Life Sciences Commons^™

Reproductive Biology Of The Bowfin, Amia Calva Linnaeus, From The Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area, Cabell County, West Virginia, Katie Lee Mcginn Daniels

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The bowfin, Amia calva Linnaeus, is the only extant species of the family Amiidae. The Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area (GBWMA) is the home of the only known reproducing bowfin population in the state of West Virginia. The GBWMA (38°35' 35" N, 82°14' 55" W) is located along the Ohio River 26 km northeast of Huntington, West Virginia. The area (ca. 364 ha) contains a valuable wetland habitat (ca. 57 ha) in the southwestern portion of the state. A study of the reproductive biology of the bowfin became important when the u.s. Army Corps of Engineers proposed a habitat modification …

Vascular Flora Of Three Watersheds In The Fernow Experimental Forest And Factors Influencing Species Composition Of The Herbaceous Layer, Staci Dudash Smith Aulick

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Herbaceous layer communities respond to a number of environmental variables in forests: thus, study of the herb layer is essential for a more complete understanding of the forest ecosystem. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the flora of the watersheds. (2) describe the species richness and diversity of watersheds 3, 4 , and 7 of the Fernow Experimental Forest, Parsons, West Virginia, and (3) examine stand and soil variables and their influence on the herbaceous communities or the forest. Watersheds were selected on the basis of stand age/history (WS3 "20yr, clearcut; WS7 "20 yr. clearcut and herbicide: …

The Effects Of Wildfire On The Herbaceous Layer Of A Southwestern West Virginia Mixed Hardwood Forest, Michael K. Nowlin

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The effects of fire on the mixed hardwood forests in West Virginia have long been of interest both biologically and economically. This study examined the effects of a Fall, 1991 wildfire in Wayne County, West Virginia on soil fertility and herbaceous layer response.

Fire intensity was determined by comparison of 1) remaining organic material, 2) understory survival and 3) height of charcoal on the stems of trees following the fire. Study plots were established in areas representing fires of high, moderate and low intensities with a control established in an adjacent unburned area of similar aspect and elevation.

Composite soil …

Factors Influencing Herbaceous Layer Vegetation Of A Central Appalachian Hardwood Forest Ecosystem, Nicole Leigh Turrill

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The herb layer (vascular plants ≤1 m in height) of montane forests responds to a variety of environmental gradient conditions. This study compared herb layer characteristics, soil fertility, and plant-soil nutrient interactions of two young (~20 yr) and two mature (~>70 yr) watersheds of the Fernow Experimental Forest, Parsons, West Virginia. Fifteen 0.04-ha circular plots were established in each of four watersheds [WS4 control, >80 yr; WS13 select cut, >65 yr; WS3 clearcut, ~20 yr; WS7 clearcut/herbicide, ~20 yr] to sample the extremes of watershed elevation and aspect. Cover (%) was measured for all vascular species (≤1 m in …

Aspects Of The Ecology Of The Wood Turtle, Clemmys Insculpta (Leconte), In West Virginia, Allan J. Niederberger

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

An ecological study of the wood turtle, Clemmys insculpta (LeConte), was conducted in West Virginia from May 1991 to March 1993. Population structure at the primary study area (WV #1) was estimated to be 46% juvenile (H-8 yrs. old), 26% female and 28% male. Total population estimate for WV #1 was 337 wood turtles, with an aquatic density of 1,980 turtles per Hectare of river and a terrestrial density of 22.5 turtles per ha of terrestrial habitat. Growth measurements and estimates indicate rapid initial growth tapering off at year 8 and gradually declining through year 16. Males grow slightly faster …