Life Sciences Commons^™

Carex — Its Distribution And Importance In Utah, Mont E. Lewis

Brigham Young University Science Bulletin, Biological Series

No abstract provided.

The Cattle Industry Of San Juan County, Utah, 1875-1900, Franklin D. Day

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to learn the reasons for the movement of cattle Into San Juan County, Utah, the development of the Industry, and its contribution to the growth of the county.

The few written accounts in existence of the cattle industry in San Juan are brief and found in widely separate areas. The whole and complete account will likely never be written, but there is need for gathering as much of the scattered information as possible.

A study of the early history of the inhabitants of San Juan was made, along with an examination of the geography …

A Preliminary Investigation Of The Role Of Selenium In The Growth Of Stanleya Pinnata, Richard F. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

Stanleya pinnata has been identified as an indicator plant for seleniferous soils. The apparent limitation of its distribution to seleniferous soils suggests that selenium may play an essential role in this species. This study is a preliminary investigation of the role of selenium to Stanleya pinnata. When fully ripe, seeds germinated readily. Concentrations of selenium of 100 parts per million and 1000 parts per million retarded germination. Seeds germiuated in lower concentrations were not affected which was probably due to the selenium content of the seed itself, being greater than in the germinating media. Stanleya pinnata plants were grown from …

Studies On The Periodicity Of Certain Plankton Species Of Salem Lake, Gene A. Pratt

Theses and Dissertations

Plankton samples were taken periodically from one station in Salem Lake from the fall of 1955 through the winter of 1957. Other data including the pH, dissolved oxygen content, turbidity, brightness of day, temperature, and time of day were recorded at the time of each collection. The plankton samples were centrifuged and preserved in a 4% formalin solution. They were later examined microscopically, and density, percent density, and percent frequency calculations were made from them for ten selected species and for the five phyla which they represent.

Chemosynthetic Microorganisms In Leaching Sulfide Minerals, A. Keith Jameson

Theses and Dissertations

This investigation showed that a single bacterium was capable of sulfide oxidation in exposed ore bodies. This single bacterium was isolated and characterized. It exhibited different characteristics than any previously known organism. It was found to be a chemosynthetic autotroph. An optimum nutrient concentration was determined for pyrite oxidation. The nutrient concentration was determined for pyrite oxidation. The nutrient contains only a source of phosphate and nitrogen. Urea was found to be a better source of nitrogen than ammonium sulfate which had previously been used. The effect of various organic compounds on the oxidation of pyrite was observed. Glucose and …

A Morphological Study Of Some North American Sitona (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), George J. Kidd

Theses and Dissertations

This study was undertaken to identify, if possible, some morphological characteristics of the U. S. Sitona species that would help simplify the classification of this difficult group. Because of extreme difficulty in obtaining positively identified specimens of all species reported, the scope was limited to eight identified species and one unidentified series. External structures studied include mouth parts, appendages, eyes, wings, and genitalia. The spermathecae were the only internal structures analyzed. Mandibular profiles were compared throughout the species represented and variations were noted. Labia and maxillae were observed but no distinctive differences were noticed. Antennae were found to be quite …

The Incidence Of Nasal Mites In Over-Wintering Red-Wing Blackbirds In The Vicinity Of Utah Lake, Utah, George M. Talley

Theses and Dissertations

This paper reports the incidence and associations of four species of mites, Paraneonyssus icteridius, Ptilonyssus n. sp. "A", Sternostoma n. sp. "A" , and Speleognathus sp., found in the nasal cavities of the common red-wing blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus ssp.) and Brewer's blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus cyanocephalus Wagler) over-wintering in the vicinity of Provo, Utah County, Utah. Three species of mites are reported for the first time from these birds, and two of these three are undescribed species.

The Embryology Of The Paradise Fish, Macropodus Opercularis Linnaeus, Lewis M. Mulkay

Theses and Dissertations

The development of Sacropodus opercularis Linnaeus, (Perciformes: Anabantidae), is described from cleavage to five days post hatching. For the most part M. opercularis follows the pattern of typical teleostean development except as noted below: 1. The heart develops under the left eye along the anterior margin of the yolk sac. This is similar to that reported by Ingesoll (1951) for the Blue Gourami, Trichogaster trichopterus. 2. The ear develps from the head mesenchyme alongside the brain rather than from a placode. 3. The gut develops first in the posterior region then differentiates cephalad. It was also learned that: 1. No …

Oviposition Habits Of The Tick Dermacentor Parumapertus Neumann And Factors Influencing Egg Development, Clive D. Jorgensen

Theses and Dissertations

This paper includes data concerning the influence of relative humidity, temperature, and percentage of engorgement on the pre-oviposition period, oviposition period, post-oviposition period, and incubation period of the tick Dermacentor parumapertus Neumann. The influence of the percentage of engorgement on the oviposition period, oviposition rate, and egg number is considered. Data on the disposition and number of eggs in nature are discussed.

A Taxonomic Study Of The Families Of Utah Coleoptera Excluding Rhynchophora, T. Blaine Moore

Theses and Dissertations

During the years 1950-51 work was begun on a study of the Coleoptera by the author. In 1955, due to the lack of a workable set of keys to the Coleoptera of Utah, a study was undertaken to find a way to more easily classify the beetles of the state to their respective families. The collection of Brigham Young University was used as the basis for determining the families of beetles actually found in Utah. Then a thorough search of the literature was made to find positive records of Utah families not represented in that collection. It was found that …

An Ecological Survey Of The Vegetation Of The Dinosaur National Monument, Utah, Stanley L. Welsh

Theses and Dissertations

The present work is a general survey of the vegetation of the Utah portion of the Dinosaur National Monument with special emphasis on some of the ecological aspects of the area. The vegetation ranges from xerophytic plant communities of the lower elevations to mesophytic communities of the higher elevations. Hydrophytic plant communities are also present to a limited extent along the Green River and where seeps or springs arise. Soils vary from fine clay to coarse gravel. The dividing lines between formations is often marked by extreme differences in soil type. During the author's first collecting trip into the Monument …

Introgression In Purshia Tridentata (Pursh) Dc. And Cowania Stansburiana Torr, Lindsey Kay Thomas

Theses and Dissertations

A study ot discordant variation in populations of Purshia tridentata, Purshia glandulosa, and Cowania Stansburiana has disclosed that introgressive hybridization can be expected whenever these species come in contact with each other. The introgression is not only of one pure species into that of another, but is also of introgressed populations into other introgressed populations and of pure populations into introgressed populations. Evidence was found showing that in all probability Purshia glandulosa is a stabilized segregant derived from introgressed populations. Evidence was also found and presented to show that introgression is responsible for the recent acquisition of stalked hypanthium glands …

Oxidation Of Molybdenite With The Aid Of Microorganisms, Ralph Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

This work represents a study on the biological oxidation of molybdenite, MoS2. The principal objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of the biological oxidation of molybdenite, to determine the physical and chemical conditions under which the oxidative process occurs, and to develop a strain of bacteria or alter the activity of the microorganisms by acclimatization to increase their activity on sulfide minerals, in particular molybdenite. Minerals used in this study were pyrite (FeS2), chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), molybdenite concentrate, and molybdenite ore. The microorganisms used in this investigation were autotrophic bacteria obtained from the leaching streams of Bingham Canyon, …

A Preliminary Investigation Of The Taxonomy And The Geographical Distribution Of The Chrysopidae (Neuroptera) Of Utah, Wayne A. Melander

Theses and Dissertations

The writer undertook a preliminary investigation of the taxonomy and geographic distribution of a group of neuropterous insects, the Chrysopidae, in Utah. The main purposes of the investigation were to find what species and forms of these beneficial insects occur in Utah, to provide means for their identification, and to report upon their geographical distribution. Two main methods of investigation were employed. The first, a bibliographic method, was to carefully review the literature concerning the Chrysopidae of the United States for all references pertaining to their distribution and their taxonomy. The second method of investigation was to study insect specimens …

A Study Of The Utah Pocket Mice Of The Genus Perognathus, Merlin L. Killpack

Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this study were: (1) to make a detailed study of the distribution of the genus Parognathus in Utah; (2) to determine if any species or races not now recorded occur in the state; (3) to bring together notes on life histories of this genus, both from the literature and field studies; and (4) to determine habitat preferences of the species represented. This paper lists 14 subspecies belonging to 7 species of Perognathus occurring in Utah. One species is a new occurrence record, Perognathus fasciatus callistus, from northeastern Utah east of the Green River. The ranges of Perognathus …

A Study Of Utah Phoridae Diptera, A. Lavell King

Theses and Dissertations

This study was undertaken to determine the present status in Utah of the Dipterous family Phoridae, and to report which genera and species are found there. The work was done with the thought in mind of furthering the knowledae of this little-known family in Utah. In order to secure information about the family the writer studied entomological literature and specimens obtained from the entomological collections of the Brigham Young University and Utah State Agricultural College. Personal collecting in various areas of Utah was also done. During the study it was found that there were six genera and twenty-one species correctly …

A Study Of The Hydra Of Salem Pond, Mary Elizabeth Dumas

Theses and Dissertations

The site of investigation for this work was Salem Pond, Salem (formerly known a.s Pond Town), Utah. It was settled in 1851 by David Crockett and David Fairbanks. Colonization began in 1856 when a fort of adobe and lumber houses was built near the pond, and later, several industries located there, benefited by the water wheels constructed by the pioneers (Huf4 l947).

A Life History Study Of The Spurred Towhee Pipilo Erythropthalmus Montanus, Travis G. Haws

Theses and Dissertations

This paper deals with the life history and distribution of the Spurred Towhee (Pipilo erythropthalmus moutanus Swarth). Research was begun in April, 1955, and terminted in June, 1956. The preferred habitat of this bird is the mountain slopes, canyons. and streamsides covered with a shrubby type of vegetation, usually between 5,000 and 8,000 feet in elevation. Distribution of the Spurred Towhee is throughout the central Rocky Mountain region in the states of Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, western half of New Mexico, and into northern Mexico. During the winter these birds are found concentrated in the lower valleys along the streams …

Birds Of The Brigham Young University Campus, Barid Baran Mukherjee

Theses and Dissertations

This paper deals with the seasonal distribution, relative abundance, and location of the different species of birds which visit or live on the Brigham Young University campus from late summer to early spring, with a brief account of their activities. The upper campus, where this investigation was carried on, covers an area of 201 acres and is situated on a bench at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains. The study was continued from July 13, 1955 to April 15, 1956. A total of 173 hours was devoted to census work and to studying the general ecology of the area. Four …

Photo-Oxidations Sensitized By Physiologically Important Substances, Ernel D. Ihnen

Theses and Dissertations

A study of the photo-oxidation of the 2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol-ascorbic couple was undertaken with a view to investigating the postulated mechanism of oxidation by a component of the oxygen evolving sequence operative in photosynthesis. A spectrophotometric method for the measurement of the progress of photo-oxidation was developed. Temperature and pH dependence were determined and the effect of various common inhibitors and physiological substances tested. None of the common Hill reaction inhibitors were effective in the ascorbic acid photo-oxidation in the system used. KCN and catalase as well as a few other high molecular weight proteins were able to inhibit dark auto-oxidation …

The Interrelation And Interaction Of Allenrolfea Occidentalis And Its Edaphic Environment, Blaine H. Quigley

Theses and Dissertations

To understand more fully how Allenrolfea occidentalis (S . Wats . ) Kuntze tolerates high salt concentrations and why it grows in hummocks, this study was undertaken . Allenrolfea is a shrubby member of the Sa licorneae subfamily of the Chenopodiaceae family , with practically leafless green succulent stems and inconspicuous flowers .

Mammals Of The Lynndyl, Utah, Sand Dune Area : A Population Problem, Hugh J. Phillips

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the kinds, population, distribution, and general habits of the mammals of the Lynndyl sand dune area. Only one article concerning the dunes was found, but several have been written on other dunes; however, none was found concerning mammals. Two quantitative studies, plot and transect trappings, were made and general observations were taken within the study area. Three types of plots; Russian thistle, juniper, and baren moving dunes; were trapped and revealed the following species: Dipodomys ordii, Peromyscus maniculatus, Reithrodontomys megalotis, Onychomys leucogaster, and Neotoma lepida. The most numerous animal in all plots …

A Study Of The Families Of Utah Hemiptera, Gerald L. Nielsen

Theses and Dissertations

This study determines the number of families of Hemiptera found in the state and has a key for their classification. The characteristics and general distributions of each family are given, along with specific examples of the most common and economically important bugs. Important references are given for each family of work done to date. It was found that there have been twenty-eight families of Hemiptera collected in Utah, some of which are well represented in numbers of genera, species, and individuals, while others are represented by a single species and collected in only one or two places in the state.

An Ecological And Distributional Study Of Small Mammals Of Cedar Valley, Utah County, Utah, Loraine Woodbury

Theses and Dissertations

This paper deals with the ecology and distribution of small mammals in the following plant communities of Cedar Valley, Utah: juniper, greasewood, grass-rabbitbrush, and shadscale. Study periods were in August 1950 and 1951, October 1951, and April 1952 with each community studied 1,440 trap-nights. A combination of the Calhoun ''B" and transect method was employed; plant species and densities were taken and soil samples were checked for moisture content, total soluble salts and mechanical analysis. In the communities studied Dipodomys ordii utahensis (Merriam) is found in greatest abundance on sandy soil and Perognathus parvus olivaceus (Merriam) is found in greater …

Front Matter, Vol. 1 No. 1

Brigham Young University Science Bulletin, Biological Series

No abstract provided.

Distributional Studies Of Parasitic Arthropods In Utah Determined As Actual And Potential Vectors Of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever And Plague: With Notes On Vector-Host Relationships, D Elden Beck

Brigham Young University Science Bulletin, Biological Series

Through the courtesy of the National Institutes of Health, Grants and Fellowships Division, a project was established at Brigham Young University to study the distribution and host relationships of vectors for Rocky Mountain spotted fever and plague in the state of Utah.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Of the four capable vectors listed as present in the United States, Dermacentor andersoni and Haemaphysalis leporis palustris are found in Utah. Listed for Utah as potential (experimental) vectors are Dermacentor parumapertus, Dermacentor albipictus, Rhipicephalis sanguineus and Ornithodoros parkeri. Of the potential vectors D. parumapertus is the only species having extensive distribution in Utah. …

End Matter, Vol. 1 No. 1

Brigham Young University Science Bulletin, Biological Series

No abstract provided.

Study Of The Aspectional Variations Of Siphonaptera Associated With The Nests Of The Thomas Wood Rat Neotoma Lepida Lepida Thomas, J. Franklin Howell

Theses and Dissertations

Much work has been done concerning those parasites found upon the host. Very little has been done concerning those parasites that are parasitic but are very rarely found upon the host. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine seasonal distribution of those fleas found in the nests of the desert wood rat (N. l. lepida). This paper shows that there is a seasonal variation of flea populations within a certain geographic area. It also shows that certain species of fleas are distributed seasonally; not all species being present in the same season. Three of the eleven species collected …

Distinguishing Characteristics Of The Seeds Of Garden Flowers Of Utah And A Key For Their Identification, Naia H. Burkey

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis has been to make a collection of the seeds of herbaceous dicotyledonous garden flowers of Utah, to examine their external structural characteristics and to prepare keys for their classification. A collection of the seeds of 146 species of garden flowers has been made, and includes species of 41 families. The seeds have been cleaned and dried and a collection stored in labelled vials and left in the Botany Department of the Brigham Young University. Keys have been prepared for the identification of the families, genera, and species. As far as possible external characteristics--such as color, …

A Critical Study Of The Genus Pantosteus (Catostomidae), Keith M. Standing

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this paper is to critically study and analyze all species belonging to the genus Pantosteus and to determine tbe validity of the characteristics that were used to separate the genus Notolepidomyzon from the genus Pantoateus. Special reference was made to the morphology of the fontanelle and the weberian ossicles. In order to more thoroughly comprehend the reasons for Cope describing Pantosteus as a new genus and Fowler describing Notolepidomyzon as a new sub-genus and then Snyder elevating it to the status of a genus as complete a historical sketch as possible was made using all literature known …