Life Sciences Commons^™

Effect Of Altitude On The Peripheral Degradation Of Thyroxine In The Uinta Ground Squirrel (Citellus Armatus), Stuart K. Ware

Theses and Dissertations

Various methods were employed to detect changes in the peripheral degradation of thyroxine (T4) in adult Uinta ground squirrels (Citellus armatus) collected at two different altitudes (5400 and 9000 feet.) Plasma half-life of injected T4-125I (tl/2) was significantly decreased with altitude, as was T4-125I distribution space (TDS) and T4 degradation and secretion rate (TSR). In vitro deiodination of T4-125I by heart homogenates was not affected, while urinary excretion of thyroxine derived iodide was increased at high altitude 44-70 hours post-injection. Both total and free serum T4 concentrations were reduced at high altitude, although not significantly. The cause of the reduced …

Potential Diets For Carp Production, Rex Carlton Infanger

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of raising carp on pig manure and coli, Brassica campestris. The use of pig feces as a source of fish food has been questioned by researchers (Hickling 1968). Coli was selected for dietary intake by fish since it is used for human consumption by the Indians of Guatemala. Commercial fish food (Silver Cup) was used for a control diet. These diets were both combined and used as a single source of food.

Spatial And Temporal Partitioning Between Sympatric Rodents: Zapus And Peromyscus, Emma Bernice Speer

Theses and Dissertations

Partitioning space and time by seemingly sympatric rodents, Zapus princeps and Peromyscus maniculatus, were examined as possible mechanisms allowing coexistence. The two populations were studied in Central Utah with an electrically monitored grid. Spatial separation of individuals and the populations minimized confrontations and created local allopatric distribtuions. Temporal partitioning was not used as a mechanism to allow coexistence and was apparently independent of spatial partitioning. The Peromyscus population was composed primarily of males which may have been due to less favorable habitat and/or presence of Zapus. The data show that Peromyscus tend to avoid Zapus, possibly due to deleterious aggressive …

The Osteology And Myology Of The Head And Neck Region Of Callisaurus, Cophosaurus, Holbrookia, And Uma, The "Sand Lizards", Douglas Charles Cox

Theses and Dissertations

Blainville (1835) wrote the first description of a sand lizard and named it Callisaurus draconoides. Since his time various authors have published articles concerning sand lizards. Girard (1851) described Holbrookia maculata, Trochel (1852) described Cophosaurus texanus, and that same year Baird and Girard synonymized Cophosaurus with Holbrookia providing the name Holbrookia texana, which has stood for over 100 years. Subsequently, Baird (1858) described Uma notata.

Population Characterization And Feeding Behavior Of A Subtidal Neogastropod, Amphissa Columbiana, Bruce C. Stone

Theses and Dissertations

The neogastropod Amphissa columbiana is found abundantly in subtidal areas of the San Juan Archipelago. Two populations studied were composed of distinct age classes of sexually immature and mature specimens. Reproduction appears to take place in the fall by snails at least two years old. Amphissa is a chemoreceptive scavenger that usually feeds on carrion and on dead and injured animals. Feeding behavior is mediated by chemical attractants from dead and traumatized tissue. An unusual feeding association is formed where Amphissa congregate around feeding predators to share their meals. A specific defense mechanism is deployed by Amphissa especially in response …

The Snowy Egret (Egretta Thula Brewsteri) A Life History Study At Utah Lake With Comments On The Subspecies Status, Gerald Leigh Gunnell

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to augment the limited information available regarding the Snowy Egret in the Utah Lake area of Utah. Field observations included the following: nesting habits; egg and clutch sizes; sexual, defense, and feeding behaviors. Analysis was made of the distinguishing subspecies characteristics (culmen, tarsus, and wing length) of the Snowy Egrets and of the distribution of the birds. Field observations showed that growth measurements of the young varied from 16.75 g at hatching to 260.58 g after 17 days. Culmen and tarsus measurements were 15.41 mm and 14.12 mm to 53.18 mm and 62.18 mm, respectively, after …

Defense Mechanism And Feeding Behavior Of Pteraster Tesselatus Ives (Echinodermata, Asteroidea), James Milton Nance

Theses and Dissertations

Pteraster tesselatus is noted for its external secretion of massive amounts of mucus. The mucus repels most animals, and fouls their respiratory physiology, if contact is maintained for any length of time. It provides protection essentially 100% of the time from Solaster dawsoni and Pycnopodia helianthoides, the only local stars that attempt to feed on Pteraster. The mucus, which is a simple mucopolysaccride, is produced in three different types of unicellular glands located in the epidermal tissues along the supradorsal membrane. Pores along the lateral walls of the ambulacral grooves provide fresh sea water for the dermal branchiae contained in …

Evaluation Of Anhydrous Ammonia As A Control Of Northern Pocket Gophers Thomomys Talpoides On Rangelands In The Wasatch Mountain, Utah, Marc C. Wride

Theses and Dissertations

Anhydrous ammonia (NH3) was tested as a potential replacement for residual, non specific toxicants as an effective control agent. It was postulated that NH3 would effectively control northern pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides) and also act as a fertilizer for rangeland vegetation. Compound 1080 was selected as a standard for comparison of gopher control efficiency. Over 700 burrow systems were treated or monitored. Results showed compound 1080 to be 81 percent and NH3 45 percent efficient in controlling gophers. Although fertilizing effects of NH3 were positive, the low control efficiency and high application costs make NH3 an unlikely replacement for the …

The Cryptogamic Flora Of Desert Soil Crusts In Southern Utah, Davic C. Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

The cryptogamic flora of several soil crusts of arid regions in southern Utah was determined. Twenty-two lichens, Six mosses and fifty-four algal species were identified and their relative abundance estimated.

Influence Of Preharvest Ethephon Applications On Ripening Of Japanese Plum (Prunus Salicina), George Marvin Leavitt

Theses and Dissertations

Ethephon, applied to two plum cultivars, 'Queen Rosa' and 'El Dorado' , at 50 and 100 ppm, gave varying responses on the ripening process. Soluble solids remained unchanged while acid levels dropped. Increased ethylene evolution, color advancement and decreased flesh pr observed.

Efficacy Of Zoalene And Clopidol In Dogs Experimentally Infected With Isospora Canis, James Carson Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Isospora canis (Protozoa:Nemeseri, 1959) is an important coccidian parasite of domestic dogs. Ingestion of the sporulated oocysts causes the release of sporozoites which invade the epithe-lial lining of the intestine. Schizogony and gametogony take place in the epithelial tissue resulting in a massive proliferation of the parasite and extensive destruction of the intestinal cells (Lepp and Todd, 1974). Severe infections cause loss of appetite, diarrhea and dysentery (Levine, 1973).

A Phylogenetic Study Of The Suffrutescent Shrubs In The Genus Atriplex, C. Lorenzo Pope

Theses and Dissertations

Growing on dry saline soils throughout the Intermountain Region of the United States is a group of herbaceous, perennial species of Atriplex, including A. corrugata, A. cuneata, A. cuneata ssp. Introgressa, A. falcata, A. gardneri, A. tridentata, and A. welshii, designated as the Atriplex gardneri complex. Highly adaptive and competitive in the arid salt deserts, these species are valuable as forage for livestock and wildlife. Because of extensive variation present within this complex, considerable taxonomic confusion has resulted. To clarify taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships, selected populations and plants were analyzed morphologically, cytologically, ecologically, phenologically, and genetically. Polyploidy is common within …

Bionomics Of Two Aspen Bark Beetles : Trypophloeus Populi And Procryphalus Mucronatus (Coleoptera:Scolytidae), Jerold L. Petty

Theses and Dissertations

Beetles of Trypophloeus populi attacked green bark of unhealthy aspen (Populus tremuloides) and hastened the death of the tree. Beetles of Procryphalus mucronatus favored dead bark and were of little significance in the death of the aspen. These two beetle species were distinguished from each other by their primary galleries, eggs, larvae, larval mines, and mating behavior. In T. populi, there were three larval instars and one to one and one-half generations per year; only larvae overwintered, and the eggs of the first generation were present by mid-July. In P. mucronatus, there were two larval instars and one and one-half …

Endoparasites Of Cats In Two Central Utah Communities, Thomas W. Sawyer

Theses and Dissertations

A survey of the endoparasites of 100 stray cats in central Utah was conducted. Each cat was euthanized, and the entire alimentary tract, gall bladder, bile duct, heart, respiratory and excretory systems were excised and examined for endoparasites. Fecal samples were examined by a sugar flotation technique. Parasites identified and number of cats infected were: Isospora felis 5; I. rivolta, 4; Dipylidium caninum, 1; Hydatigera taeniaformis, 10; Toxocara mystax, 43; and Physaloptera sp., 2. One ectoparasite, Cheyletiella parasitivorax, was identified in the feces of 4 cats. Dipylidium caninum and T. mystax are known to cause accidental infection in humans and …

The Incidence And Life Cycle Of Diplostomum Spathaceum In Utah, R. Scott Evans

Theses and Dissertations

Diplostomum spathaceum (Rudolfi 1819), (Diplostomidae) the fish eye fluke which causes the disease diplostomatosis, was reported in Utah by the Division of Wildlife Resources in 1974. Previous to this date diplostomatosis was suspected to occur in three reservoirs in the state. Diplostomatosis, whi.ch is due to the presence of the metacercarial stage of this parasite, causes cataracts of the lens. The incidence of the disease in Utah has generated public and academic concern.

Modeling Studies Of Small Mammal Trapping Phenology, And Plant Succession In The Kaiparowits Region, Kane County, Utah, James A. Raines

Theses and Dissertations

This study makes use of simple statistical models which may be manipulated for projection of changes in the Kaiparowits Region of Southern Utah. A method of determining habitat preferences of small rodents from capture-recapture trapping data is proposed. It is suggested that some aspects of animal behavior regarding trapping may also be explained. Timing of flowering of Oryzopsis hymenoides and Hilaria jamesii as related to enviromental conditions was investigated, and models of the requisite conditions proposed. It is suggested that similar models may be used to describe the timing of other phenological events. Succession on disturbed sites is considered to …

Vegetational Response To Three Environmental Gradients In A Salt Playa Near Goshen, Utah County, Utah, Michael Grant Skougard

Theses and Dissertations

The plant communities and individual plant species in and around a salt playa near Goshen, Utah County, Utah were studied in relation to three environmental gradients. Forty-eight stands were sampled by means of meter square gradients. Frequency data for all participating plant species were taken. Soil samples were collected from each site and analyzed to establish the environmental gradients (i.e., total soluble salts, soil moisture and hydrogen ion concentration. Results indicate that community vegetation types respond differentially to the three gradients and can be segregated on the basis of one or more of the gradients. The total soluble salts gradient …

Ecological Investigations In Cercocarpus Ledifolius Nutt. Communities Of Utah, James Newton Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Cercocarpus ledifolius communities of Utah were sampled to determine which measured environmental characters were influential in determining community structure and dynamics. Nineteen, one-tenth acre stands were sampled by 25 equally spaced .25m2 quadrats. Plant frequency, cover, density, height, diameter, age, elevation, slope and exposure were determined for curl-leaf mahogany within the study area. Soil depth and soil samples were analyzed for texture, pH and soluble salts. Curl-leaf mahogany is found almost entirely on arid rocky slopes, canyon ledges, and plateaus at relatively high elevations on all exposures. The soils were invariably shallow and slightly acidic with sandy loam soils being …

Differential Resource Utilization By The Sexes Of Dioecious Plants, Dwight Carl Freeman

Theses and Dissertations

The distribution of male and female plants was examined in five dioecious, wind pollinated species representing five plant families and two classes (gymnosperms and angiosperms). The arid to semiarid habitats occupied by these species in northern Utah were stratified for sampling into two categories: chronically xeric and seasonally moist. Results show that for all species, males prevail on xeric microsites, while females dominate the more moist parts of each local environment. Habitat partitioning between the sexes is a strategy that maximizes seedset of females and pollen dispersal of males; it also tends to minimize intraspecific competition between the sexes.

Fixation Of Dormant Tilletia Teliospores For Thin Sectioning, John Scott Gardner

Theses and Dissertations

Dormant Tilletia caries teliospores in fixative solution or distilled water were frozen onto specimen chucks of an FTS Sorvall- Christensen frozen thin sectioner and cut or fractured at various temperatures (-20 to -75 C) and thickness settings (10, 15, 20, and 25 um). Cytoplasm of dormant spores was well preserved and organelles were found to differ from those of germinated spores in morphology. Irregular electron dense and electron opaque areas of lipid bodies were sometimes evident in dormant and germinating Tilletia caries teliospores. When dormant teliospores were sectioned in buffered fixative, lipids had an appearance similar to lipids in thin …

A Revision Of The Genus Ranunculus (Ranunculaceae) For The State Of Utah, Margaret Doherty Palmieri

Theses and Dissertations

This study is a taxonomic revision of the genus Ranunculus for Utah. Twenty-five species and 4 varieties are recognized, and are separated by means of a comprehensive key. A list of pertinent synonyms and types, a morphological description, habitat preference and a discussion are presented for each species and variety. Distribution maps and photographs are included. The basis of this study has been morphological comparison of herbarium specimens and collections and observations by the author throughout Utah.

Effect Of Supplemental Food On Population Estimates And Mortality Rates Of Desert Rodents In Utah, J. Steven Thiriot

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research is to assess the effects of various quantities of supplemental food (seed) on population estimates and mortality rates of desert rodents . The supplemental food is meant to stimulate natural vegetational productivity. If food availability significantly affects the population parameters methods of population estimators previously used may be in error. Hopefully this study will aid small mannnal research by designating whether, in part, population estimates and mortality rates are in error because of high vegetational productivity. The hypothesis of this study is that supplemental food in the natural environment decreases population estimates and mortality rates …

Influence Of A Dry Wash Habitat On Distribution And Movement Of Heteromyid Rodents, Jeffrey S. Green

Theses and Dissertations

Three heteromyid rodent species were studied in relation to a large dry wash in Millard County, Utah, during the summer, 1974. Data were gathered with three trapping grids and analyzed to determine if the dry wash influenced rodent movement and distribution patterns. Dipodomys ordii and Dipodomys microps were distributed non-randomly in the dry wash and adjacent habitat, but Perognathus Zongimembris seemed to be randomly distributed. Dipodomys ordii was significantly correlated with wash habitat, but D. microps was found most frequently in upland areas. Soil and vegetative differences and competition were possible causes for the observed distribution. The wash was observed …

Correlations Between Plant Species Diversity And Flower Characteristics In The Wasatch Mountains Of Utah And Idaho, William Kent Ostler

Theses and Dissertations

An analysis of the relative abundance of the prevalent species in 25 major plant communities of the Wasatch Mountains demonstrates that variation in species diversity is significantly correlated with many floral characteristics. Wind pollinated flowers decrease in abundance while animal pollinated flowers increase along the diversity gradient. Both relationships are highly significant statistically. Color diversity and species diversity are significantly and positively correlated in open communities but are not correlated in forest communities. The percent sum frequency of yellow and pink-magenta flowers decreased with increasing species diversity while blue and whitish flowers increased. Also, zygomorphic flowers and flowers in which …

Phytoseiid Predators Of Mite Pests In Utah Apple Orchards, Vichitra Mongkolprasith

Theses and Dissertations

Recent efforts to integrate certain Phytoseiid predators in pest (mite) management programs for apples have been somewhat successful and economical in many fruit growing areas. Convenient descriptions and reviews of the literature for species which have been collected from the state are provided to stimulate further work with Utah Phytoseiids. Seven species of Amblyseius and five Typhlodromus are described and notes provided concerning their respective geographic distributions and biologies.

Tissue Chromium Levels :|Bautopsy Study In Diabetic And Non-Diabetic American (Pima) Indians, Leslie O. Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

Tissues (liver, spleen, pancreas, and aorta) and hair taken at autopsy from diabetic and non-diabetic southwestern Indians (mainly Pima) were analyzed for chromium (Cr) using flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The Cr levels in both tissues and hair from diabetic subjects were consistently lower than in those from non-diabetic individuals. There were so few individuals in each group that it was not possible to accurately correlate a given tissue either with any other tissues or hair.

The Comparative Toxicity Of Developmental Inhibitors And Organophosphates On Mosquitoes, Richard L. Orr

Theses and Dissertations

Four developmental inhibitors (Altosid, Altozar, ZR-619 and ZR-777) and two organophosphates (Parathion and Abate) were tested on Aedes aegypti under laboratory conditions. When applied to fourth-instar larvae, the organophosphates were more toxic than the developmental inhibitors. Concentrations required for standard kills (LC50 and LC95) were lower for Altosid and ZR-619 than for Altozar and ZR-777. Field applications of Altosid SR-10 controlled Culiseta inornata for two weeks at 4 ounces per acre. With the exception of Dolichopodidae, most non-target aquatic organisms showed little response to Altosid SR-10. Although the developmental inhibitors Altosid and ZR-619 require higher concentrations for mosquito control, they …

A Spectrophotofluorometric Analysis Of Serum Vitamin A Levels In A Defined Population, James Ronald Schroeder

Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this thesis were to examine serum vitamin A levels in two defined populations. The method of analysis was a spectrophotofluorometric technique with a correction formula to account for interfering fluorescence from an identified carotenoid phytofluene (37).

The first population were infants at time of delivery. Infants were divided into two groups depending upon length of gestation. A premature group was identified as having a length of gestation of less than 36 weeks. Term infants were defined as 36 weeks or greater. The mean value of serum vitamin A of eight premature infants was 10.5 μg/100ml (S.E.M.+.78). The …

Incorporation Of Phosphoproteins And Phenol-Bound Proteins Into The Cuticle Of Periplaneta Americana, Joseph Atchison Florence Iv

Theses and Dissertations

The incorporation of phosphoproteins and phenol-bound proteins into the cuticle of Periplaneta americana was analyzed. Radioactive monosodium phosphate was injected into newly ecdysed cockroaches. Incorporation into haemolymph proteins as well as tanned cuticle was observed. Phosphoproteins were observed to be combined with the cuticle to a greater extent than monosodium phosphate. This suggests that phosphate is being incorporated into the cuticle more readily than monosodium phosphate. The relevance of these observations is discussed in light of phosphate being a possible crosslinking agent between chitin and cuticle protein.

Binding of dopamine metabolites to cuticle proteins was investigated. Specific metabolites studied were …