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Articles 91 - 120 of 134
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Distribution And Genetic Structure Of Pocket Gophers (Genus Geomys) In Kansas, Zachary J. Schwenke
Distribution And Genetic Structure Of Pocket Gophers (Genus Geomys) In Kansas, Zachary J. Schwenke
Master's Theses
The development of informed management practices and insightful research depends not only on an understanding of species natural history and ecology, but information regarding the distributions of these species and how they interact with adjacent taxa. The study of a species distribution can become complicated if the geographic variation within the species is not understood. Pocket gophers, including those in the genus Geomys, display morphological and chromosomal variation across their range, even within the same species. Genetic techniques, including Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP), have clarified population relationships and characterized zones of contact. Previous studies have suggested 2 species and …
Effects Of Sediment Removal Techniques On Avian Communities And Vegetational Attributes In Restored Prairie Pothole Wetlands, Alexander Galt
Effects Of Sediment Removal Techniques On Avian Communities And Vegetational Attributes In Restored Prairie Pothole Wetlands, Alexander Galt
Master's Theses
With the loss and degradation of wetlands in some areas of the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) reaching 80-90%, it is critical that resource managers ensure that the habitat that is put back on the landscape is as high quality as possible. Resource managers have been excavating sediment and topsoil, to promote the “hemi-marsh” condition, during the wetland restoration process in the PPR for over 20 years. I refer to the commonly held perception that the hemi-marsh condition supports the most diverse avian communities in small prairie pothole wetlands as the hemi-marsh condition hypothesis. The literature currently does not address the …
Genetic Analysis Of Vancomycin-Resistant Gram-Positive Cocci Isolated From Wild Songbirds, Shingo Ishihara
Genetic Analysis Of Vancomycin-Resistant Gram-Positive Cocci Isolated From Wild Songbirds, Shingo Ishihara
Master's Theses
The antibiotic vancomycin was developed by Eli Lilly in the 1950s in response to the growing number of Staphylococcus aureus infections that were resistant to penicillin. Vancomycin was not widely used at the time because of its high toxicity. However, use of vancomycin in the United States has increased dramatically since the 1980s because of the emergence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Enterococcus species. There are three known mechanisms for vancomycin resistance: 1) target site modification by van genes, 2) biofilm formation, and 3) bacterial cell wall thickening. Of these mechanisms, target site modification is the most common. …
Effects Of Flooding On Photosynthesis And Root Respiration In Salt Cedar (Tamarix Ramosissima), An Invasive Riparian Shrub, Kristen Polacik
Effects Of Flooding On Photosynthesis And Root Respiration In Salt Cedar (Tamarix Ramosissima), An Invasive Riparian Shrub, Kristen Polacik
Master's Theses
The introduced shrub Tamarix ramosissima Lebed. invades riparian zones, but loses competitiveness under flooding. This was tested in Tamarix ramosissima by examining responses to flooding by soil type in a greenhouse setting. A field study examined responses of Tamarix ramosissima and other species to natural flooding. Leaf level photosynthesis rates, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and root alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity were measured weekly to assess oxygen stress. In the field, stomatal conductance, leaf water potential, transpiration, canopy cover, and δ13C were measured as responses to soil water potential, soil moisture, Julian date, relative humidity, and water depth. In the greenhouse study, …
Variation In The Southern Short-Tailed Shrew, Blarina Carolensis, Jennifer O'Neill
Variation In The Southern Short-Tailed Shrew, Blarina Carolensis, Jennifer O'Neill
Master's Theses
The southern short-tailed shrew (Blarina carolinensis) inhabits the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, the Gulf Coastal Plain, Florida, and the Atlantic Coastal Plain as far north as Virginia. Since its description by Bachman in 1837, this species has been widely studied and has a long and convoluted taxonomic history. Many of the morphometric studies were performed in different geographic locations and used different methodologies. These differences have made it difficult to make broad statements about the relationships within this species. Recently, a study of cranial measurements of specimens from the three subspecies of B. carolinensis found in Florida, identified a small population …
Nested Subsets, Scale, And The Distribution Of Abundance: A Macroecological Approach, Elita Baldridge
Nested Subsets, Scale, And The Distribution Of Abundance: A Macroecological Approach, Elita Baldridge
Master's Theses
While the canonical nested subset pattern suggests that less species-rich areas will contain a proper subset of the species observed in richer areas, actual data sets do not show perfect nestedness; however, they show a pattern with more structure than would be expected by chance. Biological processes like immigration and extinction have traditionally been thought to produce the nested subset pattern. These processes acting indirectly could cause variation in the distribution and abundance of species that could produce nestedness at a variety of scales. Determining at what scales the pattern is observed might allow inference of processes that are more …
Herpetofaunal Response To Prescribed Burning On Matagorda Island, Texas: With Emphasis On Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma Cornutum), Ashley Inslee
Herpetofaunal Response To Prescribed Burning On Matagorda Island, Texas: With Emphasis On Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma Cornutum), Ashley Inslee
Master's Theses
Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) populations have been in steady decline over the past twenty years due to habitat loss, pesticide use, the pet trade, and invasion of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). At Aransas National Wildlife Refuge the P. cornutum population has declined, except for on Matagorda Island. A prescribed burn regime was initiated to maintain the coastal prairie habitat. This closed environment was unique in its composition of arid adapted and wetland species. There was minimal human disturbance, and a single road bisects the length of the island. The island was invaded by S. invicta around …
Spatial And Temporal Patterns Of Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus Leucocephalus) Winter Habitat Use Along The Upper Mississippi River Corridor, Ryan T. Schmitz
Spatial And Temporal Patterns Of Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus Leucocephalus) Winter Habitat Use Along The Upper Mississippi River Corridor, Ryan T. Schmitz
Master's Theses
From March 1999 through February 2006, satellite transmitters were placed on 13 wild-caught individuals of the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in southwestern Wisconsin. These individuals (6 males, 7 females, 11 adults, 2 immatures) were tracked along the Upper Mississippi River corridor during the winters of 1999 through 2006. The objectives of my study were to: 1) estimate winter home range size and to compare home range size between sexes, 2) characterize and quantify winter night roost habitat, and 3) identify spatial and temporal patterns of winter habitat use and behavior relative to temperature, wind speed, and ice-cover. Mean 95% fixed …
Flooding Tolerance Of Native And Nonnative Grasses: Variation In Photosynthesis, Transpiration, Respiration, And Carbon Isotope Discrimination, Elizabeth Waring
Flooding Tolerance Of Native And Nonnative Grasses: Variation In Photosynthesis, Transpiration, Respiration, And Carbon Isotope Discrimination, Elizabeth Waring
Master's Theses
Invasion by nonnative plants is particularly prevalent in wetlands. While the ecological patterns in wetland plants are well known, it is less well known how flooding-related soil conditions influence the physiological success of introduced species in wetlands. In chapter 1, effects of flooding were measured in invasive common reed (Phragmites australis), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense), and native prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata). The four species were kept at four levels of flooding (deep flooding, medium flooding, low flooding, and dry conditions), and their responses were measured after 7 and 28 days of treatment using by a …
Climate Change: Implications For Montane Mammals Of The Great Basin, Georgina Yvette Jacquez
Climate Change: Implications For Montane Mammals Of The Great Basin, Georgina Yvette Jacquez
Master's Theses
Climate change threatens biodiversity; in particular, species with narrow distributions and specific habitat requirements. The Great Basin provides an excellent model system to evaluate the effects of climate change on species with isolated distributions and specific habitat requirements. I have evaluated the McDonald and Brown (1992) model that examined the effects of climate change on montane mammals of the Great Basin based on its underlying assumptions and model predictions. I have modeled the distributions of twelve montane mammal species found in the Great Basin and identified potential local extinctions by using maximum entropy modeling (Maxent) for two emission scenarios of …
Survey Of Diatoms From Three Streams In Ellis County, Kansas, Mark E. Eberle
Survey Of Diatoms From Three Streams In Ellis County, Kansas, Mark E. Eberle
Master's Theses
Thirty-four genera and 64 species, varieties, and forms of diatoms are reported from a survey of three streams in Ellis County, Kansas. Brief systematic accounts are provided for most of these taxa.
Stem Anatomy Of Twelve Forbs Of The Family Compositae Growing Near Hays, Kansas, Cheng Lin
Stem Anatomy Of Twelve Forbs Of The Family Compositae Growing Near Hays, Kansas, Cheng Lin
Master's Theses
The importance of forbs to the livestock diet seems to come from their high percentage of calcium and phosphorus (Runyon, 1947). Furthermore, they also contain a higher amount of moisture (Savage and Heller, 1947) which makes them more succulent and therefore more palatable than the grasses during drought. This condition of greater succulence is due in part at least to _the more deeply penetrating roots of the forbs (Albertson, 1937). Observations also have indicated the possibility of a considerable amount of latex, oils and resins in the green forb plants. Because of the importance of these plants it was thought …
Adequacy Of The High School Science Vocabulary In Biology In Filling The Needs For Normal Reading Of Popular Magazines, Clarence H. Stinemetze
Adequacy Of The High School Science Vocabulary In Biology In Filling The Needs For Normal Reading Of Popular Magazines, Clarence H. Stinemetze
Master's Theses
The problem as implied in the title of this report has been an attempt to evaluate in terms of the vocabulary of the high school biology textbooks adopted by the State of Kansas. This study used five current magazines which were available to the students at the high school circulation desk, at the public library, on magazine counters, and in the home library.
Studies Of Increment, Height-Weight, And Moisture Content Of Important Western Kansas Grasses., John Launchbaugh
Studies Of Increment, Height-Weight, And Moisture Content Of Important Western Kansas Grasses., John Launchbaugh
Master's Theses
A logical approach to the question of how much forage is taken by livestock would be, it seems, to study first the growth habits of the important species of p:i.sture and range grasses in the areas where they are used. The purpose of this report, therefore, was to stud y the development of several species of perennial grasses in the mixed prairie of west-central Kamas from near the beginning of the grazing season until the grasses had reached maturity.
The Ecology Of A Pasture In The Dakota Sandstone Formation In Ellsworth County, Kansas, Byron O. Blair
The Ecology Of A Pasture In The Dakota Sandstone Formation In Ellsworth County, Kansas, Byron O. Blair
Master's Theses
The vast area of prairie of the United States has long been known as the "feeding grounds" for herbivorous animals. In the past, the standard of living of the people of grassland regions has been measured largely by the ability of the native ranges to produce ·vegetation sufficient to maintain economical livestock production. It has become apparent that if our desired living standard is to be maintained, we must direct our efforts toward a program by the most rapid and efficient means possible, which will bring economic stability to the seventeen million acres of grassland in the Great Plains region. …
The Construction Procedure Of The Saline River Habitat Group In The Fort Hays Kansas State College Museum., William Raymond Eastman
The Construction Procedure Of The Saline River Habitat Group In The Fort Hays Kansas State College Museum., William Raymond Eastman
Master's Theses
The development of the museum wild life habitat group in recent years has created much public interest here in the College museum many people have expressed a desire to see such a habitat group related strictly to Kansas , particularly Western Kansas . The year of such a group was not particularly expressed, but as preliminary visions developed, it seemed only reasonable that the public would enjoy a glimpse of Kansas in the days when it was making early history . Thus it was decided to design and execute a life-sized habitat depicting the ecological relationship s found between the …
Effects On Different Intensities Of Utilization Upon The Underground Parts Of Short Grasses In West Central Kansas, Farrel Branson
Effects On Different Intensities Of Utilization Upon The Underground Parts Of Short Grasses In West Central Kansas, Farrel Branson
Master's Theses
Work on root systems of forage plants has indicated that a knowledge of root relationships is fully as important in determining the actual conditions of ranges or pastures as is knowledge of the effects of grazing upon aboveground portions of plants. This is especially true in arid or semiarid regions since plants of these areas are frequently subjected to long periods of drought, high temperatures, and high wind velocities. Some xeric plants have a thickened cuticular layer, stomates that open only at night, and other mechanisms that prevent loss of water that is absorbed by the roots. However, in plants …
An Ecological Study Of The Pocket Gopher In An Sandy Loam Area Of Ellis County, Kansas., Benjamin Mosier
An Ecological Study Of The Pocket Gopher In An Sandy Loam Area Of Ellis County, Kansas., Benjamin Mosier
Master's Theses
This thesis is an ecological study of the pocket gopher in a sandy loam area of Ellis County, Kansas.
An Analytic Comparative Study Of Certain Biology Textbooks Used At Secondary School Level, Joseph E. Rankin
An Analytic Comparative Study Of Certain Biology Textbooks Used At Secondary School Level, Joseph E. Rankin
Master's Theses
The specific problem of this the sis is "An Analytic Comparative Study of Certain Biology Textbooks Used at the Secondary School Level."
A Descriptive Analysis Of The Musculature And Osseous Systems Of The Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys Ordii, Virgil Mathis
A Descriptive Analysis Of The Musculature And Osseous Systems Of The Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys Ordii, Virgil Mathis
Master's Theses
The kangaroo rats constitute the only genus, Dipodomys, of the subfamily Heteromyinae, now extant . There is fossil evidence of two other genera which are now extinct. The kangaroo rat, Dipodomys ordii richardsoni, is one of the common rodents of western Kansas . According to Hibbard (3, p. 76), "Its range extends northeastward along the Kansas river into Riley County." These animals are easily distinguished from other rodents by their long tail, long hind legs and feet, small hands, fur lined external cheek pouches, and their saltating method of locomotion. These rodents are seldom seen by the casual observer, being …
Study Of Viable Seeds In Surface Soil From Various Habitats In Ellis County, Kansas., Robert D. Lippert
Study Of Viable Seeds In Surface Soil From Various Habitats In Ellis County, Kansas., Robert D. Lippert
Master's Theses
It is the purpose of this study to determine what species of plants emerge from samples of surface soil taken from various habitats after several years of favorable growing conditions.
Pastures Of Western Kansas In Relation To Intensity Of Utilization In Past Years, Gerald W. Tomanek
Pastures Of Western Kansas In Relation To Intensity Of Utilization In Past Years, Gerald W. Tomanek
Master's Theses
Short grass pastures vary in their ability to produce forage for livestock consumption. One of the reasons for this difference is a variation in the degree of utilization in past years. Forage production of short grass ranges has been reduced to about one-half after only a few decades of improper grazing; therefore the problem of proper utilization is becoming more important every year (Forest Service, 1936). When the settlers first came to western Kansas they found an almost complete cover of native vegetation and during the first few years only a small portion of the range land was cultivated. With …
A Comparative Study Of Directed Laboratory And Lecture Demonstration As Methods Of Instruction In Teaching Botany To High School Students, M. Lucida Vorndran
A Comparative Study Of Directed Laboratory And Lecture Demonstration As Methods Of Instruction In Teaching Botany To High School Students, M. Lucida Vorndran
Master's Theses
A controlled investigation of green plants as the most important food factories of the world has been made in order to contribute more information upon the issue. Stated more specifically, the problems of this experimental study were the following: To determine which of the two methods, if either, is superior as a procedure for learning. To determine whether laboratory experiments are more effective than lecture-demonstration in training students to think clearly, to correlate and retain facts; and finally, to draw logical conclusions. To determine, if possible, which method stimulated the greater amount of pupil interest.
Bio-Ecology On A Mixed Prairie Near Hays, Kansas, H. Leo Brown
Bio-Ecology On A Mixed Prairie Near Hays, Kansas, H. Leo Brown
Master's Theses
A survey of the activity of wild animals in connection with range conditions and range management is greatly needed in western Kansas. To have a well-managed range one should have an understanding of the ecological factors which benefit or deplete the native vegetation that is essential for production of livestock. The impact of grazing, and the effect of changes in edaphic and atmospheric environment on the prairie have further emphasized the importance of a cover of grass in preventing erosion.
The Utilization Of Grasses And Forbs In Relation To The Intensity Of Grazing In The Mixed Prairie Near Hays, Kansas, Noel Runyon
The Utilization Of Grasses And Forbs In Relation To The Intensity Of Grazing In The Mixed Prairie Near Hays, Kansas, Noel Runyon
Master's Theses
The principal occupation of the inhabitants in the Great Plains Region is livestock farming. The problems confronting the farmers and ranchers of this large area are many and varied. Not the least of these problems is the one of a proper stocking rate for the various types of ranges in order to secure a maximum production with the least in capital outlay and range deterioration. Another problem that has presented itself in recent years is the one of revegetating thousands of acres of marginal and semi-marginal land so that mother nature may again heal the marks of erosion and bring …
Some Physical And Chemical Properties Of Wheat Starch In Relationship To The Maturity Of The Wheat, Claude W. Bice
Some Physical And Chemical Properties Of Wheat Starch In Relationship To The Maturity Of The Wheat, Claude W. Bice
Master's Theses
Wheat is one of the most valuable of economic plants and is grown extensively throughout the world. Because of the unique chemical and physical properties of its gluten, 'Wheat is superior to all other cereals for bread making. Its high starch content provides a tremendous source of energy as a food, as well as filling certain industrial starch needs, especially in textile manufacturing . The present study on properties of immature and mature wheat starches should be of inestimable worth for evaluation of damaged wheats for starch production, as well as for yielding fundamental information which may facilitate the use …
Growth Seed Yields, And Seedling Production Of Native Prairie Plants In Various Habitats Of The Mixed Prairie, H. Ray Brown
Growth Seed Yields, And Seedling Production Of Native Prairie Plants In Various Habitats Of The Mixed Prairie, H. Ray Brown
Master's Theses
The native vegetation of the mixed prairie of west-central Kansas was subjected to the worst drought on record during the period 1933 to 1939 inclusive. Data secured from the United States Weather Bureau reveal the fact that precipitation during this period of drought was far below normal . The rainfall deficit as reported by Albertson and Weaver (1942) was nearly 35 inches for this 7-year period. Other climatic factors such as wind movement, relative humidity, and temperature were equally abnormal. The extreme drought period greatly modified the vegetation of the mixed prairie and the short-grass disclimax. The basal cover in …
A Study Of The Relationship Existing Between Certain Insects And Some Native Western Kansas Forbs And Weedy Plants, Carl Theodore Brandhorst
A Study Of The Relationship Existing Between Certain Insects And Some Native Western Kansas Forbs And Weedy Plants, Carl Theodore Brandhorst
Master's Theses
To the casual observer perhaps no sight could be more commonplace than that of an insect alighting upon a Kansas sunflower. But the relationship which exists between plant and insect is a matter which is often unknown even to the specialist. And yet a lack of understanding of these relationships has at times resulted in inconvenience, loss and even in calamity. To determine the relationship which certain insects bear to some of our native western Kansas forbs and weedy plants is the purpose of this study.
A Study Of Fluctuations In Coyote Numbers And Possible Causes, Sherwin B. Griswold
A Study Of Fluctuations In Coyote Numbers And Possible Causes, Sherwin B. Griswold
Master's Theses
This paper reports the findings of a study of coyote numbers, with particular reference to fluctuations, their periodicity, if any, and their possible causes.
The Effect Of Climate And Different Grazing And Dusting Intensities Upon The Yield Of The Short Grass Prairies In West Central Kansas., Marvin L. Lacey
The Effect Of Climate And Different Grazing And Dusting Intensities Upon The Yield Of The Short Grass Prairies In West Central Kansas., Marvin L. Lacey
Master's Theses
The purpose of this problem was to determine the effect of climate, amount of dusting, and degree of grazing by livestock and grasshoppers upon the quantity and quality of forage produced by various short grass pastures in west-central Kansas.