Life Sciences Commons^™

Resource Partitioning In Seven Species Of Sympatric Intertidal Chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora), Richard D. Piercy

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Space (intertidal height and location/exposure on the rock surface), and food {gut contents) were partitioned among 7 species of sympatric intertidal chitons: Mopaliidae - Mopalia hindsii, M. ciliata, ~· lignosa, M. muscosa, and Katharina tunicata; and Ischnochitonidae - Tonicella lineata and Cyanoplax dentiens. Species distribution relative to intertidal height (-0.3m to +0.9m) showed significant differences. M. hindsii, ~· ciliata, M. lignosa, and T. lineata preferred slopes or undersides of rocks while ~· muscosa, K. tunicata, and c. dentiens occurred on the top horizontal surfaces or in more exposed habitats. Chitons differed significantly in their associations with Lithothamnion, macrophytic algae, Ulva, …

Sexual Differentiation Of The Rat Hypothalamus: An Evaluation Of Sexual Behavior And Hypothalamic Morphology Following Neonatal Manipulation, Michael C. Stamper

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the School of Sciences and Mathematics at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biology by Michael C. Stamper on August 24, 1984.

Effects Of Dehydration On Hemoglobin Oxygen Affinity And Blood Cell Volume In Two Anurans, Andrew Christopher Zygmunt

Dissertations and Theses

Two aspects of possible adaptation in cardiovascular performance caused by increased plasma electrolytes were examined. Cells in anisotonic plasma may either act as osmometers or volume regulate. Blood flow rate is dependent upon cell viscosity, which in turn is a consequence of cell volume and membrane deform-ability. Cell volume changes which increase membrane deform-ability will thus potentially extend the limits of dehydration tolerance. It was found in R. catesbeiana and B. marinus that red blood cell is maintain constant volume during dehydration. Cells in vitro initially lose water, but then sodium, potassium and water move into the cell. Cell viscosity …

Studies On The Phytoplankton Of Littoral Waters Of The Arabian Gulf As Impacted By Oil Spills, Hamdan S. Al-Ghamdi

Masters Theses

A study of the effect of oil pollution on two intertidal areas of the Saudi Arabian Gulf coast was undertaken. One area was severely impacted by oil; the other was relatively clean. The organisms studied also indicated the effects of pollution were diatoms and blue-green algae.

Members of the diatom genus Amphora were more numerous in the clean water area than in the polluted section, confirming their preference for relatively clean habitats. Members of the diatom genus Asterionella, a more resistant group, were much more abundant in the polluted area.

Blue-green algae which also tolerate pollution were also more abundant …

An Evaluation And Comparison Of Various Diversity Indices As Illustrated By Portage Creek, Karl Josef Siebert

Masters Theses

The diversity index is an established method of measuring water quality. In this study various diversity indices are evaluated for their use in a rapid, accurate, and cost effective biological monitoring program. The study investigated five diversity indices: Approximate, Brillouin's, Shannon's, Simpson's and the Sequential Comparison Index. The diversity indices were tested for accuracy and sensitivity on actual on actual macroinvertebrate samples and simulated data.

The Simposon's Index was found to provide the most accuracy and sensitivity for the indices tested. The importance of considering the evenness element of diversity indices was also supported by the study.

The Role Of Colonization Predation And Season In Determining Macroinvertebrate Community Structure In A Temperate Lake, Cheryl Lynn Frew

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Field experiments were conducted to examine the effects of distance from shore, vertebrate predation, and season on macroinvertebrate colonization dynamics in a temperate lake in Suffolk, VA. In a year-long colonization study, artificial plants, half of which were caged to exclude vertebrate predators, were deployed in patches at three distances from shore (2m, 15m, 50m). Artificial plant subsamples were removed at weekly intervals over 28 days during four seasons to monitor colonization by macroinvertebrates. Colonization of artificial plants occurred more quickly in the summer and spring than in fall and winter. The interactive effect of distance from shore and cage …

Effects Of Intraperitoneal And Intracerebral Injections Of Triiodothyronine On Temperature Selection In Fish, Dennis A. Grahn

Dissertations and Theses

Goldfish (Carassius auratus) of 15-28g were maintained at 23 C and subsequently were intraperitoneally injected with saline (controls) and varying doses of Triiodothyronine (T₃). Following the injection, the fish were placed in a thermal gradient and temperature selection and activity monitored for 30 min. There was no- significant difference between the responses of the experimental fish to the 2 different doses of T₃. However, there was a significant difference in response between the experimental and control groups (P < 0.001). The decreased temperature selection occurred early in the test runs, while the increased activity began later. Larger goldfish (175-205g) received 0.5 μl intracerebral injections of 1.5-3.0 ng T₃ in the anterior brainstem via an indwelling cannula injection system. These fish responded to the injections by …

Effects Of Adrenalectomy On Hemoconcentration And Blood Ph, Urea And Electrolytes In The Mongolian Gerbil (Meriones Unguiculatus), Magally Aellos De Cova

Master's Theses

The effects of adrenalectomy on some blood profiles of the Mongolian gerbil, Meriones unguiculatus, were studied in order to clarify the possible causes of its short survival after adrenal ablation. Measurements of hematocrit, pH, urea and electrolytes were made 18, 24 and 30 hours after surgery. Results show the expected alterations: hemoconcentration, metabolic acidosis, high values of urea and disturbances in electrolytes. While hyponatremia was significant only after 24 hours, important hypochloremia was not present at any time. Hyperkalemia was the most significant alteration observed. It occurred as early as 18 hours after surgery, suggesting that it may be an …

Vocal Behavior And Interactions Among Parents And Offspring In The American Dipper, Mary Kathleen Fite

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus), an inhabitant of rapidly flowing mountain streams, is an aquatic passerine whose vocalizations have previously been undescribed. This study examines the spectrographic characteristics and contexts of calls and song in a color-banded population of Dippers. Calls of adults are the Jih, Weep and Grawk calls; calls of nestlings and fledglings are the Chip and Beg calls. Adult Dippers have a limited number of call types which occupy a middle range of frequencies (3 to 6kHz) and have structural characteristics which enhance detection of vocal signals. Gradation is present between call types. Possible explanations …

Effects Of Folic Acid Or Zinc Malnutrition On Rotaviral Infection In A Murine Model, John Douglas Morrey

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The influences of dietary deficiencies of folic acid or zinc on rotaviral disease infant mice were studied. Preliminary studies indicated that bovine and simian rotaviruses, but not porcine rotavirus, caused diarrhea in infant mice. Bovine and porcine rotaviruses were not, however, sufficiently infectious to replace murine rotavirus in studies utilizing the murine model. It was also determined that murine rotavirus purified by a cesium chloride gradient was highly infectious and useful for subsequent studies on nutritional influences of rotaviral disease. In dietary studies, female Swiss Webster mice were fed diets containing deficient, moderately deficient, or adequate levels of folic acid …

Determination Of An Enzyme Deficiency In The Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Mutant Mod5-1, Lacking Isopentenylated Trnas, Sopiah Suid

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Non-Visual Feeding Behavior Of The Mottled Sculpin Cottus Bairdi: Ecological And Evolutionary Implications, Denise Maxine Denham Hoekstra

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Characteristics Of A Ca++ Atpase Enzyme In The Epidermis Of Molting Blue Crabs, Callinectes Sapidus, Joanne Elizabeth Lapetina

Master's Theses

Epidermal Ca⁺⁺-activated ATPase was investigated in relation to the molt cycle of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. Premolt and postmolt tissue samples demonstrated significant elevations in Ca⁺⁺-activated ATPase activity in comparison to intermolt tissue samples. These results support the suggestion that this enzyme may participate in demineralization of the old cuticle, as well as calcification of the new cuticle.

The enzyme is localized in the heavy particulate-nuclear fraction and is distinguished from mitochondrial Ca⁺⁺ ATPase found in other tissues by differences in sensitivity to mersalyl acid. 0 The enzyme is most active at 49 C …

The Effects Of Photoperiod And Melatonin Injections On The Reproductive System Of The Male Mongolian Gerbil (Meriones Unguiculatus), Luis Jose Cova Marchan

Master's Theses

This work was undertaken to study the effects of photoperiod and melatonin on fertility in male Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Four groups of fifteen animals each, were placed in different photoperiods (ambient, ranging from 14L:10D to 11.3L:12.3D; 24L:10D; 14L:10D; and 1L:23D). After 35 days, three gerbils from each photoperiod condition were sacrificed and the testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles, prostate, kidneys, adrenals, thymus and hypophysis were weighed. The testes and epididymides were placed in Bouin's fixative and used for histological studies. Also, two males from each photoperiod condition were paired individually with a female. The remaining animals of each photoperiod condition …

The Effects Of Beach Restoration On Marine Turtles' Nesting In South Brevard County, Florida, Paul W. Raymond

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The south Brevard coast of Florida is a major nesting ground for the Atlantic loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). A beach restoration project was completed in the winter of 1980-81 at Indialantic and Melbourne Beach. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of beach restoration on marine turtle nesting during the summer months of 1981 and 1982. A 3.1 km restored beach study area and two control beach study areas, each 3.1 km in length and consisting of natural beach sands, were established. The entire study area (9.3 km) was monitored for nesting and non-nesting emergences (false crawls) and a …

The Reproductive Biology Of Sternotherus Minor Minor (Reptilia: Testudines: Kinosternidae) From The Southern Part Of Its Range In Central Florida, Cory R. Etchberger

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Variation in chelonian reproductive patterns is well documented. Previous studies of loggerhead musk turtles (Sternotherus minor) reproduction have not attempted to control for variation in latitude, local population differences, and seasonal variation. The present study attempts to control for these variables by collecting turtles from one population for one reproductive season. The reproductive pattern of S. minor at the southern limit of its range (Central Florida) is compared to those of S. minor studied elsewhere. Both male and female musk turtles mature after five to six years and at approximately 60mm plastron length. No sexual dimorphism in overall body size …

Wood Anatomy And Relationships Of Neowawraea (Euphorbiaceae), Dörthe S. Brandt, W. John Hayden

Honors Theses

Wood anatomy of three specimens of Neowawraea phyllanthoides Rock, a rare and endangered member of Euphorbiaceae endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, is described and compared with woods of other genera of subfamily Phyllanthoideae. Neowawraeahas often been associated or synonymized with Drypetes Vahl. Wood of Neowawraea is diffuse porous, perforation plates are simple, imperforate tracheary elements are thin-walled septate fiber-tracheids, rays are heterocellular and crystalliferous, and axial xylem parenchyma is restricted to a few scanty paratracheal and terminal cells. In several respects these results differ from earlier published descriptions of the wood of this taxon; these earlier descriptions are shown …

A Survey Of The Living Hermatypic Corals On The West Fore Reef Of Discovery Bay, Jamaica After The Occurence Of Hurricane Allen, James Arthur Crawford

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Inquiry Into The Causes And Significance Of Cytoplasmic Vacuolation Of Neutrophils In The Peripheral Circulation, Gary Xavier Haight

Dissertations and Theses

One-half million cases of septicemia are reported annually with a mortality of around 35%. Diagnosis depends in part on blood cultures which require one to two weeks. It would be advantageous if an early sign of septicemia were available.

Cytoplasmic vacuolation of polymorphonuclear neutropnils is occasionally seen in the peripheral blood smears of patients who have infections. The object of this work was to determine the cause and significance of cytoplasmic vacuolation with the goal of using the occurrence of vacuolation as an early indicator of infection.

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

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Applications Of Aerial Imagery In Identification Of Natural Areas, Kendall Duane Wessel

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

There is current interest in utilizing aerial imagery to obtain information on natural vegetation. The purpose of this study is to utilize and evaluate commonly available aerial imagery to identify potential natural areas suitable for preservation and to initiate development of a procedure for imagery interpretation to meet this goal.

Clayton County, located in the northeastern quarter of the state of Iowa, was selected for study because it is dissected by steep, narrow stream valleys that are unsuitable for cultivation and may still possess native vegetation of a quality suitable for preservation.

Baseline or control communities were selected from known …

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

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 …

The Ontogeny And Functional Significance Of Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (Lhrh) Containing Centers Of The Brain Of The Freshwater Teleost, Xiphophorus Maculatus, Leslie R. Halpern-Sebold

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The use of cytometric, immunocytochemical and radioimmunological methods has allowed the investigation of the ontogeny and functional significance of LHRH containing centers in sibling platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus) genetically determined to reach sexual maturity at different ages and in adult fish which were hypophysectomized and given replacement therapy with gonadotropin.

There is a sequential development of three immunoreactive (ir-) LHRH centers in the brain that is directly related to stage, not age of sexual maturation. The first region to contain ir-LHRH is the nucleus olfactoretinalis (NOR). Ir-LHRH then appears in the nucleus preopticus periventricularis (NPP), followed by the nucleus lateralis tuberis …

A Study Of Cladonia Cryptochlorophaea And Morphologically Similar Species In Illinois, Indiana, And Wisconsin, Scott S. Wilcer

Masters Theses

Collections of Cladonias with cup-shaped podetia were made in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin in order to determine the distribution of an atranorin-containing variant of Cladonia cryptochlorophaea, which was discovered in 1982 in Coles County, Illinois by Cheryl Cunningham. A second objective was a distributional study of the Cladonias having cup-shaped podetia in the same three state area.

A total of 591 specimens were collected from the three states. The collection areas for Illinois were: Jackson Hollow in Pope County, Giant City State Park and Touch of Nature Interpretive Center in Jackson and Williamson Counties, Starved Rock State Park in …

Food Habits And Body Composition Of Some Dominant Deep-Sea Fishes From Temperate And Tropical Regions Of The Western North Atlantic, Roy E. Crabtree

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

Food habits of 23 species of demersal deep-sea fishes from the temperate Middle Atlantic Bight and the tropical Bahamas region are described. In addition, body composition parameters including percent water, ash, carbon, and nitrogen are discussed for 48 demersal species from these study areas. Food habits data on Bahamian species are combined with those from other studies in an attempt to describe the trophic structure of this tropical deep-sea fish assemblage. Numerical classification techniques are used to group species based upon similarity of diets. Four groups are evident, including a group which feeds largely on polychaetes, a second which feeds …