek, West Virginia was conducted coupled with a qualitative study of commensal algae found on selected mussel species. The naiads and the algae were found to have diverse populations. Naiads collected during the survey were represented by 23 species, 16 genera and 2 families. Corbicula fluminea was found to be confined largely to the main branch of Twelvepole, with no individuals being collected from the East or West Forks and only limited collections near the mouth of Beechfork Creek. Lampsilis radiata luteola and L. ventricosa were found to have the greatest distribution, being …
The Naiads (Mollusca: Unionidae) From Two Prehistoric Sites Along The Ohio River, Mason County, West Virginia, Beverly Dawn Spurlock
The Naiads (Mollusca: Unionidae) From Two Prehistoric Sites Along The Ohio River, Mason County, West Virginia, Beverly Dawn Spurlock
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Archeological naiad valves representing 29 species were recovered from two Late Prehistoric Indian villages along the Ohio River, Mason County, West Virginia. Surface collections and limited excavation provided a total of 1,599 identifiable valves and valve fragments. Differences in species compositions and relative abundances between the two middens were noted. Samples from the Rolf Lee Farm Site (46MS51) contained 28 species while the Lewis-Old Town Farm Site (46MS57) produced only 23 species. Comparisons were made with other nearby prehistoric shell deposits and also with more recent twentieth century collections from this reach of the river. Nine of the archeological species …
A Taxonomic Study Of The Symphitopsyche Pictet And Hydropsyche Ulmer Larvae Of West Virginia (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae), Charlene Kay Nugen
A Taxonomic Study Of The Symphitopsyche Pictet And Hydropsyche Ulmer Larvae Of West Virginia (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae), Charlene Kay Nugen
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
A survey of the larval Symphitopsyche and Hydropsyche of West Virginia revealed fifteen species (S. morosa, S. walkeri, S. bronta, S. slossonae, S. macleodi, S. sparna, S. ventura, H. orris, H. phalerata, H. hoffmani, H. scalaris, H. leonardi, H. hageni, H. dicantha, H. simulans) eleven of which were state records (Table 1). Two species groups (S. bifida group, H. depravata group) were also found in the state possibly adding four more species (S. bifida, S.cheilonis, H. depravata,H. betteni) (Table 1). Hydropsyche phalerata, S. walkeri, and H. leonardi were the most scarce in the state and the H. depravata group had …