Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons^™

The Dynamics, Distribution, And Activity Of Viruses In Lake Erie, Amanda Dean

Masters Theses

As viruses-- specifically pervasive pathogens of aquatic microorganisms-- are now included in most studies of aquatic food webs and nutrient cycles, presented here is new information from samples collected in July 2003 which demonstrates that bacteria lysed by viruses released 122 - 1080 nM of phosphorus per day throughout Lake Erie, implying that viruses acted as a major mechanism of phosphorus recycling in the lake. Viruses have been shown to be ubiquitous throughout Lake Erie, with a weak correlation between their distribution and the distribution of bacteria. Moreover, evidence suggests that virus production rates are tightly tied to the growth …

Spatial Ecology And Habitat Use Of The Endangered Iguana, Cyclura Lewisi, In An Unnatural Setting, Rachel M. Goodman

Masters Theses

The Grand Cayman blue iguana, Cyclura lewisi, is critically endangered with an estimated 7-25 individuals remaining in the wild. This taxon is in need of intensive management, but little has been published on any aspect of its biology, and the remaining wild population is too small to be the basis of a research program. In order to aid in the conservation of this and other iguanid species, I investigated the spatial ecology and habitat use of a population of captive-bred, released C. lewisi in a botanic park on Grand Cayman. Movements and locations of these iguanas were verified through …

An Assessment Of Environmental Enrichment On Morphology And Behavior Of Yearling Rat Snakes (Elaphe Obsoleta), Lynn M. Almli

Masters Theses

Behavioral consequences of differential experience relating to studies of environmental enrichment have been documented primarily in mammals and birds. Similar data on experience-dependent behavioral plasticity are lacking in other vertebrates, especially non-avian reptiles. This project examined whether environmentally induced change occurs in snakes. Specifically, I housed rat snakes, Elaphe obsoleta, in enriched and standard environments to determine if differential experience can alter body morphology and improve behavioral abilities. Rat snakes are a particularly good model for this type of experiment because they are typically solitary and live in a complex three-dimensional habitat.

After being housed in different conditions for …