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Northern Michigan University

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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

A Phylogenetic Reevaluation Of The Genus Gavia (Aves: Gaviiformes) Using Next-Generation Sequencing, Quentin D. Sprengelmeyer Apr 2014

A Phylogenetic Reevaluation Of The Genus Gavia (Aves: Gaviiformes) Using Next-Generation Sequencing, Quentin D. Sprengelmeyer

All NMU Master's Theses

Avian phylogenetic analysis based on DNA sequences, rather than morphological characters, has been used in recent decades to resolve systematic relationships. Advancements in molecular techniques have improved avian phylogenetics and have led to new insights on the relationships between and within taxa. Loons (Aves: Gaviiformes) are one of the oldest living lineages of birds, and the order includes five extant species. The morphological cladogram of Gavia placed G. arctica as a sister species to G. pacifica. However, a more recent study based on mtDNA resulted in a discordant tree splitting the G. arctica/G. pacifica clade, and …


The Perceived Demands Of Crossfit, Bryanne N. Bellovary Apr 2014

The Perceived Demands Of Crossfit, Bryanne N. Bellovary

All NMU Master's Theses

Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue causing myoglobin, creatine kinase, and other intracellular proteins and electrolytes to leak into circulation, disrupting cell homeostasis. Exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) occurs after extremely rigorous physical training that could include high amounts of strenuous eccentric exercise. There has been an increase in reports for mild to severe ER as well as other musculoskeletal injuries as the popularity of extreme conditioning programs (e.g., CrossFit®) increases. Therefore, the main purposes of this investigation were to identify: primary risk factors associated with ER during CrossFit®, CrossFit® workouts that might induce a higher risk for the development of …


Seed Bank Dynamics Within A Metapopulation Framework: A Study Of An Ant-Dispersed Species, Emily E. Sprengelmeyer Apr 2014

Seed Bank Dynamics Within A Metapopulation Framework: A Study Of An Ant-Dispersed Species, Emily E. Sprengelmeyer

All NMU Master's Theses

Questions. How do spatial and temporal landscape dynamics, including past disturbance, affect the distribution of the seed bank of an early-succession species? Do these factors ultimately influence above-ground subpopulation persistence within a metapopulation framework?

Location. Granite-gneiss outcrops within mixed hardwood-conifer forest in Michigan, USA

Methods. We studied the distribution of the Capnoides sempervirens seed bank on outcrops and within the forest matrix in relation to landscape and physiographic (n = 517). Above-ground plant persistence (n = 144) in relation to landscape and habitat variables was also investigated.

Results. Seeds were found up to 175 m from outcrops, but …