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Implications Of Spatial Autocorrelation And Dispersal For The Modeling Of Species Distributions, Volker Bahn

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Modeling the geographical distributions of wildlife species is important for ecology and conservation biology. Spatial autocorrelation in species distributions poses a problem for distribution modeling because it invalidates the assumption of independence among sample locations. I explored the prevalence and causes of spatial autocorrelation in data from the Breeding Bird Survey, covering the conterminous United States, using Regression Trees, Conditional Autoregressive Regressions (CAR), and the partitioning of variance. I also constructed a simulation model to investigate dispersal as a process contributing to spatial autocorrelation, and attempted to verify the connection between dispersal and spatial autocorrelation in species’ distributions in empirical …

Ecology Of The Plankton Of Lakes Wapalanne And Ocquittunk In Sussex County, New Jersey, Malgorzata Barbara Drazek-Falah

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The diversity of planktonic organisms was studied for seven months in Lake Wapalanne and Lake Ocquittunk (Stokes State Forest), Sussex County, New Jersey. Relative abundance and species diversity were studied as well as water quality including parameters: temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and depth of lakes. The data of seasonal changes in abundance of organisms and water quality was compared between both lakes.

Three stations were set up along the straight line on Lake Wapalanne, buoyed by diatometers, which were used for diatom collection. There were also three stations located along the sides of Lake Ocquittunk arbitrary picked. Plankton samples …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: July 19, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions & Announcements (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from May 17, 2005 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Update on NEPA Process – Michael Johnson & Otak (30 min.)
   A. Overview of NEPA Process C. Status of interim EA report
   B. EA Timeline Schedule D. Status of cultural treatment plan
4. Matrix of Project Concerns and Resolutions – Michael Reiland (15 min.)
5. Review of Project Timeline Schedule – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
   A. Status of Request for Proposals C. Status of Nevada Power Grid
   B. Status of Water Options
6. Curriculum Development – Jeannie Klockow (10 min.)
   A. Wild Horse & Burro Curriculum
7. Community Outreach …

Bats Of Skydusky Hollow, Bland County, Virginia, Virgil Brack Jr., Richard J. Reynolds, Wil Orndorff, Joe Zokaites, Carol Zokaites

Virginia Journal of Science

During the period 22 November 1999 – 11 October 2001, winter hibernacula surveys, spring staging/autumn swarming surveys, and summer surveys for bats were completed in caves of Skydusky Hollow, Bland County, Virginia. During winter, 12 caves were entered and 16,185 bats counted: 235 Myotis sodalis (Indiana bat), 14,475 Myotis lucifugus (little brown myotis), 12 Myotis septentrionalis (northern myotis), 7 Myotis leibii (eastern small-footed myotis), 1,441 Pipistrellus subflavus (eastern pipistrelle), and 15 Eptesicus fuscus (big brown bat). Myotis sodalis hibernated in thermally stable areas of 7 -9 ̊C. The largest concentration of M. lucifugus (n = 4,280) hibernated in an area …

Intermediary Metabolism And Life History Trade-Offs: Lipid Metabolism In Lines Of The Wing-Polymorphic Cricket, Gryllus Firmus, Selected For Flight Capability Vs. Early Age Reproduction, Anthony J. Zera

Anthony Zera Publications

The extent to which modifications in intermediary metabolism contribute to life history variation and trade-offs is an important but poorly understood aspect of life history evolution. Artificial selection was used to produce replicate genetic stocks of the wing-polymorphic cricket, Gryllus firmus, that were nearly pure-breeding for either the flight-capable (LW[f]) morph, which delays ovarian growth, or the flightless (SW) morph, which exhibits enhanced early-age fecundity. LW(f) lines accumulated substantially more triglyceride, the main flight fuel in Gryllus, compared with SW-selected lines, and enhanced accumulation of triglyceride was strongly associated with reduced ovarian growth. Increased triglyceride accumulation in LW(f) lines resulted …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: May 17, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from March 15, 2005 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Review of Project Issues & Concerns (30 min.)
   A. Discussion of Strategic Project Review
4. Update on Water Options and NEPA Timeline/Progress – Michael Reiland (15 min.)
5. Core Curriculum Development: Progress Report – Jeannie Klockow (15 min.)
6. Community Outreach – Nancy Flagg (15 min.)
   A. Key Messages
   B. List of environmental groups and media
   D. Revisit Core Group list
7. Standing Reports (20 minutes)
   A. Line and Space Architects – Les Wallach/Henry Tom
   B. BLM Capital Improvements – Michael Reiland
8. Committee Reports (10 min.)
   A. Building Committee – Angie …

In-Burrow Application Of Rozol To Manage Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs, Charles D. Lee, Philip S. Gipson, Jeff J. Wilson

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Our experiment demonstrated that black-tailed prairie dogs(Cynomys ludovicianus) will consume rodenticide underground in their burrows. We demonstrated the efficacy of Rozol Pocket Gopher Bait containing the active ingredient chlorophacione (0.005%) 21 days post treatment for managing black-tailed prairie dogs in their burrows in Kansas. Active prairie dog burrows were reduced 90% when 54 grams of Rozol was placed in the burrow without prebaiting. Results indicate use of this toxicant when placed in the burrow can be an effective means of managing prairie dogs. In-burrow application of rodenticides for black-tailed prairie dog management should markedly reduce exposure of birds …

Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Colony Dynamics In South Dakota Over A 10-Year Period, Kathleen A. Fagerstone, Howard P. Tietjen, James F. Glahn, Greg L. Schenbeck, Jean Bourassa

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Between 1968 and 1978, aerial photography was used to monitor distribution of black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies on a 400-square mile area in South Dakota, including parts of Buffalo Gap National Grassland, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and Badlands National Monument (now Badlands National Park). Aerial photographs were taken of the study area in 1968 and annually from 1974 through 1978 at a scale of 1:20,000 (1968) and 1:15,840 (1974-1978). Prairie dog colonies were identified on the photographs, outlined, and the outline transferred to USGS topographic maps for colony size measurements. This technique reliably detected changes in prairie …

Badger Movement Ecology In Colorado Agricultural Areas After A Fire, Craig A. Ramey, Jean B. Bourassa

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

While investigating the American badger (Taxidea taxus) in eastern Colorado' s wheatlands, we studied 3 badgers which were affected by a 2.1 km² man-made fire and compared them to 2 adjacent badgers unaffected by the fire. All badgers were equipped with radio-telemetry collars and generally located day and night for approximately 1 month pre-fire and 3 weeks post-fire. Three point triangulation locations were converted into a global information system database. Adaptive kernel analyses compared pre- and post-fire horizontal: home ranges (i.e. 95% utilization areas, UAs), core activity areas (50% UAs), movements, den and habitat use patterns. Mean …

Relative Influence Of Landscape Indicators On Macroinvertebrate Communities In A Predominately Forested Watershed: Effects Of Spacial Scale, Robert Johnson

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Science and Technology at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science by Robert Johnson on May 9, 2005.

Range Expansion By Moose Into Coastal Temperate Rainforests Of British Columbia, Canada, C. T. Darimont, P. C. Paquet, T. E. Reimchen, V. Crichton

Biogeography and Ecological Opportunity Collection

Ranges of species are dynamic and respond to long-term climate change and contemporary effects such as habitat modification. We report here that moose (Alces alces) have recently colonized coastal temperate rainforests of British Columbia, Canada. Contrary to recent publications, field observations of moose and their sign, combined with their occurrence in wolf (Canis lupus) faeces, suggest that moose are now widespread on the coastal mainland and occur on least three islands. Traditional ecological knowledge (information accumulated by aboriginal peoples about their environment) suggests that colonization occurred during the mid 1900s, concomitant with logging of major watersheds that bisect the Coast …

Stopover Ecology Of Autumn Landbird Migrants In The Boise Foothills Of Southwestern Idaho, Jay D. Carlisle, Gregory S. Kaltenecker, David L. Swanson

Intermountain Bird Observatory Publications and Presentations

The topography of western North America provides a complex landscape for landbird migrants, and stopover patterns in this region are poorly understood. We examined seven years of stopover data (1997–2003) from a montane area in southwestern Idaho to determine whether this area provides suitable stopover habitat. We compared the proportion of birds recaptured, stopover duration, and changes in energetic condition within and among species and between two mist-netting sites located in different habitats. The proportion of birds recaptured ranged from zero to over 20%, and fewer than 5% of individuals were recaptured in most species. Mean minimum stopover durations from …

The Effect Of Scaling-Up On Remotely Derived Leaf Area Index Estimators In The Brazilian Amazon, John I. Menzies

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research compared a traditional statistical technique with artificial neural networks to determine their effectiveness for modeling LAI in the Santarem region of the Brazilian Amazon. In addition, different satellite sensors in the form of ETM+, ASTER, MO DIS, and IKONOS were used to assess if spatial and spectral resolutions play a role in the ability to estimate LAI. This study focused on the following: (1) Determining if neural networks perform more accurately than multiple regression for LAI modeling (2) the effectiveness of different resolution satellite data including ETM+, ASTER, MODIS, and IKONOS for LAI estimation; (3) determining if spatial …

Yellow Starthistle In Utah: An Investigation Of Centaurea Solstitialis Invasion Patterns, Processes, And Population Dynamics, Julie Patrice Rieder

Biology

In a series of observational studies and experiments in the field, I investigated the general biology of yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) within a landscape in Utah in light of three main phases of invasion: arrival and establishment, spread, and equilibrium. During the establishment phase, the effect of disturbance on yellow starthistle establishment and performance was context dependent; disturbance positively influenced establishment and fecundity on relatively large disturbed plots that were artificially seeded, but had no significant effect on YST performance on small disturbed plots receiving ambient seed rain. Importantly, disturbance was not essential for establishment of yellow starthistle. …

Characterization Of Microbial Communities In Karstic Sediments : A Study Of Cave Bacteria In Central Kentucky., Justine Kay Roback 1964-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Few previous studies have compared microbial communities in subterranean and surface environments. Chemical analyses used to characterize the surface and cave microbial environments indicated limited exchange between surface and subsurface waters. Here, bacterial communities from four distinct cave sediments collected in central Kentucky and adjacent surface streams were compared using a combination of culture and molecular methods. Predictions were that: 1) Cave communities will have unique community structures when compared to those of nearby surface sediments, and 2) Genetic diversity of bacterial communities in cave sediments will be higher than those in nearby surface sediments. Since diversity and community structure …

Reproductive Success Of Chestnut-Collared Longspurs In Native And Exotic Grassland, J. D. Lloyd, Thomas E. Martin

Wildlife Biology Faculty Publications

Habitat loss and fragmentation have been identified as important factors in the decline of grassland bird populations. However, population declines are apparent even in prairie ecosystems that remain relatively intact suggesting that additional factors are involved. The degradation of breeding habitat may be one such factor, but few studies have examined habitat-specific demography of grassland birds, and thus little is known of how changes in breeding habitat may be related to population declines. We addressed this question by comparing reproductive success of Chestnut-collared Longspurs (Calcarius ornatus) in patches of native prairie and in monocultures of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), a …

A Dimensionless Invariant For Relative Size At Sex Change In Animals: Explanation And Implications, Andy Gardner, David Allsop, Eric Charnov, Stuart West

Biology Faculty & Staff Publications

Recent comparative studies across sex-changing animals have found that the relative size and age at sex change are strikingly invariant. In particular, 91%-97% of the variation in size at sex change across species can be explained by the simple rule that individuals change sex when they reach 72% of their maximum body size. However, this degree of invariance is surprising and has proved controversial. In particular, it is not clear why this result should hold, given that there is considerable biological variation across species in factors that can influence the evolutionarily stable timing of sex change. Our overall aim here …

Examination Of The Ecological Differences Between Two Closely Related Endemic Whitefish In Relation To Growth Conditions And Predation Risk, Benjamen M. Kennedy

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Benthic Bear Lake whitefish (Prosopium abyssicola) and Bonneville whitefish (P. spilontus) are closely related, yet the extent of ecological separation remains poorly understood. We described their spring and summer distribution and diet in Bear Lake and examined how these were related to environmental growth conditions, and predation risk. In spring and summer, Bonneville whitefish dominated shallower depths (5-30 m), whereas Bear Lake whitefish dominated deeper depths (45-55 m). At intermediate depths (35-40 m), low numbers of both species occurred. Bonneville whitefish ate mostly Chironomidae, whereas Bear Lake whitefish ate mostly Ostracoda. Habitats occupied by Bonneville whitefish …

Effects Of Fire Disturbance On Terrestrial Salamanders In Mixed-Coniferous Forests Of The Klamath/Siskiyou Region Of The Pacific Northwest, Donald J. Major

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

An effective examination of fire disturbance on floral and faunal components requires research that integrates knowledge from multiple disciplines to understand the pattern and process controls affecting organisms in a complex system. However, current fire effects research typically focuses on the pattern response of organisms or their habitats with little integration of the dynamic fire process that created the pattern. This dissertation integrates an analysis of the processes of fire disturbance with terrestrial salamander ecology in a fire-dependent forest ecosystem, Klamath Province, California, USA.

In Chapter 1, I begin with a comprehensive review of disturbance ecology, focusing primarily on fire …

Water Uptake And Transport In Lianas And Co-Occurring Trees Of A Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest, Jose Luis Andrade, Frederick C. Meinzer, Stefan A. Schnitzer

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Water uptake and transport were studied in eight liana species in a seasonally dry tropical forest on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. Stable hydrogen isotope composition (δD) of xylem and soil water, soil volumetric water content (θ_v), and basal sap flow were measured during the 1997 and 1998 dry seasons. Sap flow of several neighboring trees was measured to assess differences between lianas and trees in magnitudes and patterns of daily sap flow. Little seasonal change in θ_v was observed at 90–120 cm depth in both years. Mean soil water δD during the dry season was −19‰ at …

Presentation To Mojave-Southern Great Basin Rac, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (PLI)

University manages selected SNPLMA projects as determined by the four federal agencies. Projects must be:

• Compatible with UNLV’s mission.
• Enhance education and research.
• Draw upon expertise of faculty, staff, and students.

Hibernation Is Recorded In Lower Incisors Of Recent And Fossil Ground Ssquirrels (Spermophilus), Tom Goodwin, Gail R. Michener, Daniel Gonzalez, Caroline E. Rinaldi

Faculty Publications

Incremental dentin and associated enamel, features visible on the surface of lower incisors, were characterized for 3 species of ground squirrels (Spermophilus): Pleistocene and Recent S. elegans, Recent S. richardsonii, and Recent S. parryii. A hibernation mark was evident in incisor dentin and enamel, most characteristically as a sleeve of enamel terminating basally adjacent to medially depressed dentin with indistinct and often very fine increments. This mark was absent in juveniles but present in older animals of both sexes for at least 6 weeks after hibernation, eventually being lost through growth and wear of the incisor. Temporal association with hibernation …

Ecological Studies Of Wolves On Isle Royale, 2004-2005, Rolf O. Peterson, John A. Vucetich

Ecological Studies of Wolves on Isle Royale

Annual Report 2004-2005

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: March 15, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from January 18, 2005 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Core Curriculum Development: Timeline and Progress Report – Jeannie Klockow (30 min.)
4. Update on Water Testing – Bob Boyd (15 min.)
5. A. Line and Space Architects – Les Wallach/Henry Tom
   B. UNLV/CESU – Nancy Flagg
   C. BLM – Michael Reiland
6. Committee Reports (5 min.)
7. Open Discussion / New Business (5 min.)

Cesu Agreements: Beyond Traditional Science Applications, Margaret N. Rees

Presentations (PLI)

Partnering with four federal land-management agencies

• Bureau of Land Management
• National Park Service
• U.S. Forest Service
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Endangered And Threatened Wildlife And Plants; Proposed Endangered Status For The Salt Creek Tiger Beetle (Cicindela Nevadica Lincolniana)

Endangered Species Bulletin

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the Salt Creek tiger beetle (Cicindela nevadica lincolniana) as endangered under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Salt Creek tiger beetle, a member of the family Cicindelidae, is endemic to the saline wetlands of eastern Nebraska and associated streams in the northern third of Lancaster County and southern margin of Saunders County in Nebraska, where it is found in barren salt flat and saline stream edge habitats. Of six known populations in 1991, three are now extirpated and the remaining …

Bloodroot Pollination: Bet-Hedging In Uncertain Times, W. John Hayden

Biology Faculty Publications

“Hurry up and wait.” The phrase that epitomizes life in the military or any other large, bureaucratic, organization, applies surprisingly well to bloodroot and similar ephemeral wildflowers. Each year these plants race to flower as early as possible to assure sufficient time for fruits to ripen and seeds to mature while sunshine is abundant at the forest floor, for all too soon the forest floor will be draped in shadows cast by the trees’ leafy canopy. Ephemerals do everything quickly: sprout, grow, flower, disperse seeds, and re-enter dormancy. But flowering in very early spring can be risky. Some days will …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: January 18, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from November 16, 2004 Meeting (5 minutes)
3. Presentation of Science Curriculum – Paul Buck (30 min.)
4. Line and Space Architects
   Presentation of Schematic Designs– Les Wallach/Henry Tom (1 hour)
   Update on Design Timeline (10 min.)
5. Standing Reports (10 minutes)
   A. UNLV/CESU – Nancy Flagg
   B. BLM – Michael Reiland
6. Committee Reports (5 min.)
7. Committee Meeting Schedule for 2005 (5 min.)
8. Open Discussion / New Business (5 min.)

Correlational Selection Leads To Genetic Integration Of Body Size And An Attractive Plumage Trait In Dark-Eyed Juncos, Joel Mcglothlin, Patricia Parker, Val Nolan, Ellen Ketterson

Biology Department Faculty Works

When a trait's effect on fitness depends on its interaction with other traits, the resultant selection is correlational and may lead to the integration of functionally related traits. In relation to sexual selection, when an ornamental trait interacts with phenotypic quality to determine mating success, correlational sexual selection should generate genetic correlations between the ornament and quality, leading to the evolution of honest signals. Despite its potential importance in the evolution of signal honesty, correlational sexual selection has rarely been measured in natural populations. In the dark‐eyed junco (Junco hyemalis), males with experimentally elevated values of a plumage trait (whiteness …

Optimizing Allocation Of Monitoring Effort Under Economic And Observational Constraints, Scott A. Field, Andrew J. Tyre, Hugh P. Possingham

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Efforts to design monitoring regimes capable of detecting population trends can be thwarted by observational and economic constraints inherent to most biological surveys. Ensuring that limited resources are allocated efficiently requires evaluation of statistical power for alternative survey designs. We simulated the process of data collection on a landscape, where we initiated declines over 3 sample periods in species of varying prevalence and detectability. Changing occupancy levels were estimated using a technique that accounted for effects of false-negative errors on survey data. Declines were identified within a frequentist statistical framework, but the significance level was set at an optimal level …