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Articles 1 - 20 of 20
Full-Text Articles in Animal Sciences
The Behavioral Causes Of Reproductive Skew In Cooperatively Polygynandrous Acorn Woodpeckers (Melanerpes Formicivorus), Anna C. Brownson
The Behavioral Causes Of Reproductive Skew In Cooperatively Polygynandrous Acorn Woodpeckers (Melanerpes Formicivorus), Anna C. Brownson
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
Reproductive skew, the degree to which reproduction is shared among same-sex individuals in a social group, is a pattern affected by ecological conditions, sociality, cooperation, and the inter- and intrasexual behavior of individuals in complex animal societies. Transactional and compromise skew models assume that high skew is the product of dominance hierarchies among cobreeders, yet this has rarely been tested. Both model types fail to incorporate the decisions of more than two individuals, generally overlooking the effect of female behavior on male reproductive success in multi-male groups, and are ineffective at predicting skew in larger groups characterized by more than …
The Ecology Of The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus Horridus) In Southeastern Virginia, Scott M. Goetz
The Ecology Of The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus Horridus) In Southeastern Virginia, Scott M. Goetz
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
Few studies have examined the relationship between forest canopy structure and the ecology of the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). I used radiotelemetry to compare the movements, activity range sizes and behaviors of timber rattlesnakes before and after a large-scale natural disturbance that opened a previously closed canopy. The disturbance was Hurricane Isabel which made landfall in northeast North Carolina and southeastern Virginia in 2003. Isabel created gaps in the canopy through tree blowdown, resulting in a 16.6% opening in the forest canopy at my study site, in southeastern Virginia. I compared six years of female tracking data from …
Rats As Forest Pests In Southeastern Virginia: Girdling By The Hispid Cotton Rat Sigmodon Hispidus As A Significant Source Of Mortality Of Loblolly Pines (Pinus Taeda) In A Successional Pine Forest, Robyn M. Nadolny
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
The hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) is a common field rodent throughout the southeastern US, where volunteer loblolly pine trees (Pinus taeda) invade open space and begin the process of ecological succession from field to pine forest. Recent analysis of the diet of S. hispidus indicates that loblolly pine bark is stripped and eaten during the winter months. In this study, we explored the extent of rodent girdling on a 1.23 ha grid in a successional pine forest in southeastern Virginia. During the winter of 2005 we observed damage to 65% of trees in our study area, with 98% …
Patterns Of Transience, Sex Bias, And Body Mass In Open-Habitat Rodent Populations, Stephen Edward Rice
Patterns Of Transience, Sex Bias, And Body Mass In Open-Habitat Rodent Populations, Stephen Edward Rice
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
Rodents are assumed to live their lives in circumscribed (natal) areas with males being more prone to disperse than females and juveniles more prone to disperse than adults. To test these assumptions we examined the initial captures of geographic populations of hispid cotton rat, meadow vole, prairie vole, and marsh rice rat obtained through capture-mark-recapture methods. Capture records were obtained from Kansas and Illinois from long-term studies, and through live-trapping in Chesapeake, Virginia. I evaluated proportions of residents and transients, adults and juveniles, and males and females for significant differences among seasons, years, and geographic locations. The overall body masses …
Seasonal Variation In Diet Of The Cotton Rat (Sigmodon Hispidus) Based On Fecal Analysis, Lynn A. Walker
Seasonal Variation In Diet Of The Cotton Rat (Sigmodon Hispidus) Based On Fecal Analysis, Lynn A. Walker
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
Cotton rats, Sigmodon hispidus, live in oldfields, habitats with a variety of mostly herbaceous plants. Based on other studies, the hispid cotton rat eats predominantly grasses, but grasses rarely are the only food. Fecal samples were collected each month during an ongoing capture-mark-release demographic study of the rodent community at a location in southern Chesapeake, Virginia. In the lab, five fecal pellets per animal were stained, placed on a microscope slide, and covered with starch-gel medium and coverslip. Then a clear nail polish was applied to produce a semi-permanent slide. Using a microscope and a set of reference slides, plant …
The Effect Of A Predator Gradient On Female Oviposition Site Selection And Larval Performance, Josef F. Rieger
The Effect Of A Predator Gradient On Female Oviposition Site Selection And Larval Performance, Josef F. Rieger
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
Patterns of larval amphibian distribution and abundance have historically been ascribed to direct predation. However, adult oviposition site selection is an alternative mechanism that can produce identical patterns and significantly influence community assembly. Although such behavioral habitat selection has been documented in several amphibian species whose larvae lack particular anti-predator defenses, the sensitivity of adult amphibians in detecting predator cues and avoiding these habitats has not yet been determined. If larval survivorship is greatly reduced in sites containing predatory fish, selection to detect and avoid habitats with low fish densities should be strong. I conducted three experiments which, (1) evaluated …
Effects Of Human Disturbances On The Behavior Of Dabbling Ducks, Melissa Lynn Pease
Effects Of Human Disturbances On The Behavior Of Dabbling Ducks, Melissa Lynn Pease
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
Disturbance of wintering and migrating birds by human activities can cause birds to expend energy in avoidance of humans and reduces the time available for resting and feeding at a time in the annual cycle when fat deposition and energy conservation are important. Also, human disturbances can effectively cause habitat loss by displacing birds from feeding or resting habitat. Managers of natural resources are increasingly faced with decisions about the types and amounts of public use that should be allowed without lowering the value of the resource for wildlife. In order for managers to make decisions about how to minimize …
An Analysis Of Migratory Behavior Physiological Condition And Life History Strategy In The Salamanders Ambystoma Mabeei And A. Opacum In Southeastern Virginia, Michael W. Mccoy
An Analysis Of Migratory Behavior Physiological Condition And Life History Strategy In The Salamanders Ambystoma Mabeei And A. Opacum In Southeastern Virginia, Michael W. Mccoy
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
Ambystoma mabeei is listed as threatened in Virginia due to its rarity and susceptibility to urbanization and poor forestry practices. The goal of this study was to identify factors that may affect the persistence of A. mabeei in Virginia by studying the life history and ecology of A. mabeei and its syntopic congener A. opacum. This information will contribute to the knowledge of life history variation within Ambystomatidae and will be critical for the development of a comprehensive management plan for A. mabeei. Population sizes of the two species and the proximate factors responsible for initiating breeding migrations were determined …
The Annual Reproductive Cycle Of Oryzomys Palustris In A Virginia Tidal Marsh, Erin A. Dreelin
The Annual Reproductive Cycle Of Oryzomys Palustris In A Virginia Tidal Marsh, Erin A. Dreelin
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
The objectives of my study were to determine when the marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris) begins and ends reproduction during the year, if there are seasonal changes in litter size, and the weight at which sexual maturity is reached. Monthly samples of rice rats were trapped from May 1995 to May 1996 in Northampton County, Virginia. Rice rats were trapped with Fitch live traps, euthanized in the field, and brought to the lab for necropsy. Data from two other studies of rice rats in Northampton County were also examined. Potential breeders did not reproduce with equal intensity throughout the …
The Diet Of Oryzomys Palustris Based On Stomach Content Analysis, Shannon L. Wright
The Diet Of Oryzomys Palustris Based On Stomach Content Analysis, Shannon L. Wright
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
Oryzomys palustris (Harlan) is unusual in that it is one of two carnivorous mammals in the Family Muridae in North America. A diet analysis of Oryzomys palustris. the marsh rice rat, was done based on stomach contents. This was accomplished by taking the animals from two study areas located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The animals were taken monthly for one year. Once caught, the animals were sacrificed and their stomach contents were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible. This study showed that rice rats were omnivorous mammals, eating a variety of foods, including dicots, monocots, crabs, …
Brown-Headed Cowbird (Molothrus Ater) Range Expansion Into The Southeast: Effects On The Passerine Populations Using North American Breeding Bird Survey Data, Elizabeth Pruitt Henderson
Brown-Headed Cowbird (Molothrus Ater) Range Expansion Into The Southeast: Effects On The Passerine Populations Using North American Breeding Bird Survey Data, Elizabeth Pruitt Henderson
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
North American Breeding Bird Survey data that were collected from 1971-1992 in Virginia, North Carolina, south Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Tennessee were used in this analysis of the impact of Brown-headed Cowbird range expansion on four warbler and four vireo host species.
Maps of mean cowbird abundances were produced using kriging for the periods 1971-1975, 1976-1980, 1981-1985, 1986-1990 and 1991-1992. These maps illustrated a complex invasion of the southeastern United States by Brown-headed Cowbird.
Linear regression analyses of host and cowbird abundances within physiographic strata, showed no species to be in decline or increasing in abundance over the entire …
Movement Patterns And Habitat Use Of The Copperhead Snake (Agkistrodon Contortrix) In Southeastern Virginia, Christopher Edwin Petersen
Movement Patterns And Habitat Use Of The Copperhead Snake (Agkistrodon Contortrix) In Southeastern Virginia, Christopher Edwin Petersen
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
Radiotelemetry was used to study seasonal movement patterns, habitat use, and thermal relations of nine copperhead snakes, Agkistrodon contortrix, in southeastern Virginia from May 1993 to May 1995. Daily movements ranged from 0-450 m, with 0-5 m movements accounting for 65% of the observations. The seasonal movements of males were more extensive than those of females. Differences in seasonal movements between the sexes may be due to reproductive activity of the snakes. Both males and females significantly reduced their movements prior to shedding. More time was spent using upland deciduous forests than lowland river swamps or anthropogenic habitat. Copperheads …
Determinants Of Variation In Avian Mobbing Behavior, Charles Ray Chandler Jr.
Determinants Of Variation In Avian Mobbing Behavior, Charles Ray Chandler Jr.
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
Using three combinations of two experimental stimuli, I initiated mobbing behavior in various species of birds. The objectives of this research were to test the effects of stimuli on mobbing, the predictions of the hypothesis that mobbing functions to drive a predator away, and the effect of other species and individuals on the mobbing behavior of a bird. Mobbing experiments were conducted in a variety of habitats and locations from January 1983 through February 1984.
Only 6.5% of all trials with the mount-only stimulus were successful in attracting birds. Tape-only and mount-and-tape stimuli were equally effective in attracting birds, but …
Activity Levels Of Arboreal Rodents Peromysus And Ochrotomys Evaluated With Nest Cans In Seasonally Flooded Forests, John W. Walke
Activity Levels Of Arboreal Rodents Peromysus And Ochrotomys Evaluated With Nest Cans In Seasonally Flooded Forests, John W. Walke
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
The diversity and density of small mammals in the Dismal Swamp are believed to be small. To test this, four 1.96 ha grids were established and operated in the Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, from September 1981 to November 1982. Number 10 metal cans covered with plastic lids were placed as nest boxes at 0.5 to 1.5 m height on trees. A 2.5 cm hole allowed access by arboreal rodents, to each nest can. The activity level of the two arboreal rodents, Peromyscus leucopus and Ochrotomys nuttalli, was evaluated by observing types of activity ranging from presence of mice to …
Life History Aspects Of Reithrodontomys Humulis In Southeastern Virginia, Michelle Cawthorn Chandler
Life History Aspects Of Reithrodontomys Humulis In Southeastern Virginia, Michelle Cawthorn Chandler
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
Reithrodontomys humulis, the eastern harvest mouse, is a small cricetid rodent which is common in old field communities in the eastern U.S. A live-trapping study was conducted in Suffolk, Virginia from March 1983 through February 1984 in order to learn the details of its life history and the vegetational characteristics which best describe its microhabitat. Specifically, population densities, trap-revealed survival times, home ranges, plant species composition of the study area, and vegetational structure were examined. In order to trap as many Reithrodontomys as possible, special traps which excluded animals weighing over 20 g were constructed. Densities of harvest mice …
Homing And Ecology In The Southern Flying Squirrel, Glaucomys Volans In Southeastern Virginia, Sherrie Lynn Sawyer
Homing And Ecology In The Southern Flying Squirrel, Glaucomys Volans In Southeastern Virginia, Sherrie Lynn Sawyer
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to determine whether homing occurred in the southern flying squirrel, Glauaomys volans, and if so, the greatest homing distance. Information on the squirrel's ecology, reproductive biology and use of artificial nest boxes was also obtained. The study was conducted from November 1978 through March 1981, using nest boxes placed in a deciduous forest in southeastern Virginia.
For the homing experiments, twenty squirrels were released a total of 29 times along three lines at distances of 250 m to 1.6 km from the homesites. Squirrels were found to home successfully up to 1,000 m.
The …
Swimming As A Determinate To Immigration For Two Small Mammals In Coastal Virginia, Jeffrey Lewis Carter
Swimming As A Determinate To Immigration For Two Small Mammals In Coastal Virginia, Jeffrey Lewis Carter
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
Small mammals were live trapped on the mainland and on an island located in the southeast corner of Virginia. The area was characterized by a mid-Atlantic coastal climate. White-footed mice (Perompsous fsucopus) were trapped on the mainland but not on the island, whereas meadow voles (Microtus psnnsylvimious) inhabited only the island. A series of swimming tests were performed in both the field and in the laboratory on both of these species to determine if swimming abilities could be the factor preventing Pszomysous from colonizing the island.
Both species of small mammals showed good swimming endurance in …
Seasonal Feeding Habits Of The River Otter (Lutra Canadensis) In Ditches Of The Great Dismal Swamp, Ronnie M. Pierce
Seasonal Feeding Habits Of The River Otter (Lutra Canadensis) In Ditches Of The Great Dismal Swamp, Ronnie M. Pierce
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
To determine the seasonal feeding habits of the river otter (Lutra canadensis) in the Great Dismal Swamp 209 scats were collected, from May 1977 to May 1978, and analyzed for content. Remains of crayfish were found with a frequency of occurrence of 82% while fish remains occurred in 62% of the scat. This is in direct contrast to previous studies (from other areas) which found fish with a greater frequency than crayfish. Fish consumption was believed to increase during periods of low water or low temperatures. Sunfish were represented most frequently and may be the preferred fish. Amphiuma remains …
The Fall And Winter Food Habits Of The Black Bear (Ursus Americanus) In The Great Dismal Swamp Of Virginia, Francis Leonard Daniel
The Fall And Winter Food Habits Of The Black Bear (Ursus Americanus) In The Great Dismal Swamp Of Virginia, Francis Leonard Daniel
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
A study was conducted on the food habits of the black bear (Ursus americanus) in the Great Dismal Swamp of Virginia. A total of four stomachs and 42 scats were analyzed. Four samples were collected from September and October of 1975, and the remainder of the samples were collected from September 1976 to February 1977. The study was conducted to obtain information vital to the management of this species in the Great Dismal Swamp. Vitis spp. was the primary food item during the fall comprising 43% of the total diet, followed by fruits of Diospyros virginiana and Asimina triloba, each …
The Food Habits Of Ictalurus Natalis, Centrarchus Macropterus And Perca Flavescens In Lake Drummond In The Dismal Swamp Of Virginia, Steven C. Russell
The Food Habits Of Ictalurus Natalis, Centrarchus Macropterus And Perca Flavescens In Lake Drummond In The Dismal Swamp Of Virginia, Steven C. Russell
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
The food habits of yellow bullhead catfish (Ictalurus natalis), yellow perch (Perea flavescens), and fliers (Centrarchus macropterus) in Lake Drummond in the Dismal Swamp were examined. Seventy yellow bullheads (42 mm to 255 mm), 136 yellow perch (41 mm to 280 mm), and 110 fliers (81 mm to 140 mm), were collected with gill nets, traps, seins, and electro-fishing gear from June through November of 1975. Frequency of occurrence and volumentric data were used to evaluate the relative importance of food items. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was determined from the data to test differences …