Life Sciences Commons^™

Movement In Cats, Valerie N. Plummer

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Feral cats (Felis catus) are listed as one of the '100 world's worst invasive alien species'. There are as many as 70-100 million feral cats in the United States as well as an estimated 117-157 million domestic indoor and outdoor cats. Management efforts include a nonlethal feeding and sterilization program known as "trap-neuter-release" (TNR) where cats are surgically sterilized and returned to the environment. Population size and structure, immigration rates, spay/neuter rates, and data on spatial use all play a role in whether TNR is a viable management option. This study focuses on population structure and spatial use. …

Nesting Biology Of Pachymenes Ghilianii (Spinola, 1851) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae: Eumenini) In Panama, Jean Carlos Abrego, Bolivar R. Garcete-Barrett, Alonso Santos Murgas

Insecta Mundi

The nesting biology of the potter wasp Pachymenes ghilianii (Spinola) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) is described based on observations made in the Cerro Turega Hydric Reserve, Penonome, Panama. The collection of building material, the architecture of the nest, the process of building a cell and cell provision with geometrid larvae (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), and the emergence time of the adults are recorded.

Se describe la biología de anidación de la avispa alfarera Pachymenes ghilianii (Spinola) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) en base a observaciones realizadas en la Reserva Hídrica Cerro Turega, Penonomé, Panamá. Se registran la recolección de material de construcción, la arquitectura del …

Nocturnally-Migrating Birds Traverse Earth's Most Light-Polluted Regions, And Bright Lights Confound Their Habitat Use En Route, Jeffrey J. Butler, James D. Mclaren, Sergio A. Cabrera-Cruz, Jaclyn A. Smolinsky, Timothy D. Schreckengost, Matthew E. Boone, E. Emiel Van Loon, Deanna K. Dawson, Eric L. Walters

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Raccoon (Procyon Lotor) Biomarker And Rabies Antibody Response To Varying Oral Rabies Vaccine Bait Densities In Northwestern Pennsylvania, Kerri Pedersen, Brandon S. Schmit, Thomas J. Deliberto, Jason R. Suckow, Amy J. Davis, Dennis Slate, Richard B. Chipman, Robert L. Hale, Amy T. Gilbert

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Distribution of oral rabies vaccine baits has been used as a strategy for managing rabies in the United States since the 1990s. Since that time, efforts have been made to improve baiting strategies with a focus on bait density to maximize both efficiency and cost effectiveness. An optimal rabies management strategy includes a vaccine bait preferred by the target species that is distributed at the minimal density needed to achieve population immunity to prevent rabies spread. The purpose of our pilot study was to examine the effect of 75, 150, and 300 baits/km2 vaccine bait densities on rabies virus neutralizing …

Forest Structural Complexity And Net Primary Production Resilience Across A Gradient Of Disturbance In A Great Lakes Ecosystem, Lisa T. Haber

Theses and Dissertations

Forests are an important component of the global carbon (C) cycle and contribute to climate change mitigation through atmospheric C uptake and storage in biomass and soils. However, the forest C sink is susceptible to disturbance, which modifies physical and biological structure and limits spatial extent of forests. Unlike severe, stand-replacing disturbances that reset forest successional trajectories and may simplify ecosystem structure, moderate severity disturbances may instead introduce complexity in ways that sustain net primary production (NPP), leading to the phenomenon of “NPP resilience.” In this study, we examined the linkage between disturbance severity and ecosystem biological and physical structural …

Ecological Carrying Capacity Of Saanane Island Proposed National Park, Mwanza, Tanzania, Cl Nahonyo, G Sangu

Tanzania Journal of Science

The study on ecological carrying capacity of Saanane Island aimed at assessing stocking capacity of the island to provide guidance to the introduction of animals to enhance its ecological value and tourism potential. To evaluate the ecological carrying capacity of the Island, wet and dry season data were collected in 2014 for woody, herbaceous and grass species using PCQ and quadrat methods Wet and dry weights biomass of the forage material was measured to determine dry matter content and are presented as dry weight biomass. Total productivity was 4,280 kg/ha dry weight in wet season which increased to 7,965 kg/ha …

Synopsis Of The Tribe Zolini In New Zealand (Coleoptera: Carabidae), André Larochelle, Marie-Claude Larivière

Insecta Mundi

The tribe Zolini (Carabidae: Trechinae) is revised for New Zealand. Two subtribes, five genera, and fortyeight species are recognized. The presence of the subtribe Merizodina is confirmed for New Zealand; it includes three genera (Maungazolus n. gen., Pseudoopterus Csiki, 1928, and Synteratus Broun, 1909). The subtribe Zolina contains two genera (Oopterus Guérin-Méneville, 1841 and Zolus Sharp, 1886).

One genus and twenty-five species are described as new: Maungazolus n. gen.; Maungazolus acutus n. sp., Maungazolus priestleyensis n. sp., Maungazolus ranatungae n. sp., Maungazolus septempunctatus n. sp., Maungazolus tararuaensis n. sp., Oopterus anglemensis n. sp., Oopterus arthurensis n. sp., Oopterus …

Habitat Selection, Survival, And Movement Ecology Of The American Woodcock (Scolopax Minor) In Louisiana Usa, Elisa Constancia Elizondo

LSU Master's Theses

The American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) is a migratory upland game species occurring across much of eastern North America. Across its breeding range in the northern U.S. and southern Canada, this species has experienced significant, pervasive declines over the last half century. As woodcock populations continue to decline, active habitat management for this species has become increasingly important.

The state of Louisiana has substantial amounts of woodcock habitat and receives wintering birds from across the woodcock range. However, few data exist regarding survival rates, habitat utilization, and movement patterns across the state.

In order to better manage for woodcock …

Urban Bobcat (Lynx Rufus) Ecology In The Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas Metroplex, Julie M. Golla

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Urban landscapes are quickly replacing native habitat around the world. As wildlife and people increasingly overlap in their shared space and resources, so does the potential for human-wildlife conflict, especially with predators. Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are a top predator in several urban areas across the United States and a potential contributor to human-carnivore conflicts. This study evaluated the movements and habitat use of bobcats in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Texas metroplex. Spatial data were collected from 10 bobcats via Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) for approximately one year. Average home range size was 4.60 km² (n=9, SE=0.99 km …

The Diversity, Costs, And Benefits Of Shelters Built By Lepidopteran Caterpillars In A Costa Rican Dry Forest, Christina Baer

Dissertations

Thousands of Lepidoptera species build shelters as caterpillars using plant material and their own silk. Although these caterpillars and their shelters are recognized as playing important ecological roles, the structural diversity of shelters and the costs and benefits of different shelters to their builders are still poorly understood. In this dissertation, I use natural history observations, observational and manipulative field projects, and molecular and phylogenetic tools to investigate these questions for a diverse and abundant shelter-building caterpillar community within the dry forest of Palo Verde National Park, Costa Rica. In Chapter 1, I develop a system for categorizing and describing …

Patterns In Abundance Of Louisiana’S Avifauna Revealed By The Louisiana Bird Atlas Project, Matthew L. Brady

LSU Master's Theses

The Louisiana Bird Atlas Project is a multi-year citizen science effort designed to quantify bird distribution and abundance for all species regularly occurring in the state of Louisiana during two time periods: summer and winter. Data were collected by volunteers in a citizen science framework across eight years, from 2007 to 2014. A total of 351 species was recorded (254 during the Summer Bird Atlas and 315 during the Winter Bird Atlas). Maps showing distribution and relative abundance for each species were generated within a Geographical Information System, and were accompanied by short descriptions of status, distribution, abundance, and other …

Ncer Assistance Agreement Annual Progress Report For Grant #83582401 - Assessment Of Stormwater Harvesting Via Manage Aquifer Recharge (Mar) To Develop New Water Supplies In The Arid West: The Salt Lake Valley Example, Ryan Dupont, Joan E. Mclean, Richard C. Peralta, Sarah E. Null, Douglas B. Jackson-Smith

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

The aims of the original proposed project remain the same, that is, to test the hypothesis that Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) for stormwater harvesting is a technically feasible, socially and environmentally acceptable, economically viable, and legally feasible option for developing new water supplies for arid Western urban ecosystems experiencing increasing population, and climate change pressures on existing water resources. The project is being carried out via three distinct but integrated components that include: 1) Monitoring of existing distributed MAR harvesting schemes involving a growing number of demonstration Green Infrastructure (GI) test sites; 2) Integrated stormwater/vadose zone/groundwater/ ecosystem services modeling; and …

Investigation Of Seed And Seedling Predation And Natural History Of Bushveld Savanna Rodents, Christopher Banotai

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

There is currently a decline in large, old trees within many ecosystems where they play important ecological and economic roles. One ecosystem suffering from this decline is the bushveld savanna of South Africa. One particularly important species in decline is the ecologically, economically, and culturally significant marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra). This species’ decline is characterized by a steep drop in recruitment of seedlings into the population. Rodents are known to influence plant communities across many ecosystems through herbivory of adult plants as well as predation of seeds and seedlings. This research provides a record of rodent species present …

There’S More Than One Way To Climb A Tree: Limb Length And Microhabitat Use In Lizards With Toe Pads, Travis J. Hagey, Scott Hart, Matthew Vickers, Luke J. Harmon, Lin Schwarzkopf

Biology

Ecomorphology links microhabitat and morphology. By comparing ecomorphological associations across clades, we can investigate the extent to which evolution can produce similar solutions in response to similar challenges. While Anolis lizards represent a well-studied example of repeated convergent evolution, very few studies have investigated the ecomorphology of geckos. Similar to anoles, gekkonid lizards have independently evolved adhesive toe pads and many species are scansorial. We quantified gecko and anole limb length and microhabitat use, finding that geckos tend to have shorter limbs than anoles. Combining these measurements with microhabitat observations of geckos in Queensland, Australia, we observed geckos using similar …

Desert Pool {If Every Desert Was Once A Sea}, Karen Miranda Abel

The Goose

Desert Pool {If every desert was once a sea} is a site-specific art project by Canadian artist Karen Miranda Abel completed in 2016 while artist-in-residence at Joya: arte + ecología, an arts-led research centre situated in an alpine desert within a national park in southern Spain. The elemental installation represents an envisioning of the ancient sea that occupied the Sierra de María-Los Vélez Natural Park millions of years before the current desert ecology, a time when its highest mountain peaks may have been islands.

Understanding The Relationship Between Hosts And Their Microbiome, Boahemaa Adu-Oppong

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Microbes are bountiful and associated with every animal and plant kingdom. Furthermore, microbes can alter host phenotype, development, health and functioning. However, this is not a one-way interaction, hosts can structure microbial communities by changing the environment to be suitable for certain microbial species. Several studies have characterized microbial communities associated with hosts to answer two2 main questions in ecology: who’s there, and what are they doing? However, two questions from the field of community ecology are often ignored (1) what forces are structuring the microbial communities (how was the community formed) and (2) how stable are these communities. Vellend …

Ecology Of The Young-Of-The-Year Emerald Shiner (Notropis Atherinoides) In The Upper Niagara River, New York: Growth, Diversity, And Importance As A Forage Species, Jacob L. Cochran

Great Lakes Center Masters Theses

The emerald shiner (Notropis atherinoides) is a relatively understudied Cyprinid that fills a major keystone role in the Niagara River. Little is known about the emerald shiner’s early life history, such as the ecology of their larval and juvenile stages, which is the focus of this study. In the upper Niagara River, larvae first recruited into sampling gear in early July at a mean water temperature of 23^oC, with larvae appearing into August. Young-of-the-year (YOY) emerald shiners grew an average of 1.5 mm and 31.5 mg a week throughout the growing season with condition peaking during …

A Multi-Indicator Assessment Of Conservation Success Across A Populated Forest Anthrome, Emma Cook, Natalie Ribble, John Quinn

Biology Presentations

The heterogeneous landscape of the eastern United States has resulted in a diversity of conservation interventions including public protected areas, private lands held in easements, and open space managed at various levels of intensity. Given the pressures of expected land use and land cover change, particularly in the Southern Piedmont ecoregion, multi-scale and comprehensive data are needed to prioritize conservation actions. We assessed local and regional indicators of conservation success across an urban-rural gradient by analyzing local bird abundance and diversity as a factor of forest patch area, land use matrix, and land management strategy. The study was conducted across …

Microbial Community Richness Distinguishes Shark Species Microbiomes In South Florida, Rachael Cassandra Karns

HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations

The microbiome (microbial community) of individuals is crucial when characterizing and understanding processes that are required for organism function and survival. Microbial organisms, which make up an individual’s microbiome, can be linked to disease or function of the host organism. In humans, individuals differ substantially in their microbiome compositions in various areas of the body. The cause of much of the composition diversity is yet unexplained, however, it is speculated that habitat, diet, and early exposure to microbes could be altering the microbiomes of individuals (Human Microbiome Project Consortium, 2012b, 2012a). To date, only one study has reported on microbiome …

Ecofeminism: The Path Towards Healing The Earth, Jamie Thompson

Dialogue & Nexus

The concept of the patriarchy, or any concept in which one group dominates another, is inseparable from the formation of human kind’s domination of nature. This domination of nature has led to the current the ecological crisis humanity faces. Those who deny climate change can admit to the massive amounts of pollution, trash, and deforestation. Despite this worsening economic crisis, those in power have been slow to react. Women can ultimately provide and lead the movement to solve this ecological crisis through the growing movement of Ecofeminism. In the philosophy of Ecofeminism, individuals recognize and reject western dualistic thinking that …

Utah Master Naturalist, Mountain Adventures Manual, Mark Larese-Casanova

All Current Publications

The Utah Master Naturalist Mountain Adventures Manual provides a comprehensive view of mountain ecosystems in Utah, from the geology and climate that influence mountain ecosystems, to the plant and animal communities and their unique adaptations for survival. The Manual explores the human perspective from historic peoples to current management.

The Off Season: Masculinities, Rurality, And Family Ties In Alaska Commercial Fishing, Cruz Morey

Senior Theses

This study explores the intersections of masculinity, rurality, the family, and ecology through the experiences of commercial fishermen in Alaska. By understanding the plurality of masculinities and how men operate within a rural space, this study investigates the relationship between the masculine rural and the rural masculine and how that relationship pertains to commercial fishermen. This study examines existing discourse about Alaska and the masculinity of commercial fishermen in light of the concepts of cultural and economic capital, as well as local ecological knowledge (LEK). It further examines how fishermen describe their experiences in the industry as ones that are …

Adaptive Therapy: Modeling Evolutionary Principles In Anticancer Therapy, Jeffrey B. West

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Simulating Within-Vector Generation Of The Malaria Parasite Diversity, Lauren M. Childs

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

The Dynamic Consequences Of Evolution In Response To Environmental Disturbances, Amy Veprauskas

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Experimental Design For Parameter Estimation In An Allometric Food Web Model, Amanda Laubmeier

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Understanding The Complex Relationships Between Climate, Vegetation, And Foraging Behavior Of A Climate-Sensitive Alpine Mammal In Order To Explain Patterns Of Persistence, Evan Cole

Master's Projects and Capstones

Mountain ecosystems offer substantial ecosystem services but are highly sensitive to climate change. The American pika (Ochotona princeps) serves as an indicator species of climate change and a model organism for studying its impacts on mountain mammals. Certain aspects of plant community composition and structure can function as predictors of pika distribution, but understanding the links between climate, forage quality, and foraging behavior is necessary to identify the mediating mechanism. Pika foraging pressure help shape the local plant community, which can confound modeling efforts and must be considered when evaluating the influence of vegetation on pika persistence. Plant …

Species-Specific Negative Density Dependence And Disturbance Interactions On Biodiversity, David Chan, Ben Ramage

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Bacteriophage Lifestyles: Capsid Size Matters, Diana Y. Lee

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Urbanization On Nitrogen Processing In Urban Streams, Peter Francissen, Dr. Kevin Geedey, Dr. Michael Reisner

Celebration of Learning

Urban stream syndrome is described as the deterioration of stream health in an urbanized watershed and is associated with the loss of ecosystem services, which in turn degrades downstream environments. One key symptom of the urban stream syndrome is reduced processing of inorganic nitrogen. Previous research suggests that as urbanization increases and water quality decreases, the uptake length (Sw) of inorganic N increases. This indicates that the stream is increasing the export of N downstream compared to in situ incorporation of N into the ecosystem. We measured uptake length (Sw) of NO3, using a pulse addition method, along 9 different …