Life Sciences Commons^™

Application Of Satellite Data And Lars' Data Processing Techniques To Mapping Vegetation Of The Dismal Swamp, Jeffrey Allan Messmore

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

This study concerned the feasibility of using digital satellite imagery and automatic data processing (ADP) techniques as a means of mapping swamp forest vegetation. Multispectral scanner data acquired by the Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS-1; renamed LANDSAT-1) was analyzed using ADP techniques developed by Purdue University's Laboratory for Applications of Remote Sensing (LARS). The site for this investigation was the Dismal Swamp, a 210,000 acre swamp forest located south of Suffolk, Va. on the Virginia-North Carolina border. Two basic classification strategies were employed in determining the vegetation mapping capability of ERTS-1 data. The initial classification utilized unsupervised techniques which produced …

Measurement Of Transpiration In Pinus Teada L. And Liquidambar Styraciflua L. In A Closed Environment Growth Chamber Using Tritiated Water, Jean K. Czoch

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Transpiration rates of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and sweetgum (Liguidambar styraciflua L.) were measured at two different water vapor pressure deficits (V.P.D.) in a controlled environment growth chamber using tritiated water as a tracer. The trees were maintained in a sealed plant bed containing a hydroponic nutrient solution. Samples of leaves, chamber air, spiked nutrient and control solutions were assayed for activity using liquid scintillation techniques. The transpiration rate of sweetgum (4.95 ml/hr/gm) was found to be 5 times greater than that of loblolly pine (1.03 ml/hr/gm) at the lower V.P.D. and 8 times greater at …

Genetic Studies Of Cave And Spring Populations Of The Freshwater Amphipod Crustacean Gammarus Minus Say, Steven Wolf Hetrick

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The amphipod Gammaru. minus has three morphotypes in its Appalachian range : (1) a spring form with well-developed eyes, (2) an intermediate cave form with slightly reduced eyes, and (3) an extreme cave form with greatly reduced eyes. This study compares the genetic structure of populations in two karst areas and analyzes the genetics of populations of the three morphotypes.

Genetic data were collected from populations in the Ward's Cove, Virginia and Greenbrier Valley, West Virginia karst areas using zone electrophoresis zymograms. One hundred percent of the Ward's Cove populations are polymorphic at both MDH-1 and PEP 1 loci …

The Effect Of Iron Supplementation On The Endurance Capacity Of The Female College Athlete, Barbara B. Sachon

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The major parameter of interest was the effect of iron supplementation on endurance capacity of female college athletes. Secondary parameters included the evaluation of the effect of iron supplementation on the following hematological variables: white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit. Nineteen volunteer female students enrolled at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia served as subjects, All were members of the swimming team. All test trials and venipunctures were done at the women's gym at the College of William and Mary. There were two test periods.

All nineteen subjects performed a 500 …

Microbenthic Algal Production Of An Intertidal Sandflat In Little Creek Harbor, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Clayton Barry Shedrow

OES Theses and Dissertations

Estimated annual net microbenthic algal production of an intertidal sandflat on Little Creek Inlet, Virginia Beach, Virginia, was 105 g C/m². Seasonally, primary production was greatest during the summer and fall periods (38 and 49 g C/m², respectively). Productivity was found to vary directly with water temperature and standing crop of benthic diatoms, and inversely with incident solar radiation and standing crops of sedimentary chlorophyll 'a' and 'c'. Orthophosphate and nitrate-N appeared to be limiting factors, nitrate-N more so than orthophosphate. Mean annual net photosynthetic efficiency (based upon total light) for the microphytobenthic community was 0.09%. …

Osteology Of Trypauchenichthys Sumatrensis Hardenburg, Christine Parrish Baer

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The osteology of a Malaysian goby was examined in detail and compared to other gobioids. Results indicated that Trypauaheniahthys sumatrensis is a specialized, but definite member of the Gobioidei. Some osteological characteristics of a related fish, Trypauchen vagina, were also discussed.

The Effect Of Various Doses Of Caffeine Upon The Maximal Muscular Endurance Of College Females, Roberta Jane Perkins

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

A limited number of investigations dealing with the effects of caffeine upon human physical performance have been conducted. Since caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and it is a constituent of the popularly-consumed beverages - coffee, tea, and cola drinks, it would appear that numerous studies would have been conducted in order to determine the effect of caffeine upon human muscular performance. At any rate, there is a dearth of studies on this topic and the findings of the conducted experiments are equivocal and ambiguous.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of various doses …

Feeding And Food Preferences By Three Sympatric Species Of Cyprinodontid Fishes, Lawrence J. Baer

OES Theses and Dissertations

The feeding and food utilization by three sympatric species of cyprinodontid fishes was examined using a modified Ivlev Electivity Co-efficient. Results indicated that although Fundulus heteroalitus and Fundulus majalis are sympatric in the area examined,their usage of the available food source varied noticeably. The third investigated species, Cyprinodon variegatus, fed mainly upon a vegetal detritus food source varied by the consumption of invertebrate and vertebrate food items. Slight intra-specific variances of diet between crespuscular periods was also discussed.

A Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Three Different Teaching Methods Upon The Learning Of Beginning Badminton Skills, Helen H. Tedder

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the effectiveness of the traditional (T.), programmed with loop films to present skills (P.), and traditional with the Video Tape Recorder (V.T.R.) methods of instruction upon learning and retention of beginning badminton skills. Three beginning coed badminton classes at Old Dominion University were randomly assigned to one of the three treatments. A pre-test measuring skills by means of the Stalter wall volley test, French clear test and French short serve test at the beginning of instruction, a post-test measuring skills by the same three tests and a retention-test consisting of the same …

Studies On The Causes Of Tree Distribution In A Forest Type In The Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Thomas A. Janszen

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Vegetational composition and environmental parameters were analyzed in a forest type of the Dismal Swamp. A 0.5 ha forest stand was divided into 200 5 x 5 meter contiguous quadrats and the tree size classes were precisely mapped. Fifty soil samples were analyzed for texture, pH, and major nutrients. A topographic map was constructed with precision to 0.01 ft. Analysis of variance tests showed non-randomness to exist in soil texture and nutrient content while homogeneity tests showed non-randomness in distribution of some woody species. Factor analysis indicated no significant correlations between soil quality, topography, and woody species. Findings indicate that …

Observations On The Distribution And Composition Of Zooplankton In Portions Of The Intracoastal Waterway, Virginia, O. Clair Hillard Jr.

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Five stations were established in the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, the Dismal Swamp Canal, the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal and the North Landing River. Representative samples of zooplankton were taken from October 1971 to June 1972. A. total of 57 species were identified and discussions regarding seasonal distribution in relation to physical factors and circulation are presented.

The composition of the zooplankton was found to fluctuate greatly due to the variables characteristic of the study area. The combined effect of tidal flow with freshwater input in conjunction with drainage from the Great Dismal Swamp, results in isolated populations …

A Taxonomic Study Of Members Of The Family Entrobacteriaceae With Gas Chromatography, Madeline Ducate

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Abstract unavailable.

The Ecology Of The Dominant Tick Species In The Northwestern Portion Of The Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Mary Keith Garrett

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Elements of the ecology of the two dominant man-biting ticks were studied during 1971-1973 in two locations in Southeastern Virginia, namely, what is now the Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and Newport News City Park. Tick species composition, relative abundance, density, and distribution in the two areas were compared. In addition, the Dismal Swamp locality was used as a test area for studies on the survival of native, lab reared and translocated Dermacentor variabilis (Say) and Amblvomma americanum (L.) in relation to selected abiotic factors. The Newport News locality served as a control area for these studies.

The species …

The Use Of Color Infrared Aerial Photography In Determining Salt Marsh Vegetation And Delimiting Man-Made Structures Of Lynnhaven Bay, Virginia, Robert E. Holman Lll

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Color infrared aerial photography was found to be superior to color aerial photography in an ecological study of Lynnhaven Bay, Virginia. The research was divided into three phases: 1) determination of the feasibility of correlating color infrared aerial photography with wetland species composition and zonation patterns, 2) determination of the accuracy of the aerial interpretation and problems related to the aerial method used, and 3) comparison of developed with undeveloped areas along Lynnhaven Bay's shoreline.

Wetland species composition and zonation patterns of major cones were correlated with aerial infrared photography and resulted in a high degree of accuracy. Problems with …

An Ecological Study Of The Craney Island Disposal Area In Hampton Roads, Virginia, David Wallace Laist

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

A one year ecological study was conducted on the Craney Island Disposal Area in Hampton Roads, Virginia. This study attempted to identify the flora and fauna inhabiting the spoil deposits and trace the development of communities from the time of deposition through the initial stages of succession.

One hundred and ninety-two species were identified including 48 vascular plants, 66 insects, 48 birds, 18 species of algae, 4 crustaceans, and 8 vertebrates. The study area was divided into six zones based on substrate characteristics and species composition. The successional patterns and biotic interactions within each zone were discussed.

Seasonal Composition Of Zooplankton In The Lafayette River, Norfolk, Virginia, Dahn E. Crandall

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Abstract unavailable.

A Comparison Of Selected Isokinetic Training Velocities On The Development Of Muscular Power In College Women, Julia P. Knight

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of three different isokinetic velocities on the development of muscular power. Seventy-five college females were matched into four equal groups according to the average of their pre-test scores on the Vertical Power Jump Test and the Power Staircase Test. Group I served as the control group, while all 3 of the experimental groups performed the same isokinetic exercise at different pre-set rates of speed. Groups II, III and IV worked at the selected rates of .8, 2.3 and 3.9 inches per second respectively. All four groups were pre-tested and post-tested …

Comparison Of Interferon Produced In Vitro By Monkey Kidney Cells Demonstrating Interference Against Polio Ii, Coxsackie A-9, Influenza A2/Hong Kong/68, And Echo-9 Viruses, Archer Duncan Farmer Jr.

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Abstract unavailable

Community Structure And Production In A Marsh On The Southern Branch Of The Elizabeth River, Virginia, Michael Bassett Robblee

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Four different plant communities occur on the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, Virginia, 1. Spartina alterniflora, 2. Distichlis spicata - Spartina patens - Juncus roemerianus, J. Baccharis halimifolia - Iva frutescens and 4. Spartina cynosuroides. The cordgrasses s. alterniflora and S. cynosuroides dominate the marsh.

Based-on standing crop estimates S. alterniflora produced 1218.6 grams dry wt/m² and S.cynosuroides 1681.3 grams dry wt/m², which is much higher than generally assumed for Virginia marshes. Evidence for the presence of two crops of S. alterniflora on the marsh during the growing season is-presented.

Two animal associations, composed …

Food And Feeding Of Fishes From Magothy Bay, Virginia, Joseph J. Kimmel

OES Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Phytoplankton Succession In The Lafayette River, Estuary, Norfolk, Virginia, Thomas W. Purcell Lll

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Abstract unavailable.

A Zooplankton Study Of Stumpy Lake, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Jose E. Hernandez

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

A one year study was made of the zooplankton composition in Stumpy lake, a reservoir in the city of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Quantitative and qualitative -parameters were investigated under field conditions. The analysis of the data presents information on the monthly dynamics or the zooplankton and other fluctuations in the lake environment. It is the intention or this study to emphasize the seasonal changes in the zooplankton community and their relationship to the ecological factors responsible for these variations.

A Comparative Limnological Survey Of Brackish-Water Lake And A Fresh-Water Lake At Mount Trashmore, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Gene Ramon Cocke

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

No abstract.

Cytogenic Studies Of A Chesapeake Bay Population Of Molgula Manhattensis (Dekay) (Ascidiacea: Stolidobranchia), Elizabeth A. Crawford

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Abstract unavailable.

A Simulation Model Of Peromyscus Leucopus In An Area Of The Great Dismal Swamp, James E. Paschal Jr.

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

A computer simulation model was developed to explain the population dynamics of the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) in an area of the Great Dismal Swamp. The model was designed to provide an experimental base for future studies. The model indicates relationships between food availability, home range size, competition with Peromyscus nuttali habitat selection and reproduction.

White-footed mice were trapped in the Old Dismal Town site during each season from April, 1972 through March, 1973. The age-sex structure of the population was determined, and was compared with the simulated structure. Although there were significant discrepancies between the comparisons, the …

Seasonal Composition Of Zooplankton Of Lower Chesapeake Bay And Virginia Coastal Waters, Elizabeth W. Atkinson

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Abstract unavailable.

Morphologic Time Series From A Submarine Sand Ridge On The South Virginia Coast, John F. Mchone Jr.

OES Theses and Dissertations

Submarine sand ridges several km long locally merge southward into the U. S. Atlantic coastline. Shallow (< 8m) observations of -such a ridge at False Cape, Virginia, favor a modern hydraulic origin. Time series maps show the ridge to be paralleled by a landward trough of approximately equal volume. Ridge flanks are usually steeper on the trough side.

Northeasterly winds and waves generate a coast-parallel current which funnels southward into the trough scouring it out and providing sediments for ridge aggradation. The current may be organized as a helical flow cell or cells. Bottom currents converge southward along the ridge crest causing landward transport of traction load along the crest. The trough current eventually breaches the confining ridge at the head of the trough, cutting saddles with steeper seaward slopes and producing outlying sediment fans.

The ridge and trough rest obliquely …

Phytoplankton Distribution In Waters Off The Northeastern Coast Of The United States, Sharon H. Craft

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Abstract unavailable.

Diurnal Studies At A Station On An Urban Estuary In Norfolk, Virginia, Burton Marc Golue

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

No abstract.

Plant Succession In The Great Dismal Swamp Of Virginia, Susan Woodward Walker

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Vegetational composition and environmental parameters were analyzed. for 14 stands. Cluster diagrams based on index of similarity values illustrated interstand relationships. The Index of Fluctuation was developed for the analysis of intrastand dynamics. Based on the densities and numbers of species of trees and saplings within a stand, it indicated degree of compositional stability. It was concluded that present vegetation is divided into relatively distinct communities which have resulted, at least in part, from disturbance.