Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Institution
-
- Utah State University (27)
- The University of Maine (17)
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville (17)
- Louisiana State University (15)
- University of Arkansas, Fayetteville (14)
-
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (13)
- University of South Florida (13)
- City University of New York (CUNY) (12)
- Cal Poly Humboldt (11)
- Western University (10)
- Georgia Southern University (9)
- South Dakota State University (9)
- University of Montana (9)
- Boise State University (8)
- Portland State University (8)
- University of Windsor (8)
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (7)
- Old Dominion University (7)
- University of New Mexico (7)
- University of Texas at El Paso (7)
- Virginia Commonwealth University (7)
- West Virginia University (7)
- Michigan Technological University (6)
- Murray State University (6)
- The University of Akron (6)
- University of Central Florida (6)
- University of Mississippi (6)
- University of North Florida (6)
- University of Vermont (6)
- Claremont Colleges (5)
- Keyword
-
- Climate change (27)
- Ecology (14)
- Evolution (11)
- Conservation (10)
- Fish (7)
-
- Migration (7)
- Academic -- UNF -- Master of Science in Biology; Dissertations (6)
- Diet (6)
- Population genetics (6)
- Restoration (6)
- Thesis; University of North Florida; UNF; Dissertations (6)
- Wildfire (6)
- Home range (5)
- Microbiome (5)
- Phenology (5)
- Abundance (4)
- Animal behavior (4)
- Behavior (4)
- Biodiversity (4)
- Biology (4)
- Bobcat (4)
- Coyote (4)
- Disease ecology (4)
- Distribution (4)
- Fire (4)
- Hydrology (4)
- Invasive species (4)
- Landscape ecology (4)
- Lynx rufus (4)
- Phylogenetic diversity (4)
- Publication
-
- Electronic Theses and Dissertations (60)
- All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023 (24)
- Masters Theses (20)
- Theses and Dissertations (18)
- Honors Theses (17)
-
- Doctoral Dissertations (16)
- USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations (13)
- Graduate Theses and Dissertations (12)
- Master's Theses (12)
- Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects (11)
- LSU Master's Theses (11)
- Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository (10)
- Boise State University Theses and Dissertations (8)
- Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (7)
- Open Access Theses & Dissertations (7)
- Theses (7)
- Dissertations and Theses (6)
- Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports (6)
- Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects (6)
- Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020- (6)
- Graduate College Dissertations and Theses (6)
- UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations (6)
- Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects (6)
- Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers (5)
- Honors Thesis (5)
- Theses, Dissertations and Capstones (5)
- UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones (5)
- Undergraduate Honors Theses (5)
- Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations (4)
- Biology ETDs (4)
- File Type
Articles 391 - 420 of 440
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
An Exceptionally Small New Polycotylid Plesiosaur (Reptilia: Sauropterygia) With Raptorial Eyes From The Western Interior Seaway Of North America, Robert O’Brien Clark
An Exceptionally Small New Polycotylid Plesiosaur (Reptilia: Sauropterygia) With Raptorial Eyes From The Western Interior Seaway Of North America, Robert O’Brien Clark
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Polycotylidae is a family of plesiosaurian marine reptiles that evolved during the Early Cretaceous and radiated into multiple genera during the Late Cretaceous, achieving a worldwide distribution. Derived polycotylids of the subclade Polycotylinae have a gracile and elongated rostrum, homodont dentition, an extended mandibular symphysis, and foreshortened temporal fenestrae. In this thesis, I describe a small and highly derived new polycotylid taxon based on three specimens from the Campanian of the Western Interior Seaway in North America. A high number of maxillary teeth, fused neural arches, propodials with well-defined facets, and heavily remodeled cortical bone indicate the specimens are adults, …
Effects Of Predator Management And Parasitism On Over-Water Nesting Diving Duck Production In Southwestern Manitoba, Trenton E. Rohrer
Effects Of Predator Management And Parasitism On Over-Water Nesting Diving Duck Production In Southwestern Manitoba, Trenton E. Rohrer
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Nest survival of upland nesting waterfowl (e.g., mallard [Anas platyrhynchos], blue-winged teal [Anas discors]) has been studied extensively in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of North America. Conversely, over-water nesting diving ducks’ nest survival is poorly understood, likely because over-water nests are more challenging to find, may be less concentrated, and searching for these nests is physically demanding. Nest depredation is considered a leading cause of duck nest failure and is considered a limiting factor on upland nesting waterfowl production in the PPR. Similar factors limiting upland nesting duck production may limit over-water nesting duck productivity, but studies of this …
Pollinator Ecology In Agroecosystems Of Eastern South Dakota, Isabela Beatriz Vilella-Arnizaut
Pollinator Ecology In Agroecosystems Of Eastern South Dakota, Isabela Beatriz Vilella-Arnizaut
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Community structure contributes to ecosystem persistence and stability. To understand the mechanisms underlying pollination and community stability of natural areas in a human influenced landscape, a better understanding of the interaction patterns between plants and pollinators in disturbed landscapes is needed. Furthermore, understanding the potential conservation value in green spaces such as botanical gardens could assist in preserving and bolstering plant-pollinator interactions. Our study takes place in the Northern Great Plains which still retains extensive tracts of remnant temperate grassland habitat within a matrix of varying land-uses. First, we used a network-based approach to quantify how temperate grassland attributes and …
Macroinvertebrate Responses To Hydrological Variation In Experimental Wetlands., Sergio A. Sabat-Bonilla
Macroinvertebrate Responses To Hydrological Variation In Experimental Wetlands., Sergio A. Sabat-Bonilla
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Predicted increases in the frequency of intense storms and periods of severe drought due to climate change represent a threat to wetland macroinvertebrate communities through alterations to the hydrological regime. I used experimental ponds to assess the effects of water permanence (i.e., duration of flooding) on the communities of aquatic macroinvertebrates. I predicted that permanent ponds would harbor higher diversity of longer-lived taxa whereas temporary ones will favor colonization by quick turnover, short-lived taxa and support lower consumer diversity. Results show differences in macroinvertebrate communities between permanent and temporary ponds can be mostly explained by hydrology and the amount of …
Sexual Dimorphism Of Thermal Preference In Florida Scrub Lizards (Sceloporus Woodi) And Predicting Response To Climate Change In Two Rare Habitats, Sidney E. Anderson
Sexual Dimorphism Of Thermal Preference In Florida Scrub Lizards (Sceloporus Woodi) And Predicting Response To Climate Change In Two Rare Habitats, Sidney E. Anderson
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The Florida Scrub Lizard (Sceloporus woodi) is endemic to Florida, where it inhabits fragments of xeric sandhill uplands including endangered long-leaf pine and sand pine scrub habitats. Lizards depend on a predictable range of temperatures to maximize their growth and productivity, and to do so, they shuttle among various thermal micro-environments. Thus, the spatial distribution of temperatures in the habitat is important. Habitats dominated by either high or low extremes of an organism’s preference are energetically costly and dangerous (less optimal), especially to gravid females. This study examines thermal preference of a near-threatened species that also inhabits increasingly rare habitats. …
The Effects Of Habitat Fragmentation On Avian Mobbing Behavior, Jada T. Daniels
The Effects Of Habitat Fragmentation On Avian Mobbing Behavior, Jada T. Daniels
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Habitat fragmentation has negative effects on bird species diversity, as well as reproductive success of some species. However, there is little comparative information on the effect it may have on bird behavior. For example, small forest fragments are likely to have fewer bird species and individuals. This may limit the success of mobbing as an antipredator behavior because mobbing success depends on recruiting other birds to the group. This possibility has never been tested. The objective of my study is to quantify the effects of forest size on mobbing behavior in forest-dwelling birds. Mobbing behavior was elicited in 100 randomly …
Use Of Lymesim 2.0 To Assess The Potential For Single And Integrated Management Methods To Control Blacklegged Ticks (Ixodes Scapularis; Acari: Ixodidae) And Transmission Of Lyme Disease Spirochetes, Shravani Chitineni, Elizabeth R. Gleim, Holly D. Gaff
Use Of Lymesim 2.0 To Assess The Potential For Single And Integrated Management Methods To Control Blacklegged Ticks (Ixodes Scapularis; Acari: Ixodidae) And Transmission Of Lyme Disease Spirochetes, Shravani Chitineni, Elizabeth R. Gleim, Holly D. Gaff
Undergraduate Honors Theses
Annual Lyme disease cases continue to rise in the U.S. making it the most reported vector-borne illness in the country. The pathogen (Borrelia burgdorferi) and primary vector (Ixodes scapularis; blacklegged tick) dynamics of Lyme disease are complicated by the multitude of vertebrate hosts and varying environmental factors, making models an ideal tool for exploring disease dynamics in a time- and cost-effective way. In the current study, LYMESIM 2.0, a mechanistic model, was used to explore the effectiveness of three commonly used tick control methods: habitat-targeted acaricide (spraying), rodent-targeted acaricide (bait boxes), and white-tailed deer targeted acaricide (4-poster …
Impact Of The North American Monsoon On Molt Migrant Passerines, Liuqingqing Yang
Impact Of The North American Monsoon On Molt Migrant Passerines, Liuqingqing Yang
Honors Theses
Breeding, molt, and migration place considerable yearly demands on migrating passerines in North America. Due to conflicts in energy allocation, many species have evolved migration strategies that prevent temporal overlap in these processes. However, there is recent evidence that some passerines which breed in western North America migrate to intermediate stopover sites to carry out molt, conflating molt and migration. Factors influencing the evolution of such a strategy are believed to include both aridity on breeding grounds and dependable flushes of late-summer productivity in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. This productivity occurs due to the brisk rainfall of …
Contrasting Patterns Of Nutrient Limitation In The Littoral And Pelagic Zones Of Mesotrophic Maine Lakes, Grace C. Neumiller
Contrasting Patterns Of Nutrient Limitation In The Littoral And Pelagic Zones Of Mesotrophic Maine Lakes, Grace C. Neumiller
Honors Theses
Intense nutrient loading of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) causes sudden regime shifts in freshwater ecosystems from clearwater to turbid conditions with frequent cyanobacterial blooms. Characterization of nutrient limitation patterns of primary productivity in these ecosystems is necessary for effective management of algal blooms. However, much of this research has focused on pelagic habitats. The influence of lake habitat (i.e. benthic littoral versus pelagic zones) on nutrient limitation of primary production in mesotrophic lakes is largely unknown, particularly in contrast to research on pelagic nutrient limitation in eutrophic systems. Using paired nutrient diffusing substrata and mesocosm experiments, we measured chlorophyll- …
A Foray Into The Interval Timing Capabilities Of Tufted Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus [Sapajus] Apella), Gryff Griffin
A Foray Into The Interval Timing Capabilities Of Tufted Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus [Sapajus] Apella), Gryff Griffin
Honors Theses
Time is a critical part of life and timing on the range from milliseconds to minutes has proven to be critical for several behaviors such as foraging and movement. While the exact neurological structures of interval timing are currently undefined, several studies have been completed comparing the interval timing capabilities of humans and nonhuman primates. However, these studies have unanimously utilized members of Macaca, which limits the abilities for researchers to make apt comparisons between humans and all nonhuman primates. This study sought to investigate whether tufted capuchins (Cebus [Sapajus] apella) have the capability to measure time …
Breaking The Chain – The Role Of Intersexual Genetic Correlations In Sexual Dimorphism And The Consequences And Limits Of Their Evolution, Matthew Ma Maoloni, Tara Newman, Tristan Af Long Dr.
Breaking The Chain – The Role Of Intersexual Genetic Correlations In Sexual Dimorphism And The Consequences And Limits Of Their Evolution, Matthew Ma Maoloni, Tara Newman, Tristan Af Long Dr.
Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)
In many sexually reproducing species, males and females often differ in countless ways beyond their primary sexual organs. This phenomenon is known as sexual dimorphism, and it is generally considered to be an adaptive response to differences in the selection pressures experienced by males and females. Despite the advantages associated with sexual dimorphism, it does not evolve completely unhindered – there are plenty of biological effects that can limit the extent and rate of divergence between the sexes. This research project focusses on the potential role of the intersexual genetic correlation (rmf) – which describes the …
Will There Be Changes In Sexually Differentiated Behaviors In Mice Manipulated For The Sry Gene As They Mature Into Adultood?, Subin Joo
CMC Senior Theses
Sexually differentiated behavior has been shown to be affected by both genes and hormones. The discovery of the SRY gene, which codes for the development of testes, lead to the development of the Four Core Genotypes model of mice, and the separation of sex chromosomes and its resulting gonadal hormones. Using the FCG model, this study aims to look at the development of sexually differentiated behavior in mice, and track how it changes throughout their life. FCG mice will be divided into individual and social housing, and repeated experiments carried out to test their reaction to both intact female and …
Litter Breakdown And Benthic Invertebrate Detritivores From A Hydrologically Restored Stream, Jacob Becraft
Litter Breakdown And Benthic Invertebrate Detritivores From A Hydrologically Restored Stream, Jacob Becraft
Online Theses and Dissertations
The breakdown of coarse forms of detritus into finer forms is an ecosystem function of forested headwater streams. Many factors influence the rate of litter decay, but there is a lack of research on how stream restorations, that aim to restore hydrologic functions, influence litter breakdown. This study compared litter processing rates and macroinvertebrate detritivore assemblages between a hydrologically restored stream (Slabcamp Creek) and an un-restored control stream (White Pine Branch) in the Daniel Boone National Forest in Rowan Co., KY. Red maple (Acer rubrum) leaves were placed in mesh bags and deployed in riffles and pools at the restored …
Evaluating Avian Occupancy On Sites Treated With Nrcs Conservation Practices Implemented To Benefit Cerulean (Setophaga Cerulea) And Golden-Winged Warblers (Vermivora Chrysoptera) In West Virginia, Lincoln R. Oliver
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) supports private lands conservation across the United States to benefit imperiled focal wildlife species using conservation practices to restore habitat. Through the Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea) Forestland Enhancement Project (CWAFEP) and the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) initiative, the NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners to implement conservation practices that follow science-based habitat management guidelines. Few research studies have evaluated focal species-specific occupancy on CWAFEP and/or WLFW sites, and research is required to inform each conservation project’s effectiveness in an adaptive …
The Impact Of Tidal Elevation And Climate Change On The Growth And Performance Of Balanus Glandula, Sam Martin
The Impact Of Tidal Elevation And Climate Change On The Growth And Performance Of Balanus Glandula, Sam Martin
Pitzer Senior Theses
Tidal elevation affects the survival, growth, and performance of intertidal organisms because it regulates their exposure to heat, waves, food availability, and a variety of other abiotic factors. While previous research has explored the relationship between temperature and the performance of the barnacle Balanus glandula, there are unanswered questions about how tidal elevation affects B. glandula performance and growth. I compared the growth of B. glandula at three tidal elevations in Friday Harbor, Washington, and estimated the metabolic cost of emersion at each tidal elevation using a cost equation gained from thermal performance curves and average daily maximum temperatures. …
Mycorrhizal Type Dictates Soil Microbial Diversity And Function And The Integrated Root-Microbial Response To Water Stress In Temperate Forests, Nanette C. Raczka
Mycorrhizal Type Dictates Soil Microbial Diversity And Function And The Integrated Root-Microbial Response To Water Stress In Temperate Forests, Nanette C. Raczka
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Our understanding of the mechanisms that control the magnitude of the temperate forest carbon (C) sink and its response to global change remain uncertain. Much of this uncertainty lies in the extent to which differences between tree species in their mycorrhizal symbionts and corresponding nutrient acquisition strategies control the activity of soil microbes that mobilize nutrients and decompose soil organic matter. ECM trees allocate substantial amounts of C to ECM fungi and rhizosphere microbes to mine soil organic matter for nutrients. By contrast, AM trees invest less C belowground and rely on AM fungi to scavenge for nutrients. While these …
A Field Study Of Mimulus Alatus And Its Visitors, Joshua Stefan, Nathan Stefan
A Field Study Of Mimulus Alatus And Its Visitors, Joshua Stefan, Nathan Stefan
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
The purpose of this field study was to determine the flower characteristics of Mimulus alatus and observe the behaviors of visitors to the plant. Members of M. alatus were observed in their natural habitat to ascertain the flowering period for the plants and the lifespan of a single bloom; nectar and pollen levels were also periodically measured. Behavioral patterns of visitors to the flowers were recorded and the species identified. Statistical analysis was performed to deduce the relationships between time of day and nectar and pollen levels, as well as visitor behavior. The blooming period occurred from early July to …
The Evolution Of Technology, Kelly Cooper
The Evolution Of Technology, Kelly Cooper
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
As per outlined by Dr. Quinn, this literature review will be a comprehensive review paper including an overview of current and previous research done in the field of Memetics. This will further include sifting through literature to hone in on a specific, new area of memetics Dr. Weeks is focused on, the evolutionary change of abiotic factors through purchasing. This is to be completed with the help of the library worshops designed to teach the skills necessary to undergo a literature review of this size. I will also participate in weekly reading groups to discuss papers and work closely with …
Determining Environmental Changes Using Time Lapse Photography, Emily Lemasters
Determining Environmental Changes Using Time Lapse Photography, Emily Lemasters
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
This paper aims to use photographs throughout several years to observe, examine, and make conclusions on changes occurring at different areas of the Bath Nature Preserve. Throughout the years 2013-2021, photographs have been captured at roughly the same angle at multiple locations in the preserve. These photographs will be placed into a time lapse video and examined to physically see how the environment is changing. Changes to the environment could be natural or as a result of outside factors. By examining these changes, it can be determined if alterations need to be made to help the environment thrive. Two specific …
Anthropogenic Particle (Including Microplastic And Microfiber) Transport And Retention In Streams Under Varied Environmental Conditions, Elizabeth Marjorie Berg
Anthropogenic Particle (Including Microplastic And Microfiber) Transport And Retention In Streams Under Varied Environmental Conditions, Elizabeth Marjorie Berg
Master's Theses
Microplastics (plastic particles <5 mm) and other anthropogenic particles (i.e., synthetic, semi-synthetic and anthropogenically modified cellulose particles < 5mm) are pollutants of concern in aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Anthropogenic particles enter food chains, adsorb harmful chemical pollutants, and are ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems. Streams are key sites of anthropogenic particle input, retention, and transport, and empirical measurements of particle movement in lotic ecosystems are needed to inform global budgets of anthropogenic particles and microplastics. However, factors that influence anthropogenic particle retention in lotic ecosystems are poorly understood. We demonstrate how environmental characteristics affect plastic transport and retention in streams in experimental and observational studies. In our experimental study, we used particle spiraling metrics to directly measure microplastic retention in outdoor, experimental streams at Notre Dame's Linked Experimental Ecosystem Facility (ND-LEEF). We tested the impact of stream discharge (i.e., high, low), benthic biofilms (i.e., well-established biofilms, reduced biofilms post-scouring), and benthic substrate type (i.e., cobble, pea gravel, sand, mixed substrate) on retention of microplastic fibers using pulsed releases and synchronized water sample collection at 3 sites downstream. We also collected benthic surface samples for biomass and microplastic density. Samples were filtered directly (water samples) or after peroxide digestion (benthic samples), and experimental microplastic fibers were enumerated visually using a dissecting microscope. Microplastic deposition rates were significantly higher with (1) higher discharge, (2) well established benthic biofilm (as opposed to bare substrate), and (3) larger and more homogeneous substrates. The observational study examined anthropogenic particles (including microplastics and microfibers) in the Milwaukee River during storm events. Lotic ecosystems are highly variable (e.g., seasonal changes, storm events), and most research assessing anthropogenic particle pollution extrapolates stream particle loads based on measurements during only one point in time. This limits the accuracy of anthropogenic particle and microplastic dynamics models in rivers, where frequent changes in discharge drives retention and transport of fine particles. In this study, we used automated samplers to collect water from the Milwaukee River during four distinct storm events in the spring and summer of 2018. We quantified anthropogenic particle abundance using standard methods and used nearby USGS gauges to determine discharge. Anthropogenic particle concentrations varied significantly among the four sampling periods, highlighting the temporal variability of anthropogenic particle transport across dates. When data from the sampling periods were pooled, there was a decrease in anthropogenic particle concentration in the water column after storm events, indicating that floods may "flush" microplastics from the river. Unexpectedly, anthropogenic particle concentrations were not correlated with other water quality metrics, including concentrations of total suspended solids, fecal coliform, chloride, nitrate, and sulfate, indicating that these metrics cannot be used to estimate microplastic concentrations and likely have distinct driving factors. These results provide novel insights into the environmental factors controlling anthropogenic particle and microplastic fate and are critical to understanding the role of lotic retention and transport in global plastic budgets.
Anthropogenic Litter In Illinois Streams: Monitoring, Distribution, And Relationship To Biological Indicators Of Stream Health, Lauren Wisbrock
Anthropogenic Litter In Illinois Streams: Monitoring, Distribution, And Relationship To Biological Indicators Of Stream Health, Lauren Wisbrock
Master's Theses
Anthropogenic litter (i.e., trash; AL) is increasing in aquatic ecosystems worldwide. AL shows a patchy, uneven distribution in lotic ecosystems due to heterogeneity in its sources, how it moves, and mechanisms of retention. In addition, the diversity of material types, size, and mobility makes developing techniques to measure AL assemblage in rivers a challenge. In rivers, watershed land-use and riparian features likely impact AL abundance and composition, but this impact is not fully understood. Measuring AL can be time consuming and labor intensive, so rapid assessments are needed for ecosystem managers to quantify the level of AL impairment in a …
Drivers And Consequences Of Alnus Alnobetula (Green Alder) Distribution At The Taiga-Tundra Ecotone Of The Northwest Territories, Cory Wallace
Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)
Climate warming in the Arctic is occurring considerably faster than the global average. One of the most widespread biological responses to this warming in terrestrial systems has been a marked increase in the productivity of shrubby vegetation. Increased shrub growth and reproduction has the potential to alter both local and global aspects of ecosystem function, making understanding its drivers and environmental impact an important research priority. In this context, considerable research has focused on characterizing relationships between shrub cover, abiotic conditions, and understory communities. However, fewer studies have co-located measurements of these components simultaneously in undisturbed tundra shrub patches to …
Genetic Diversity & Connectivity Of Chasmanthium Latifolium (Poaceae) In Pennsylvania & The Effect On Conservation Status Of A Rare Species, Jonathan D. Hayes
Genetic Diversity & Connectivity Of Chasmanthium Latifolium (Poaceae) In Pennsylvania & The Effect On Conservation Status Of A Rare Species, Jonathan D. Hayes
Honors Theses
Chasmanthium latifolium (Michx.) Yates (Poaceae) is a loosely colonial, rhizomatous, perennial grass species that lives in riparian habitats, making it fittingly referred to as river oats. Native to the southern Midwest and the eastern half of the United States, C. latifolium reaches the northeastern edge of its range in Pennsylvania. Within Pennsylvania, eleven extant C. latifolium populations are found along four waterways: the Monongahela River, the Susquehanna River, and two tributaries to the Susquehanna River. This limited state distribution exhibits an east-west disjunct distribution, where western populations are largely separated from eastern populations with one centrally located population. Between the …
An Assessment Of The Ph Of The Soil In The Tamarack Bog, Clarity Gunn
An Assessment Of The Ph Of The Soil In The Tamarack Bog, Clarity Gunn
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
The purpose of this research project was to assess the pH of the Tamarack bog. The research was conducted once a month, weather permitting, at the Tamarack bog at the Bath Nature Preserve in Akron Ohio. Data collection began on July 31st, 2019 ended October 2020 and was supplemented with pilot data collected in 2018. The pH was taken with a pH probe at specific sampling sites and transects that have been placed by Dr. Mitchell previously for other experiments. It was found that the Tamarack bog presented as a mosaic bog with features of a fen as well. The …
An Enumeration Of Nested Networks, Nathan Cornelius
An Enumeration Of Nested Networks, Nathan Cornelius
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
Nested networks have several applications in phylogenetics and electrical circuit theory. In many cases, there may exist more than one distinct network which correctly models a given data set. This proposes a combinatorial problem to determine all possible network solutions. In this paper, we partially solve this problem by developing exponential generating functions which enumerate all 1-nested and 2-nested unicyclic networks. We also describe our procedure to directly count all 1-nested and 2-nested networks and provide all 1-nested networks with 7, 8, and 9 terminal nodes.
Nitrogen Dynamics And Transport Along Flowpaths In A Rural Wetland-Stream Complex, Colton Kyro
Nitrogen Dynamics And Transport Along Flowpaths In A Rural Wetland-Stream Complex, Colton Kyro
Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers
Human activities have doubled the rate of nitrogen inputs onto the landscape resulting in elevated nitrogen concentrations in our streams. Anthropogenically applied nitrogen is largely transported to stream networks via groundwater movement. Groundwater discharge occurs in distinct points along a stream but whose influences can often persist far beyond that area due to insufficient biogeochemical removal of imported nitrogen potentially causing alterations in community structure and precipitating large algae blooms. To understand the factors governing nitrogen abundance in a historical polluted stream, I used a mass-balance approach to quantify groundwater-surface water interaction and the magnitude of groundwater nitrogen input and …
Effects Of Emerging Contaminants On Centrarchidae And Catostomidae In Midwestern Rivers: A Multiple Biomarker Approach, Camden Garret Nix
Effects Of Emerging Contaminants On Centrarchidae And Catostomidae In Midwestern Rivers: A Multiple Biomarker Approach, Camden Garret Nix
Masters Theses
Natural habitats of fish are gradually declining due to land use and pollution caused by industrial wastes, intensive agriculture and contamination from sewage systems. The United States has 14,780 wastewater treatment facilities that discharge effluent into navigable waters, and in some cases these discharge waters represent a considerable proportion of the water system flow. These activities make it critical to discern the effects of pollutants that are entering our waterways at a consistent rate, such as 17β-estradiol (E2) and nickel, on aquatic organisms. To determine the effects of 17β-estradiol on endocrine disruption in fish, Bluegill Sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) …
Effects Of Wastewater Effluent On Fish Fin Morphology Of Larval Fathead Minnows (Pimephales Promelas) And Swimming Performance Of Smallmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus Bubalus), Seth Michael Bogue
Effects Of Wastewater Effluent On Fish Fin Morphology Of Larval Fathead Minnows (Pimephales Promelas) And Swimming Performance Of Smallmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus Bubalus), Seth Michael Bogue
Masters Theses
The Sangamon River flows across central Illinois and is mostly free flowing except in the city of Decatur where it is impounded to form Lake Decatur. The Sanitary District of Decatur (SDD) is located approximately three miles downstream of the Lake Decatur dam. For a significant portion of the year, the stretch of the Sangamon River downstream of SDD is dominated by effluent due to limited discharge from the Lake Decatur dam. This has resulted in heavy nutrient loading, most notably phosphorus, and elevated levels of nickel and other compounds in the downstream section of the river. Smallmouth buffalo ( …
Management And Conservation Of Westslope Cutthroat Trout In An Impacted, Connected River System, Troy Weant Smith
Management And Conservation Of Westslope Cutthroat Trout In An Impacted, Connected River System, Troy Weant Smith
Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers
Westslope cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi (WCT) is a native species of high conservation value that historically exhibited partially migratory behavior throughout its range. Long-term persistence of WCT is threatened by human habitat modification, fragmentation, introduction of non-native species, and hybridization. As a result of these changes, remnant populations in Montana have shifted toward resident populations in headwater systems and away from migratory populations in larger connected river networks. This is compounded by the historic introduction of rainbow trout O. mykiss (RBT) that hybridize with WCT, especially in larger river habitats. Rock Creek in western Montana, USA was historically managed …
Functional Genetic Approaches To Provide Evidence For The Role Of Toolkit Genes In The Evolution Of Complex Color Patterns In Drosophila Guttifera, Mujeeb Olushola Shittu
Functional Genetic Approaches To Provide Evidence For The Role Of Toolkit Genes In The Evolution Of Complex Color Patterns In Drosophila Guttifera, Mujeeb Olushola Shittu
Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports
Toolkit genes are set of genes that orchestrate the development of basic body plan of animals, and they are highly conserved in all animals. The co-option of the toolkit genes into the pigmentation pathway has led to the evolution of novel species. This study focuses on understanding how the complex color patterns in animals develop by using the Drosophila species in the quinaria group as models. We developed an mRNA in situ hybridization (ISH) protocol, which allowed us to study gene expression patterns in the abdomen of developing pupae of non-model Drosophila species (Chapter 2). Through ISH, we found that …