Biology Commons^™

Plasma Levels Of Vitamins A And E In Marine Turtles (Chelonia Mydas And Caretta Caretta), Karen Patricia Frutchey

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Insight into blood values for free-ranging populations of chelonians is very incomplete. A better understanding of marine turtle ecological physiology is necessary for population health assessments and conservation management plans. Vitamins A and E are fat-soluble compounds required by vertebrates. Vitamin A is required for growth, differentiation and integrity of epithelial tissue, bone remodeling, reproduction and vision. Vitamin E is a constituent of cell membranes where it is an antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Both nutrients are required for reproduction and immune system function. I determined concentrations of vitamins A and E in plasma of blood samples from Caretta caretta …

A Survey Of The Mammals Of The Archie Carr And Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuges, Joseph S. Weidlich

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT This summarizes a study conducted on the Archie Carr (ACNWR) and Pelican Island (PINWR) National Wildlife Refuges located on the barrier island complex of southern Brevard and northern Indian River counties, Florida. Major objectives of this study were designed to 1) survey the mammals of the ACNWR and PINWR, 2) perform a small mammal population demographic study in coastal scrub and maritime hammock habitats, and 3) document a population monitoring project of Peromyscus po/ionotus niveiventris in northern Indian River County at Treasure Shores Park, within ACNWR Segment 4. A total of7,279 trap nights was compiled during the survey portion …

A Comparative Study Of The Feeding Ecology Of Chelonia Mydas (Green Turtle) And The Incidental Ingestion Of Prorocentrum Spp, Karen Gayle Holloway Adkins

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The diets of green turtles from five dissimilar aggregations of juvenile C. mydas on the East Coast of Florida were analyzed. C. mydas were captured by tangle net from four of the study sites and a dietary sample was collected by an esophageal flushing technique. The gut content of stranded individuals was collected for the fifth site. The vegetation in these study areas differs in varying degrees of abundance and diversity. Analysis of the samples revealed the alga types preferred by green turtles from each population and provided the basis for examination of similarities and differences in their diets.

Large …

The Effect Of Beach Nourishment On Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) Nesting And Reproductive Success At Sebastian Inlet, Florida, Richard Michael Herren

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Beach nourishment has become common in Florida and it occurs on beaches that are major loggerhead (Caretta caretta) nesting grounds. Despite efforts to use beach-quality sand, nourishment sand may be different in grain size, moisture content, shear resistance and temperature when compared to native sand. Two main aspects of loggerhead nesting may be affected by nourishment. First, nourishment may reduce nesting success [(female nesting emergences/ female total emergences) X 100] due to physical barriers (i.e., scarps or steep cliffs) that can impede gravid females. Second, nourishment may reduce reproductive success {i.e., hatching success) by altering the nestsand environment. The objective …

Composition And Change Of Maritime Hammock Flora In East-Central Florida After 20 Years, Donald John Spence

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The vegetation of eight east-central Florida maritime hammocks studied in 1997 were compared to similar data collected over 20 years ago. Study sites are located in the northern half of the Indian River Lagoon system mostly within Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The upland hammock vegetation throughout the state generally has an oak-palm association, but here these species dominate. Results show that sabal palm, live oak, laurel oak, and pignut hickory, the four dominant tree species in 1976-77, are still dominant in 1997; however, there has been a loss in tree species richness. Most shrub species …

Bat House Use In Central Florida, With Emphasis On Nycticeius Humeralis And Tadarida Brasiliensis Cynocephala, Laura Seckbach Finn

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Bat houses and roost sites utilized by Tadarida brasiliensis and Nycticeius humeralis were studied in four central Florida counties. Temperatures were monitored in occupied roosts and in bat houses. It was determined that the presence of bats affects roost temperature. The mean temperature in the bat house that was preferred at the Seminole Community College (SCC) site was above ambient temperature a significantly greater amount of time than mean temperature in the other style houses located at that site. A colony of bats roosting in buildings on the property of SCC was successfully relocated into bat houses located .4 kilometers …

Effects Of Avian Breeding Colonies On A Man-Made Freshwater Marsh In East Central Florida, James L. Burney Jr

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The effects of nutrient loading from avian breeding colonies into aquatic/marine ecosystems have been well documented. Documented influences include increased productivity of aquatic/marine macrophytes, elevated sediment nutrient concentrations, and increased densities of zooplankton and planktivorus fishes. The primary pathway of nutrient export from the rookery is through excreta from adult birds and their offspring. This study examined the influences of a 400-nesting pair rookery of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) in 1990 and a 75-nesting pair rookery of cattle egret in 1991 on a man-made freshwater treatment marsh in east central Florida. Because the fundamental intent of the created marsh (study …

Expression Patterns Of Developmental Genes In Drosophila Melanogaster Larval Genital Discs, Denise E. Freeland

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Re-Examining Subfamily Classifications For The Alu Family Of Repeated Dna Sequences, William A. York

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The primate Alu family of repetitive elements has been widely characterized. This ubiquitous class of retroposons has been found to occupy some 5% of the human genome. This heterogenous group of Short Interspersed Nucleic add Elements (SINEs) has been theorized to possess an identifiable subfamily structure between and within various taxonomic levels in primates. It has been postulated that humans possess up to 6 Alu subfamilies in their genome; this number, however, has varied according to the method of analysis performed on the data. Quentin (1988) analyzed 127 aligned Alu sequences and found evidence supporting the amplification/fixation theory in 5 …

Evaluation Of Inversion Uab1, A Bithorax-Complex Mutant, Gerhild Rathmann Packert

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Age, Growth, And Movement Patterns Of The Atlantic Stingray, Dasyatis Sabina, In A Florida Coastal Lagoon System, Thomas Henry Schmid

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Age, growth rates, and patterns of movement were studied in the Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina, in the Indian River lagoon system in east central Florida. Age was estimated using the growth rings on the vertebral centrum and tretacycline marking. Tetracycline injections produced clear readable rings in all pups, but failed to be incorporated into the centra of adults. Females possess more centrum rings than males, but annual periodicity could not be verified. Growth rates were determined from aquarium held pups and adults and from tagged and recaptured animals. Males appeared to reach maturity in about two years, females in slightly …

Variation In Female Somatic Condition And Its Relationship To Reproduction In The Sailfin Molly, Poecilia Latipinna (Pisces: Poeciliidae), Richard Eugene Smith

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Seasonal and gestational variation in the somatic and reproductive condition of females was determined for two east-central Florida populations of the livebearing fish Poecilia latipinna. Females were sampled monthly between January 1985 and January 1986 at Badge Station (BDGST) and Titusville Ditch (TDTCH) study sites. In addition, collections were made at approximately 8 day intervals in April and August. Somatic condition was determined by calculating index values for dry weight (somatic tissue minus water), lipid, and protein from overall regression equations relating these components to female body size. Significant seasonal variation in somatic condition existed within the two study sites. …

Seasonal Variation In Serum Testosterone Of Immature Sea Turtles In Central Florida, Lawrence K. Luepschen

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A yearlong hormonal study of immature populations of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) inhabiting the Indian River in Central Florida, USA, provided information about the relationship between serum testosterone levels and life history habits. By use of a specific radioimmunoassay, testosterone levels of both species were found to remain constant throughout the year with only a slight increase in the warmer months. Adrenal production of steroids in response to stress does not contribute significantly to overall testosterone levels may be reduced for turtles held in captivity. Testosterone levels indicate that the sex ratios of both species …

Multivariate Analysis Of Competition And Habitat Use Of Small Mammals In Florida Sand Pine Scrub, C.E. Jr. Swindell

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Arachnid Fauna In Three Central Florida Plant Communities, David T. Corey

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Arachnids were collected in three plant communities on the University of Central Florida campus, beginning in May of 1983 and ending in March 1984. These sites were undisturbed communities: pond pine, sand pine scrub, and flatwoods. Pitfall traps and sweep nets were used to catch arachnids every other month.

A total of 2,657 arachnids were collected in pitfall traps and 4,022 in sweep nets. Spiders were the most numerous group, consisting of 87.5% of the individuals in pitfall traps and 100.0% in sweep nets. Forty-two scorpions, 41 pseudoscorpions, and 248 opilionids were captured on the ground surface.

Spider diversity on …

The Effect Of Food On Reproduction In The Sailfin Molly, Poecilia Iatipinna (Poeciliidae, Rebecca B. Smith

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Sailfin molly populations often experience a midsummer slump in reproduction, and it has been suggested that this slump is caused by food shortage. A food supplementation experiment on a natural population of mollies was done in 1983. Excess food did not directly affect the fecundity of females in the field. A laboratory experiment was designed to determine the food level on reproduction in females. Ration had the greatest effect on somatic condition and growth, indirectly influencing fecundity. Two explanations for this strategy are suggested. A significant difference in brood size and size of young was observed between the field and …

Analysis Of The Df(3r)Ok1, Pamela S. Thomas

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Taxonomic Study Of Hawaiian Marchantia, Terri L. Roberts

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The genus Marchantia occurs world-wide. The greatest diversity of described species occurs in the tropical Pacific. Fourteen species of Marchantia have been reported at different times from the Hawaiian Islands but when this study began seven species were recognized. A new technique for clearing thallus material enabled me to see and compare ambiguous characters. From studies of types and numerous additional collections from the islands, I determined that the seven species accepted actually belong to three taxa and one previously undescribed species was discovered. Comparison of Hawaiian plants with specimens, drawings and descriptions of extra-Hawaiian Marchantiae showed clearly that the …

A Demographic Study Of An Isolated Population Of The Gopher Tortoise, Gopherus Polyphemus; And An Assessment Of A Relocation Procedure For Tortoises, Terry J. Doonan

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

It is acknowledged that the gopher tortoise is declining in numbers throughout its geographic range primarily from degradation and loss of suitable habitat. This research project is part of a pilot program to study the effectiveness of relocation as a mitigation method for the conservation of gopher tortoises. There was an opportunity to gather information about the tortoise population prior to its relocation, and for that reason this thesis is presented in two sections.

The first section of this work involved the analysis of the tortoise population prior to its removal from the development site. Results of two methods for …

Human And Natural Causes Of Marine Turtle Clutch And Hatchling Mortality And Their Relationship To Hatchling Production On An Important Florida Nesting Beach, Blair E. Witherington

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Populations of Western Atlantic loggerheads (Caretta caretta) and Florida green turtles (Chelonia mydas) have been in historical decline. The identification and protection of beaches that are major producers of loggerhead and green turtle hatchlings are vital to the preservation of these species.

A study assessing loggerhead and green turtle hatchling production was initiated at a 21 km stretch of beach in south Brevard County, Florida (Melbourne Beach) during the 1985 nesting season. Nesting densities were assessed from a season-long (10 May – 12 September) census in which every nest was counted and identified to species. An analysis of average reproductive …

The Effect Of Sewage Effluent Removal On The Water Quality Of Lake Howell, Florida, Patricia L. Smith

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

In April, 1983, sewage effluent discharge from the Maitland and Winter Park sewage treatment plants was diverted from Lake Howell to the Iron Bridge Regional Sewage Treatment Plant. The sewage treatment plants of the cities of Winter Park and Maitland had been discharging into Lake Howell since 1927 and 1962, respectively. These point sources had contributed 95% of the total phosphorus and 69% of the total nitrogen budgets for Lake Howell. Physico-chemical parameters were monitored monthly for two years chemical parameters were monitored monthly for two years from January, 1983 through December, 1984. Annual mean values fro chlorophyll_a, …

Florida Macrolichens As Potential Bioindicators Of Environmental Quality: A Baseline Study, Harry V. Neal

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Lichens have been used extensively and with considerable success as bioindicators of atmospheric pollution in North America and Europe for more than thirty years. Little research has followed in tropical and subtropical regions where population growth is rapid and environmental pressures unprecedented. However, taxa used as bioindicators in other studies and/or taxa having this potential, occur naturally in Central Florida. A new potential major source of pollution, the coal-fired Curtis H. Stanton Energy Center, is about to begin operation providing the opportunity to determine the extent of impact. Therefore, lichen monitoring sites have been established and the collection of baseline …

Structural Comparisons Of Sand Pine Scrubs Of East-Central Florida, Pamela J. Latham

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Surgical Sterilization Of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella Val.), David H. Clippinger

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

In November, 1983, 93 sexually immature and 33 mature grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Val.) were surgically sterilized by clipping the gonaduct or removing a section of the ovaries of testes through a ventral incision between the pelvic girdle and the vent. No mortality occurred from this procedure. After six months (May, 1984), 95.7% of the immature and 100% of the mature grass carp had at least some gonadal tissue regeneration. Fifty-nine percent of the immature fish regenerated a pathway for the eggs or milt to enter the environment. Artificial spawning of the mature female grass carp was 66.7% successful. Over …

Life History Tactics Of The Sailfin Molly (Poecilia Latipinna) In Contrasting Environments, Helen L. Large

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Life history tactics of three Central Florida populations of Poecilia latipinna were compared to those predicted by life history selection theory. The three populations were sampled monthly for one year. At each sampling period a series of physicochemical measurements were taken to determine the degree of spatial and temporal environmental heterogeneity within each site. Life history traits determined for each population included size at maturity, size specific fecundity, reproductive effort, and length, weight, and condition of offspring. The population inhabiting the most variable environment was characterized by smaller size at maturity, lower size specific fecundity, lower overall reproductive output, and …

Reproductive Biology Of Thamnophis Sauritus Sackenii (Kennicott) (Reptilia:Serpentes:Colubridae) From East-Central Florida, Steven. Myers

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Peninsula ribbon snakes, Thamnophis sauritus sackenii, were collected for 14 months. Of 90 individuals collected and examined, 42 were females, 29 were males, and 19 were neonates. Females had a larger body length than did males. The smallest, sexually mature female had a snout-vent length of 428 mm. Mating occurred from March through May. Parturition occurred from June through October. Vitellogenesis began in spring and ovulation occurred between April and May. Spermatogenic activity occurred from August through December and testes were regressed during other months.

Breeding Biology Of The Great Crested Flycatcher, Myiarchus Crinitus, (Linnaeus) In Central Florida, Mark A. Kershner

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Biosystematic Study Of The Fern Genus Lygodium In Eastern North America, Violet M. Brown

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The mainly tropical genus Lygodium differs from other ferns in that the fronds are indeterminate and are vine-like. A single species, L. palmatum is native in temperate North America. The temperate Asian L. japonicum is naturalized throughout much of the southeastern United States. About twenty years ago, L. microphyllum was introduced into South Florida and is now naturalized in several counties. The present study documents differences among spores and their generation, development of sporophytes from the fertilized egg, and in flavonoid chemistry. Hybridization experiments showed a strong possibility for cross fertility between species. Experiments with prothallial development and differentiation revealed …

Factors That Influence Plant Species Richness On Habitat Islands Of Sand Pine Scrub, Cindy B. Connery

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Isolation And Identification Of Flavonoids In Zygocactus, Jacqueline M. Wade

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.