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Articles 1 - 25 of 25
Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network
Caring For Killer Whales: Multispecies Obligations In Wildlife Conservation, Rayne Billings
Caring For Killer Whales: Multispecies Obligations In Wildlife Conservation, Rayne Billings
Bachelor of Liberal Arts (BLA) Senior Projects and Theses
No abstract provided.
Drivers Of Life History Variation In A Long-Lived, Marine Predator: Individual Heterogeneity In Reproductive Performance Of Grey Seals (Halichoerus Grypus), Janelle Jean Badger
Drivers Of Life History Variation In A Long-Lived, Marine Predator: Individual Heterogeneity In Reproductive Performance Of Grey Seals (Halichoerus Grypus), Janelle Jean Badger
Biological Sciences
Fitness variation among individuals is a key tenet of eco-evolutionary theory, as natural selection acts upon this variation to bring about evolutionary change. Our understanding of individual heterogeneity and its evolutionary consequences in wild populations is limited, particularly for long-lived animals which are difficult to observe on a biologically relevant scales. This dissertation explores the dynamics of reproductive heterogeneity in a long-lived, iteroparous animal stemming from individual variation, energetic trade-offs, and ecological conditions using over 35 years of longitudinal data on a large sample of marked female grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) breeding on Sable Island, Nova Scotia. Using mixed-effects regression …
Conditions For Staggering And Delaying Outplantings Of The Kelps Saccharina Latissima And Alaria Marginata For Mariculture, Amy E. Raymond, Michael S. Stekoll
Conditions For Staggering And Delaying Outplantings Of The Kelps Saccharina Latissima And Alaria Marginata For Mariculture, Amy E. Raymond, Michael S. Stekoll
Faculty, Staff, and Students
We describe a method for production of kelp using meiospore seeding creating flexibility for extended storage time prior to outplanting. One bottleneck to expansion of the kelp farming industry is the lack of flexibility in timing of seeded twine production, which is dependent on the fertility of wild sporophytes. We tested methods to slow gametophyte growth and reproduction of early life stages by manipulating temperature of the kelp Saccharina latissima. Reducing temperature from 12 C to 4 C reduced gametophyte size, sporophyte size, egg production, and sporophyte production and subsequently was the best candidate condition for storage experiments of seeded …
Assessing The Behavioural Responses Of Small Cetaceans To Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, J. Castro, F. O. Borges, A. Cid, M. I. Laborde, R. Rosa, Heidi C. Pearson
Assessing The Behavioural Responses Of Small Cetaceans To Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, J. Castro, F. O. Borges, A. Cid, M. I. Laborde, R. Rosa, Heidi C. Pearson
Faculty, Staff, and Students
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones, have recently emerged as a relatively affordable and accessible method for studying wildlife. Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) UAVs are appropriate for morphometric, behavioural, abundance and demographic studies of marine mammals, providing a stable, nonintrusive and highly manoeuvrable platform. Previous studies using VTOL UAVs have been conducted on various marine mammal species, but specific studies regarding behavioural responses to these devices are limited and scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate behavioural responses of common (Delphinus delphis) and bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins to a VTOL UAV flown at different altitudes. …
Life Cycles Of The Kelps Saccharina Latissima And Alaria Marginata: Implications For Mariculture And Ecology In Alaska, Annie E.T. Raymond
Life Cycles Of The Kelps Saccharina Latissima And Alaria Marginata: Implications For Mariculture And Ecology In Alaska, Annie E.T. Raymond
Fisheries
Kelp farming has the potential to economically diversify coastal communities of Alaska while offering other ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and mitigation of eutrophication. Two bottlenecks to the expansion of the industry are understanding the natural kelp life cycle and manipulating the life cycle to produce seed. We address these questions with specific research aimed to increase knowledge of the expected natural variability of the kelp life cycle and test methods to effectively manipulate storage of kelp seed string to add flexibility to the kelp farming industry. First, in Chapter 1, we documented the patterns of sporophyte fertility for two …
Estimating Seabird Abundance: A Case Study In Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, Jennifer Curl
Estimating Seabird Abundance: A Case Study In Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, Jennifer Curl
Biological Sciences
Estimation of breeding seabird population size and trends are integral components of studies or programs seeking to understand how seabird populations respond to changes in marine or coastal environments, to identify threatened or declining species, and to inform management actions and decisions. In Chapter 1, I conduct a review of the challenges, considerations, tools, and methods involved in efforts to estimate and monitor breeding seabird abundance. I discuss challenges in terms of two broad categories: 1) seabird life history, behavior, and breeding environments, and 2) challenges inherent to survey methods and logistics. I introduce methods and tools used to access …
Primary Care Provider Time Limited Interventions For Obesity An Integrative Review, Kristie Finkenbinder
Primary Care Provider Time Limited Interventions For Obesity An Integrative Review, Kristie Finkenbinder
Student Projects for Graduate Degrees
Obesity and excess weight are significant health problems in the United States, affecting the majority of United States citizens. The prevalence of obesity is already a large burden on individuals and society, but the steady growth is an ominous warning of what’s to come. If not addressed, the various complications of obesity are multiple and significant with often both immediate and lifelong sequelae. With an already taxed healthcare system the additional costs of obesity related healthcare are further depleting resources. Primary care providers have the best opportunity to influence this population and are thus on the front lines of this …
Subsistence And Commercial Fisheries Through The Lenses Of Culture And Economy In Three Coastal Alaskan Communities, Davin L. Holen
Subsistence And Commercial Fisheries Through The Lenses Of Culture And Economy In Three Coastal Alaskan Communities, Davin L. Holen
Anthropology
Commercial and subsistence fisheries in Alaska are complex social-ecological systems constituting interdependent components which include economics and culture at the local and regional levels. Each fishery has unique challenges and benefits; however, a commonality that can be found in coastal communities in Alaska is that salmon fisheries are for many a way of life that serve to link commercial and subsistence practices to family and traditions. This research investigated whether and how culture is a key component of subsistence and commercial fisheries in three core study communities in different parts of coastal Alaska; Chenega Bay in Prince William Sound, Kokhanok …
Breeding Ecology Of Smith's Longspurs (Calcarius Pictus) In The Brooks Range, Alaska, Heather Rebekah Craig
Breeding Ecology Of Smith's Longspurs (Calcarius Pictus) In The Brooks Range, Alaska, Heather Rebekah Craig
Biological Sciences
Alaska's Arctic ecosystem provides critical habitat for nesting songbirds. However, within this region climate change projections indicate a shrubbier future, as well as major shifts in summer weather patterns. The polygynandrous Smith's Longspur (Calcarius pictus) is a little known species that is closely tied to treeless tundra habitat in northern Alaska. I evaluated Smith's Longspur dispersal ability and annual survival rates using seven years of banding data, as well as breeding habitat requirements and reproductive success in two populations in the Brooks Range. Most adults (88%; n = 34) returned to nest in the same breeding neighborhood as previous years, …
Localized Practices And Globalized Futures: Challenges For Alaska Coastal Community Youth, Marie Lowe
Localized Practices And Globalized Futures: Challenges For Alaska Coastal Community Youth, Marie Lowe
ISER Articles
No abstract provided.
Fire-Severity Effects On Plant-Fungal Interactions: Implications For Alaskan Treeline Dynamics In A Warming Climate, Rebecca E. Hewitt
Fire-Severity Effects On Plant-Fungal Interactions: Implications For Alaskan Treeline Dynamics In A Warming Climate, Rebecca E. Hewitt
Biological Sciences
Understanding the complex mechanisms controlling treeline advance or retreat in the Arctic and Subarctic has important implications for projecting ecosystem response to climate change. Changes in landcover due to a treeline biome shift could alter climate feedbacks and ecosystem services such as wildlife and berry habitat. Major sources of uncertainty in predicting treeline advance or retreat are the controls over seedling establishment at treeline and in tundra. One often-overlooked yet physiologically important factor to seedling establishment is the symbiosis with ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF), the obligate mycobionts of all boreal tree species. EMF provide soil nutrients and water to seedlings and …
Acclimation And Migration Potential Of A Boreal Forest Tree, Balsam Poplar (Populus Balsamifera L.) In A Changing Climate, Amanda L. Robertson
Acclimation And Migration Potential Of A Boreal Forest Tree, Balsam Poplar (Populus Balsamifera L.) In A Changing Climate, Amanda L. Robertson
Biological Sciences
In the North American boreal forest, 21st century climate change is projected to result in longer growing seasons, increased forest productivity, and northward expansions or shifts in species ranges. These projected impacts are largely based on observations across natural temperature gradients, e.g., latitude or altitude, or correlations between current species' distributions and modern climate envelopes. These approaches, although valuable, do not consider biological capacities important in a species' ability to cope with novel environments through physiological or phenological acclimation. Within a single species, adaptation to local environments may cause some populations to respond differently to climate change than others. Acclimation …
Diet And Affinity From The Middle Neolithic To Early Bronze Age, Estremadura, Portugal: A Comparison Of Human Dental Remains From Feteira Ii And Bolores, Briana Christa Horwath
Diet And Affinity From The Middle Neolithic To Early Bronze Age, Estremadura, Portugal: A Comparison Of Human Dental Remains From Feteira Ii And Bolores, Briana Christa Horwath
Anthropology
The social and political changes accompanying the transition from the Neolithic through Early Bronze Age in southwestern Iberia are reasonably well understood; much less is known about population movements and dietary changes that accompanied these transformations. To address possible population movements and dietary change, human dental remains from the Middle Neolithic through Late Neolithic site of Feteira II (3600-2900 B.C.E) and the Late Neolithic through the Early Bronze Age site of Bolores (2800-1800 B.C.E) will be used to examine diet and affinity. Two hypotheses are tested: the period of social change was associated with dietary change between individuals interred at …
Factors Affecting Survival Of Arctic-Breeding Dunlin (Calidris Alpina Arcticola) Adults And Chicks, Brooke Lynne Hill
Factors Affecting Survival Of Arctic-Breeding Dunlin (Calidris Alpina Arcticola) Adults And Chicks, Brooke Lynne Hill
Biological Sciences
Accurate estimates of, and identifying factors affecting, survival and productivity can provide insight into population trends and help determine what management actions would most benefit a population. Only limited demographic data are available for many Arctic-breeding shorebird species. I estimated survival probabilities for Arctic-breeding Dunlin (Calidris alpina arcticola); for adults between 2003 and 2010, and for chicks in 2008 and 2009. Adult apparent survival probabilities were higher for males (0.60 ± 0.04) than females (0.41 ± 0.05), were higher for individuals initiating nests earlier in the season, and yearly variation was high. These apparent survival rates appear insufficient to maintain …
Reproductive Ecology And Morphometric Subspecies Comparisons Of Dunlin (Calidris Alpina), An Arctic Shorebird, Heather River Gates
Reproductive Ecology And Morphometric Subspecies Comparisons Of Dunlin (Calidris Alpina), An Arctic Shorebird, Heather River Gates
Biological Sciences
The Arctic region provides globally important breeding and migratory habitat for abundant wildlife populations including migratory shorebirds. Due to their remote breeding locations, basic information on breeding ecology, annual productivity, and factors that regulate their populations are poorly studied. Wildlife biologists managing migratory bird populations require detailed information on avian breeding biology, in addition to information on migration ecology including connectivity of migratory stopover and wintering locations. To address information gaps in fecundity, I conducted an experimental study investigating the renesting ecology of Dunlin (Calidris alpina arcticola) by removing clutches at two stages of incubation and by following adults marked …
Population Genetic Structure And Phylogeography Of Common Eiders (Somateria Mollissima), Sarah A. Sonsthagen
Population Genetic Structure And Phylogeography Of Common Eiders (Somateria Mollissima), Sarah A. Sonsthagen
Biological Sciences
Population genetic structure of Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima) was assessed at increasing spatial scales (microgeographic [<1 km] to throughout their circumpolar distribution), using molecular markers with varying modes of inheritance and rates of evolution. Population genetic subdivision was observed at all spatial scales; however, the degree of structure differed among marker types. Relatively lower levels of spatial genetic structuring were observed at bi-parentally inherited markers, and high levels of structuring were observed at a maternally inherited locus. Differences in the degree of subdivision between marker types may be attributable to the breeding biology of eiders. Pair formation occurs on the wintering grounds; where several populations of eiders interact. Female eiders exhibit high natal and breeding philopatry; whereas, males accompany females back to breeding sites and may disperse long distances between breeding seasons. Significant structuring observed at microgeographic scales indicates that eiders may nest in kin groups. Though the underlying mechanism enabling female eiders to discriminate kin is unknown, waterfowl may achieve kin recognition indirectly through association during brood rearing. Genetic signatures of philopatry among Common Eider populations do vary among Alaskan populations. No genetic structuring at mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was observed among islands in the Beaufort Sea in close geographic proximity (1-49 km apart). However, high structuring was observed among island groups, suggesting females are philopatric to island groups rather than individual islands. In contrast, moderate levels of genetic partitioning for mtDNA were observed among Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) colonies (9-63 km apart); therefore, female eiders may be philopatric to individual colonies. MtDNA haplotypes representing Aleutian and YKD populations are more genetically similar to Canadian and Scandinavian populations than northern Alaska populations, indicating that southern Alaskan populations were colonized from central Canadian refugia. Data indicate that the North Slope may have been a refugium for eiders but contributed little to the post-glacial colonization of North America and Scandinavia. Finally, philopatry and winter site fidelity observed in waterfowl have predictable effects on population genetic structure. Researchers characterizing populations using molecular techniques could under- or over-estimate the degree of population genetic differentiation if estimates are based on a single marker type.
Distribution, Growth And Egg Production Of Euphausiids In The Northern Gulf Of Alaska, Alexei I. Pinchuk
Distribution, Growth And Egg Production Of Euphausiids In The Northern Gulf Of Alaska, Alexei I. Pinchuk
Marine Biology
The euphausiids Thysanoessa inermis, Thysanoessa spinifera and Euphausia pacifica are key pelagic grazers and important prey for many vertebrates in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This thesis provides the first account of distribution, egg production, growth, development, and temporal variability in abundance of the euphausiids in relation to environmental variations in the northern GOA. T. inermis and T spinifera were abundant on the shelf within 120-130 km from the coast, while E. pacifica originated from offshore and was advected onto the shelf during summer. E. pacifica produced multiple broods with brood size strongly related to ambient chlorophyll a concentrations. In …
Characterizing Glucocorticoid Levels In Five Species Of Sea Ducks Occurring In Alaska, Peter B. Nilsson
Characterizing Glucocorticoid Levels In Five Species Of Sea Ducks Occurring In Alaska, Peter B. Nilsson
Marine Biology
Stress hormone analysis, used in conjunction with other physiological parameters, may help identify factors affecting sea duck populations in their natural environment. Corticosterone, the primary 'stress hormone' in birds, is secreted in response to a stressor and enhances an individual's chance of survival by inducing physiological and behavioral changes. Establishing a valid method for evaluating stress hormone levels in sea ducks and gaining basic information on baseline concentrations and stress response in these birds are important first steps to identify factors that may negatively affect sea duck populations. This study validated a radioimmunoassay (RIA) procedure to measure corticosterone concentrations in …
Factors Affecting Estuarine Populations Of Nereocystis Luetkeana In Kachemak Bay, Alaska, HéLoïSe Anne Chenelot
Factors Affecting Estuarine Populations Of Nereocystis Luetkeana In Kachemak Bay, Alaska, HéLoïSe Anne Chenelot
Marine Biology
Nereocystis luetkeana forms extensive kelp beds in Kachemak Bay, Alaska. Salinity and turbidity gradients apparently regulate kelp bed distribution throughout this estuary. The beds are large at the entrance of the bay, only solitary stands occur in the inner bay, and no kelp is found at the head of the bay. The role of salinity and turbidity on Nereocystis sporophyte growth was investigated by performing reciprocal transplants among three beds along the bay axis and regularly measuring stipe growth. The effects of salinity and light on spores were studied in the laboratory by recording sinking tendency, settlement success, germination success, …
Counting Seals: Estimating The Unseen Fraction Using A Covariate And Capture-Recapture Model, John R. Moran
Counting Seals: Estimating The Unseen Fraction Using A Covariate And Capture-Recapture Model, John R. Moran
Fisheries
We evaluated the influences of environmental covariates on the proportion of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi) ashore on Tugidak Island using a series of photographic capture-recapture experiments and ground based counts. We used general linear models to examine the significance of combinations of covariates including quadratics terms. Time of day, tide height, rate of tide change, surf, and wind speed significantly influenced the number of seals ashore during the molting period. The model including all significant covariates best explained the probability of seals being hauled out. We observed a decline in the local population using the haulout suggesting that seasonal …
Using Histomorphometric Traits Of Bone Microarchitecture In The Determination Of Biological Affinity, E. Augustus Goodman
Using Histomorphometric Traits Of Bone Microarchitecture In The Determination Of Biological Affinity, E. Augustus Goodman
Anthropology
This research began to establish alternate possible means for determining the biological affinity for fragmented skeletal remains between geographically disparate populations, specifically American-Caucasians and Southeast Asians. The goal is to determine the feasibility of developing a method that may be used in the field to differentiate the remains of U.S. servicemen from people of Southeast Asia. This technique is based upon differences in bone histomorphometric variables. The variables used in this research are the osteon area (On. Ar), Haversian canal area (H. Ar), and osteon population density (OPD). The conclusions reached in this research suggest that differences exist on the …
A Demographic Profile Of Rural Alaska: 1980, John Frederick Noss
A Demographic Profile Of Rural Alaska: 1980, John Frederick Noss
Anthropology
No abstract provided.
The Alaska Eskimos A Selected Annotated Bibliography, Arthur E. Hippler, John R. Wood
The Alaska Eskimos A Selected Annotated Bibliography, Arthur E. Hippler, John R. Wood
ISER Reports
This Report is one in a series of selected, annotated bibliographies on Alaska Native groups that is being published by the Institute of Social and Economic Research. It comprises annotated references on Eskimos in Alaska. A forthcoming bibliography in this series will collect and evaluate the existing literature on Southeast Alaska Tlingit and Haida groups. ISER bibliographies are compiled and written by institute members who specialize in ethnographic and social research. They are designed both to support current work at the institute and to provide research tools for others interested in Alaska ethnography. Although not exhaustive, these bibliographies indicate the …
The Alaska Eskimos: A Selected, Annotated Bibliography, Arthur E. Hippler, John R. Wood
The Alaska Eskimos: A Selected, Annotated Bibliography, Arthur E. Hippler, John R. Wood
ISER Reports
No abstract provided.
The Demography Of The Native Population Of And Alaskan City, F. A. Milan, S. Pawson
The Demography Of The Native Population Of And Alaskan City, F. A. Milan, S. Pawson
ISER Reports
No abstract provided.