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- West Virginia (18)
- Crayfish (7)
- Morphology (6)
- Natural history (5)
- Ecology (4)
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- Ohio River (4)
- Salamander (4)
- <p>Eastern diamondback rattlesnake.</p> <p>Habitat (Ecology)</p> (3)
- <p>Plesiosauria.</p> (3)
- Behavior (3)
- Cabell County (3)
- Crotalus adamanteus (3)
- Distribution (3)
- Habitat selection (3)
- Herpetology (3)
- Natural History (3)
- <p>Salamanders - West Virginia.</p> (2)
- <p>Salamanders -- West Virginia.</p> <p>Salamanders -- Habitat.</p> <p>Giant salamanders -- Habitat.</p> (2)
- Allometry (2)
- Ambush site selection (2)
- Amphibian (2)
- Anuran (2)
- Aquatic (2)
- Automated recording systems (ARS) (2)
- Bacteria (2)
- Breeding calls (2)
- Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) (2)
- Diet (2)
- Eastern Box Turtle (2)
- Fathead Minnow (2)
Articles 31 - 60 of 168
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Analysis Of Bioaccumulation Of Selenium Diets In Brook Trout (Salvelnius Fontinalis), Kyle Aaron Tasker
Analysis Of Bioaccumulation Of Selenium Diets In Brook Trout (Salvelnius Fontinalis), Kyle Aaron Tasker
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
The brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) is facing many challenges throughout the Appalachian region, which are thought to be brought on by effects of climate change and the loss of habitat because of the disturbance from the pursuit of energy sources, namely, the mining of coal in the region. Most of the mining occurs in the central plateau and southern mountain region of West Virginia. The brook trout have historically had an expansive range covering this region and has the potential to inhabit the headwater stream systems that occur very prevalently throughout the Appalachians. In the state of West Virginia, the …
Establishing Environmental Variability In The Toxins Produced By A Single Strain Of Prymnesium Parvum, Amy Parsons-White
Establishing Environmental Variability In The Toxins Produced By A Single Strain Of Prymnesium Parvum, Amy Parsons-White
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Prymnesium parvum (P. parvum) is a toxin producing haptophyte that has spread globally over the past 100 years. The algae, initially a marine organism, has moved inland to less saline waters. In addition, there is variability in the efficacy of the toxins produced from bloom to bloom. Variation between strains has been suggested as the reason for bloom differences; however, environmental variability within a single strain must first be established. Here, a single strain of P. parvum was cultured at three environmentally relevant salinities, 6psu, 13psu, and 35psu. Three different environmental shocks, decreased temperature, raised pH, and addition of specific …
The Effect Of Mast Availability On Ambush Site Selection In Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes (Crotalus Adamanteus), Berlynna May Heres
The Effect Of Mast Availability On Ambush Site Selection In Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes (Crotalus Adamanteus), Berlynna May Heres
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
I examined ambush site selection in eastern diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus). The eastern diamondback rattlesnake (EDB) is an imperiled, ambush predator endemic to southeastern pine savannas and woodlands of the United States. Eastern diamondbacks prey on small mammals that feed on hard and soft mast (e.g., nuts and fruits). In this study, I hypothesized that intra-seasonal shifts in masting vegetation would cause intra-season shifts in ambush site selection in EDBs as the result of a bottom-up trophic effect. I quantified EDB ambush site selection using radio telemetry data and vegetation analysis within a naturalized study site. When EDBs were encountered …
A Comparative Analysis Of The Metabolism And Energetics Of Darters (Percidae), Emma Kirsten Kist
A Comparative Analysis Of The Metabolism And Energetics Of Darters (Percidae), Emma Kirsten Kist
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Ecological niche theory suggests two species cannot live in the same ecological niche and differences should exist among species that appear to cohabitate. Variations in physiology and behavior that potentially enable species coexistence can be reflected in metabolism. This study investigated coexisting darter fishes by measuring the metabolism of greenside (Etheostoma blennioides) and variegate (E. variatum) darters over 48 h using intermittent-flow respirometry. Activity was analyzed using time-lapse videos. E. blennioides mean metabolic rate (154.64 ± SE 52.54 mg O2·kg-1 ·hr-1 ; n=14; p=0.0006) was significantly greater than and varied more than E. variatum’s mean rate (92.51 ± SE 32.70 …
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 …
An Assessment Of West Virginia Watersheds Through The Use Of Geographic Information System (Gis), Nathan Thomas Hoxie
An Assessment Of West Virginia Watersheds Through The Use Of Geographic Information System (Gis), Nathan Thomas Hoxie
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Analysis of West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) agency’s Stream Condition Index and habitat assessment data compared two cycles of data. Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to develop a kriging model to project scores. Scores were calculated for Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) eight and ten using Zonal statistics. The Getis-Ord Gi Star was used to identify high and low value clusters. Land use and impervious surface data was gathered from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to assess impacts to watersheds. The results for WVSCI and habitat assessment showed that there was an improvement between cycles. Negative WVSCI …
Analyzing Pterosaur Ontogeny And Sexual Dimorphism With Multivariate Allometry, Erick Charles Anderson
Analyzing Pterosaur Ontogeny And Sexual Dimorphism With Multivariate Allometry, Erick Charles Anderson
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
The relationships of pterosaurs have been previously inferred from observed traits, depositional environments, and phylogenetic associations. A great deal of research has begun to analyze pterosaur ontogeny, mass estimates, wing dynamics, and sexual dimorphism in the last two decades. The latter has received the least attention because of the large data set required for statistical analyses. Analyzing pterosaurs using osteological measurements will reveal different aspects of size and shape variation in Pterosauria (in place of character states) and sexual dimorphism when present. Some of these variations, not easily recognized visually, will be observed using multivariate allometry methods including Principle Component …
Testing The Efficacy Of Anuran Callback Surveys, Matthew S. Grisnik
Testing The Efficacy Of Anuran Callback Surveys, Matthew S. Grisnik
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Monitoring programs often suffer from imperfect detection resulting in skewed population estimates, biased estimates of changes in occupancy over time, and can result in an underestimated proportion of area occupied (PAO) by a species. To increase the detection probability, researchers must increase sampling both spatially and temporally. Callback surveys are an active form of sampling that have been used to monitor many avian and mammal species. During callback surveys, the call of a conspecific male is projected with the intention of increasing probability of detection by eliciting a response from territorial males. These methods work for organisms that establish breeding …
A Coprological Survey Of Golden Mantled Howler Monkeys (Alouatta Palliata Palliata) In The Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica, Jess M. Conatser
A Coprological Survey Of Golden Mantled Howler Monkeys (Alouatta Palliata Palliata) In The Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica, Jess M. Conatser
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Interactions between free-ranging primates and their associated parasitic forms continue to be a point of interest in ecology for several reasons. External and internal parasitism is not atypical for wild populations of primates, and the repercussions of these relationships can range from benign to life-threatening and capable of altering the structure of naturally occurring groups. The ecological relationship between the golden mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata palliata) and its host-specific ectoparasite, the howler monkey bot fly (Alouattamyia baeri) poses significant potential detriment to the overall body quality and success of the host primate. A. p. palliata has also been recorded …
Population Level Responses To Direct Application Liming In Gyrinophilus Porphyriticus, Shelby Renea Timm
Population Level Responses To Direct Application Liming In Gyrinophilus Porphyriticus, Shelby Renea Timm
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Direct application liming (DAL) has been used to neutralize acidified streams to restore aquatic biota. This mitigation technique has been used globally for decades, yet little data exist on its effects on amphibian populations. My study investigated the effects of liming on amphibians by measuring variability in life histories of larval Gyrinophilus porphyriticus. I collected larvae from six streams in the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia. I examined the effects of DAL on age structure, and I failed to detect a treatment effect. I used ANCOVAs to examine differences in body condition, body size, and gape size. I observed that …
Effects Of Roads And Trails On Peaks Of Otter Salamander (Plethodon Hubrichti) And Eastern Red-Backed Salamander (Plethodon Cinereus) Movement Behavior, Cory Benjamin Goff
Effects Of Roads And Trails On Peaks Of Otter Salamander (Plethodon Hubrichti) And Eastern Red-Backed Salamander (Plethodon Cinereus) Movement Behavior, Cory Benjamin Goff
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Habitat fragmentation negatively affects movement and dispersal of wildlife by altering useable space and creating barriers. The objective of this study was to assess impacts of fragmentation by roads and trails on the movement behavior of two terrestrial, woodland salamander species. I evaluated whether proximity to roads and trails affected the movement behavior of two species: the Peaks of Otter Salamander (Plethodon hubrichti), a species of special concern, and the Eastern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus). I examined movement behavior in three treatments: paved roads, gravel roads and hiking trails. I compared treatments to controls located at least 200m from treatment …
Monitoring The Land Cover Change In The Historic Range Of Cambarus Veteranus In West Virginia Using A 1973-2013 Landsat Time Series, Emma Martha Arneson
Monitoring The Land Cover Change In The Historic Range Of Cambarus Veteranus In West Virginia Using A 1973-2013 Landsat Time Series, Emma Martha Arneson
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
The crayfish Cambarus veteranus is near extinction in its historic range of the Upper Guyandotte River watershed. The biggest threats to C. veteranus are mining and road construction. Mining has been a continuous activity in the southern coalfields where the crayfish has historically been found, yet little is known about how much land cover change the practice has done to the region. Crayfish act as important organisms within aquatic ecosystems and without them, those systems are often degraded. Quantifying the change in land cover is important to understanding threats to C. veteranus for future protection of the crayfish and its …
Assessing Grazing Impacts On A Tropical Dry Forest System In Madagascar Through Vegetation, Satellite Image, Lemur Occupancy, And Acoustic Analysis, Lyndsay Lee Rankin
Assessing Grazing Impacts On A Tropical Dry Forest System In Madagascar Through Vegetation, Satellite Image, Lemur Occupancy, And Acoustic Analysis, Lyndsay Lee Rankin
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
The ability to assess the quality or ecological value of a landscape is a useful tool in effective conservation and natural resource management. Ecosystem biodiversity and functionality are reduced when human activities cause habitat alteration and/or fragmentation. Compromised habitats are unlikely to support naturally occurring communities or healthy ecosystem functions. Conservation scientists have historically concentrated their efforts on large, intact habitats with little human disturbance; the conservation value of small and/or disturbed areas has been comparatively overlooked. One limitation may be a lack of tools to identify disturbed areas with conservation value. Techniques that allow researchers to assess the habitat …
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 …
Using Ailuropoda Melanoleuca As A Model Species For Studying The Ecomorphology Of Paranthropus, Ryan Andrew King
Using Ailuropoda Melanoleuca As A Model Species For Studying The Ecomorphology Of Paranthropus, Ryan Andrew King
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) have cranial morphology similar to the extinct hominin genus Paranthropus which makes them an excellent model species when studying Paranthropus diet. Both species have wide skulls with flared zygomatic arches adapted for chewing. To gain insight into possible food sources of Paranthropus, I investigated the giant panda’s specialized diet of bamboo. The toughness, hardness, and stiffness of various bamboo species was determined to assess mechanical challenges facing giant pandas during feeding. Bamboo is thought to be tough, but studies on such properties and how they apply to mastication of giant pandas are largely …
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 …
Effectiveness Of Manual Palpation In The Northern Water Snake, Nerodia Sipedon Sipedon, As A Method To Extract Gut Contents For Dietary Studies, Marcella Ann Cruz
Effectiveness Of Manual Palpation In The Northern Water Snake, Nerodia Sipedon Sipedon, As A Method To Extract Gut Contents For Dietary Studies, Marcella Ann Cruz
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
The Common Water Snake, Nerodia sipedon sipedon, is one of six subspecies, and the only species of Nerodia to inhabit West Virginia. Because it is abundant and information on the species is lacking within the state, it was used as my study organism. The effectiveness of manual palpation, the most commonly used method in snake diet related studies, was tested against museum dissection by comparing presence and absence of gut contents. Nineteen individuals of 76 manually palpated collected snakes were compared to 6 individuals of 37 dissected snakes using a Pearson chi-square analysis. Results suggested manual palpation is an effective …
Size And Age Variation Of Larval Gyrinophilus Porphyriticus Porphyriticus In Sympatry With Salvelinus Fontinalis, Aaron Jacob Semasko
Size And Age Variation Of Larval Gyrinophilus Porphyriticus Porphyriticus In Sympatry With Salvelinus Fontinalis, Aaron Jacob Semasko
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
The Northern Spring Salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) has a larval stage that could extend up to six years, an anomaly unheard of in other plethodontid salamanders. The size of a larva could be larger than an adult of a younger age. A sympatric species, Salvelinus fontinalis, the native brook trout, negatively alters the individual mass and survival of G. p. porphyriticus larvae. In the absence of trout, the role of G. porphyriticus ascends to top predator in a small stream community. Amphibians specifically have proven their role as stream indicators, a position attributed to their porous skin. I attempted to determine …
Examining Habitat Selection And Home Range Behavior At Multiple Scales In A Population Of Eastern Box Turtles, (Terrapene C. Carolina), With Notes On Demographic Changes After 17 Years, Brian Anthony Williamson
Examining Habitat Selection And Home Range Behavior At Multiple Scales In A Population Of Eastern Box Turtles, (Terrapene C. Carolina), With Notes On Demographic Changes After 17 Years, Brian Anthony Williamson
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
The Eastern Box Turtle, Terrapene c. carolina, is a terrestrial species native to the eastern United States. Once considered common, it is currently declining in much of its range due to habitat destruction and disease. To conserve the species, knowledge of Eastern Box Turtle habitat selection and the factors influencing their movement is necessary. Although the home range behavior of the Eastern Box Turtle has been well studied, few studies have quantified habitat selection at the home-range scale. Therefore, I examined home-range selection and within home range habitat selection in a population of Eastern Box Turtles at Hungry Beech Nature …
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 …
Filling In The Gaps In Phenology And Life History Of The Cumberland Plateau Salamander (Plethodon Kentucki), Robert C. Bowers
Filling In The Gaps In Phenology And Life History Of The Cumberland Plateau Salamander (Plethodon Kentucki), Robert C. Bowers
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
The Cumberland Plateau Salamander, Plethodon kentucki, is a member of the Plethodon glutinosus complex comprising 16 sibling species, which are best differentiated by range. Few studies have been conducted to gain information on the natural history of P. kentucki. To alleviate this, two sites at Beech Fork State Park in Wayne County, West Virginia were used to study the salamander’s general life history with emphasis on reproduction, phenology, and population size. At each site, three 20m x 20m sample plots were arranged based on viability of the habitat for P. kentucki. Ground searches of all cover objects …
Examining The Influence Of Mating Systems On Testes Size In Salamanders, Howard James Stanton Ii
Examining The Influence Of Mating Systems On Testes Size In Salamanders, Howard James Stanton Ii
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Sperm competition theory predicts that relatively larger testes sizes evolve in animals with polygamous mating systems compared to those in monogamous mating systems due to sperm competition. Whereas intensity of sperm competition is the significant predictor of testes sizes in other taxa such as mammals, frogs, birds, insects, and fish, in salamanders the intensity of male-male competition in the transfer of spermatophores to females is predicted to be a critical factor. This is because males have to deposit more spermatophores to secure reproductive pay-off under higher intensity of male-male competition. I hypothesized that salamander species that breed explosively as groups …
Quantitative Reconstruction And Two-Dimensional, Steady Flow Hydrodynamics Of The Plesiosaur Flipper, Mark Cruz Deblois
Quantitative Reconstruction And Two-Dimensional, Steady Flow Hydrodynamics Of The Plesiosaur Flipper, Mark Cruz Deblois
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Plesiosaurs are a group of extinct marine reptiles that thrived during the Mesozoic Era. They are unique for swimming with two hydrofoil-shaped flippers. Penguins, sea turtles, and cetaceans all have hydrofoil shaped flippers but penguins and sea turtles only use the front pair to produce thrust and cetaceans use their tail flukes. Consequently, the mode of swimming for plesiosaurs has long been debated. However, a quantitative study of the hydrodynamic properties of the flippers, which would constrain inference about their mode of swimming, has not yet been done. The main reason is that the trailing edge of the plesiosaur flipper …
Dietary Preference Of The Queensnake (Regina Septemvittata), Timothy J. Brust
Dietary Preference Of The Queensnake (Regina Septemvittata), Timothy J. Brust
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
The Queensnake (Regina septemvittata) is a small secretive water snake found throughout the eastern United States. Once common, their numbers have declined to the extent that they are now threatened throughout most of their range, largely the result of pollutant-based reduction in prey species. These snakes are assumed to eat molted crayfish exclusively. For some common crayfish species, molting happens only twice a summer during a two- week period. It has not been documented if Queensnakes eat anything besides crayfish on a regular basis. The purpose of this study was to determine the prey preference of Queensnakes with particular focus …
Ontogenetic State Of A Juvenile Polycotylid Plesiosaur (Sauropterygia: Plesiosauria) And Its Implications For Plesiosaur Growth, Christina Joanne Byrd
Ontogenetic State Of A Juvenile Polycotylid Plesiosaur (Sauropterygia: Plesiosauria) And Its Implications For Plesiosaur Growth, Christina Joanne Byrd
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Understanding ontogenetic variation in plesiosaurs from the family Polycotylidae can provide insight into the evolutionary history of this group of extinct short-necked marine reptiles from the Cretaceous period. In this study, I analyzed a juvenile polycotylid plesiosaur from the University of Nebraska State Museum (UNSM 55810). UNSM 55810 came from the Pierre Shale (99-65 Ma) of Nebraska and possesses skeletal elements that include a partial skull, nearly complete pectoral and pelvic girdles, and an assortment of paddle elements. Based on several cranial characteristics, this specimen is probably referable to the genus Dolichorhynchops. Previous qualitative studies have included UNSM 55810 but …
Diversity Of The Ohio River Bacterial Communities Using Next-Generation Sequencing Techniques, Emily Michele Anneken
Diversity Of The Ohio River Bacterial Communities Using Next-Generation Sequencing Techniques, Emily Michele Anneken
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
The ability to sequence bacterial genetic material directly from environmental samples has unlocked the field of metagenomics. Next-generation sequencing techniques, such as pyrosequencing, have been instrumental in providing knowledge about bacterial communities. This study focused on identifying the bacterial diversity of the Ohio River via pyrosequencing and compared the diversity of cultivable bacteria versus the entire river community. To ensure the maximum number of cultivable bacteria was obtained, cultures were grown on nonselective media and incubated at river temperature. Bacterial DNA was extracted, sequenced, and classified. The dominant phyla for the Ohio River included Cyanobacteria (38-66% of the total), Actinobacteria …
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 …
Freshwater Mussel Populations Of The Monongahela River, Pa And Evaluation Of The Orsanco Copper Pole Substrate Sampling Technique Using G.I.S. Interpolation With Geometric Means, Jonathan Hart
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Large river studies for freshwater mussel populations and habitat in the Monongahela River within Pennsylvania have been almost non-existent over the past century. Aquatic diversity and water quality have been impaired in the Monongahela River since the Industrial Revolution and early impoundments were constructed to control the river. To date, there have been no thorough mussel population studies conducted on the Pennsylvanian Monongahela River proper since A.E. Ortmann in 1919. The mussel population accounts for this large river system are invaluable accounts of the aquatic condition of the Monongahela River. Mussel populations and habitat within the river have diminished drastically …
The Status And Distribution Of Invasive Crayfishes And Their Effects On Native Crayfish Communities In West Virginia, Casey David Swecker
The Status And Distribution Of Invasive Crayfishes And Their Effects On Native Crayfish Communities In West Virginia, Casey David Swecker
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Introductions of non-native crayfish species have resulted in the global decline of native crayfish populations, including those in North America. The last large survey of crayfishes from West Virginia was in 1988 and 1989. In this thorough document Raymond Jezerinac, Whitney Stocker, and Donald Tarter identified three separate areas in West Virginia where non-native crayfish species have been introduced. One area is located in the Potomac River drainage in northeastern West Virginia commonly referred to as the eastern panhandle of the state. This is also the only drainage in West Virginia where the native spiny cheek crayfish (Orconectes limosus) occurs. …
Chronic Toxicity Testing In Mining Influenced Streams Of West Virginia, Leah J. Bitzer
Chronic Toxicity Testing In Mining Influenced Streams Of West Virginia, Leah J. Bitzer
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Whole effluent toxicity (WET) tests have become a common tool in the evaluation of effluent for discharge acceptability. In this study, four years of toxicity data from 119 sampling locations were analyzed to determine relationships with ions and conductivity as indicators of toxicity. West Virginia Stream Condition Index (WVSCI) scores were also examined to evaluate correlations between stream scores, conductivity, and IC25 endpoints from toxicity results. Conductivity was not an indicator of toxicity in the range of conductivities tested. Streams dominated by mining effluent sometimes exhibited toxicity to Ceriodaphnia dubia; however, toxicity was not found to be related to ionic …