Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Discipline
-
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (602)
- Evolution (452)
- Zoology (452)
- Biodiversity (450)
- Aquaculture and Fisheries (112)
-
- Population Biology (44)
- Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology (38)
- Other Animal Sciences (34)
- Biology (29)
- Behavior and Ethology (27)
- Cell and Developmental Biology (21)
- Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology (16)
- Physical Sciences and Mathematics (13)
- Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (12)
- Environmental Sciences (9)
- Forest Sciences (7)
- Medicine and Health Sciences (7)
- Structural Biology (7)
- Animal Experimentation and Research (6)
- Cell Biology (6)
- Research Methods in Life Sciences (6)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (6)
- Marine Biology (5)
- Molecular Biology (5)
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health (5)
- Plant Sciences (5)
- Agriculture (4)
- Genetics and Genomics (4)
- Keyword
-
- Buthidae (102)
- Scorpiones (85)
- Scorpions (44)
- Euscorpiidae (23)
- Vaejovidae (23)
-
- West Virginia (18)
- Arachnida (15)
- Turkey (15)
- Scorpionidae (14)
- Iran (12)
- Ethiopia (11)
- Scorpion (11)
- Euscorpius (10)
- Greece (10)
- Vaejovis (10)
- Arizona (9)
- Morocco (9)
- Oman (9)
- Horn of Africa (8)
- Morphology (8)
- Somaliland (8)
- Crayfish (7)
- Buthus (6)
- Chaerilus (6)
- India (6)
- Iuridae (6)
- Behavior (5)
- Chaerilidae (5)
- Colombia (5)
- Mexico (5)
- Publication Year
- Publication
- Publication Type
Articles 571 - 600 of 672
Full-Text Articles in Animal Sciences
New Microanatomical Characters For Scorpion Taxonomy (Arachnida: Scorpiones), Michael Brewer
New Microanatomical Characters For Scorpion Taxonomy (Arachnida: Scorpiones), Michael Brewer
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Morphological characters used in scorpion systematics are limited to a few reliable structures. The most recent high-level, comprehensive revision of scorpion phylogeny, 38 of the 105 morphological characters were based on trichobothria – socketed mechanosensory seta (Soleglad & Fet, 2003). Other microstructures such as granules, setae, spines, etc. have been found in scorpions but their use for taxonomy was limited. In an effort to better understand the complex relationships among these ancient but similar looking animals, we attempted to first locate new microstructures and then assess their reliability and variability thus determining the levels at which they are diagnostic. The …
Distribution And Conservation Genetics Of The Cow Knob Salamander, Plethodon Punctatus Highton (Caudata: Plethodontidae), Matthew R. Graham
Distribution And Conservation Genetics Of The Cow Knob Salamander, Plethodon Punctatus Highton (Caudata: Plethodontidae), Matthew R. Graham
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Being lungless, plethodontid salamanders respire through their skin and are especially sensitive to environmental disturbances. Habitat fragmentation, low abundance, extreme habitat requirements, and a narrow distribution of less than 70 miles in length, makes one such salamander, Plethodon punctatus, a species of concern (S1) in West Virginia. To better understand this sensitive species, day and night survey hikes were conducted through ideal habitat and coordinate data as well as tail tips (10 to 20 mm in length) were collected. DNA was extracted from the tail tips and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene fragments. …
A Taxonomic Study Of The Morphological Variation And Intergradation Of Chrysemys Picta (Schneider) (Emydidae, Testudines) In West Virginia, Melissa R. Mann
A Taxonomic Study Of The Morphological Variation And Intergradation Of Chrysemys Picta (Schneider) (Emydidae, Testudines) In West Virginia, Melissa R. Mann
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Two subspecies of Chrysemys picta (C. p. picta and C. p. marginata) occur in West Virginia. The Allegheny Mountains have historically separated the distribution of C. p. picta and C. p. marginata; however, intergrades occur where ranges overlap. These intergrades display morphological characteristics that are often intermediate to the original subspecies. Morphological variation of C. picta was examined by comparing specimens from possible areas of C. p. picta x C .p. marginata intergradation in West Virginia to geographic areas that are not exposed to subspecies distribution overlap. Characters traditionally used to separate C. p. picta and C. p. marginata were …
Morphologic And Ontogenetic Patterns In Elasmosaur Neck Length, With Comments On The Taxonomic Utility Of Neck Length Variables, F. Robin O’Keefe, Norton Hiller
Morphologic And Ontogenetic Patterns In Elasmosaur Neck Length, With Comments On The Taxonomic Utility Of Neck Length Variables, F. Robin O’Keefe, Norton Hiller
Biological Sciences Faculty Research
Elasmosaur cervical vertebrae are common fossils, but their taxonomic utility is limited due to a lack of understanding concerning their shape within and among taxa. In this paper, we analyze data from complete elasmosaur necks in an attempt to quantify and understand the variation in centrum dimensions. In accord with previous studies, variation in cervical centrum shape is found to stem from at least three sources: ontogeny, intracolumn variation, and intercolumn or taxonomic variation. Ontogenetic variability seems reminiscent of that seen in Cryptoclidus, with an overall positive allometry in the length of all centra that is accentuated in the mid-cervical …
Natural History And Distribution Of The Upland Chorus Frog, Pseudacris Feriarum Baird, In West Virginia, Jaime Sias
Natural History And Distribution Of The Upland Chorus Frog, Pseudacris Feriarum Baird, In West Virginia, Jaime Sias
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Chapter 1 is a literature review of Pseudacris feriarum, largely based on published P. triseriata Complex species accounts. Chapter 2 presents the natural history of P. feriarum in West Virginia and compares some parameters with other Pseudacris species. Chapter 3 looks at the phenology of a wetland in eastern West Virginia. Chapter 4 examines the current range of P. feriarum and compares it with the historical range in the state. Finally, hypotheses are given as to why Upland Chorus Frogs have declined in West Virginia. All information obtained from this study should be used to create a management plan for …
The Natural History And Thermal Ecology Of A Population Of Spotted Turtles (Clemmys Guttata) And Wood Turtles (Glyptemys Insculpta) In West Virginia, Ariana N. Breisch
The Natural History And Thermal Ecology Of A Population Of Spotted Turtles (Clemmys Guttata) And Wood Turtles (Glyptemys Insculpta) In West Virginia, Ariana N. Breisch
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
An ecological study was conducted from 19 March 2001 to 2 April 2003 on a population of Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata) and Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) in West Virginia. Live-trapping, mark-recapture, radio telemetry and temperature data logging techniques were used to gather information on morphometrics, capture success, movements, home range, behavior, and thermal regime during activity and over-wintering seasons. Twenty-one Spotted Turtles were captured 260 times. Population structure was 42.9% juvenile, 38.1% male, and 19.0% female. Mean home range was 0.52 ha. Fifty Wood Turtles were captured 230 times. Juveniles were 36%, and males and females were 32% each. Mean …
Constructed Ponds As Mitigated Habitat For The Wood Frog (Rana Sylvatica Leconte) And The Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma Maculatum Shaw) In West Virginia, Celeste Dawn Good
Constructed Ponds As Mitigated Habitat For The Wood Frog (Rana Sylvatica Leconte) And The Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma Maculatum Shaw) In West Virginia, Celeste Dawn Good
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Many forest dwelling amphibians depend upon aquatic breeding habitats, making them susceptible to habitat changes. To determine if amphibian use of temporary pools occurred, 9 ponds were constructed in 3 forested areas on the MeadWestvaco Wildlife and Ecosystem Research Forest. Studies were conducted in 6 ponds during 2004, and all 9 in 2005 using drift fences. Trapped amphibians were measured and given a pond specific mark with visible implant elastomers. A significant difference was found between low and high elevation sites for juvenile R. sylvatica snout-to-vent length. No significant differences were found for soil, air or water temperatures between sites …
The Breeding Ecology And Natural History Of Ambystomatid Salamanders In An Ephemeral Wetland In Mason County, West Virginia, S. Douglas Kaylor
The Breeding Ecology And Natural History Of Ambystomatid Salamanders In An Ephemeral Wetland In Mason County, West Virginia, S. Douglas Kaylor
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
A forested ephemeral wetland in Mason County, WV, documented to contain 4 of 5 Ambystoma species found in the state, was studied to learn about population sizes, breeding cycles, and habitat use. Minnow traps were placed along three drift fences with additional traps placed throughout the study area. From February 5 to March 27, 2005, 85 captured adults were identified to species, marked by elastomer injection for mark-recapture analysis, and measured for morphometrics. Larval salamanders were identified, staged, measured, and returned. Egg clutches were mapped and counted. Mark-recapture analysis suggests the A. texanum population size is between 635 and 735 …
The Vertebrate Fauna Of The Upper Permian Of Niger. Iv. Nigerpeton Ricqlesi (Temnospondyli: Cochleosauridae), And The Edopoid Colonization Of Gondwana, J. Sebastien Steyer, Ross Damiani, Christian A. Sidor, F. Robin O’Keefe, Hans C.E. Larsson, Abdoulaye Maga, Oumarou Ide
The Vertebrate Fauna Of The Upper Permian Of Niger. Iv. Nigerpeton Ricqlesi (Temnospondyli: Cochleosauridae), And The Edopoid Colonization Of Gondwana, J. Sebastien Steyer, Ross Damiani, Christian A. Sidor, F. Robin O’Keefe, Hans C.E. Larsson, Abdoulaye Maga, Oumarou Ide
Biological Sciences Faculty Research
We describe the edopoid temnospondyl Nigerpeton ricqlesi from the Upper Permian Moradi Formation of northern Niger on the basis of two partial skulls and tentatively associated postcranial material. This crocodile-like taxon displays several edopoid characters states such as a long prenarial region with enlarged premaxillae, elongated vomers, large, posteriorly tapering choanae, and a jugal that broadens anteriorly. Nigerpeton possesses a unique carnivorous dentition. It is autapomorphic in its possession of an extremely elongate snout bearing a maxillary bulge that accommodates three hypertrophied caniniform teeth, inner premaxillary tusks, and anterior paired fenestrae, which pierce the skull roof. In addition, both the …
Neoteny And The Plesiomorphic Condition Of The Plesiosaur Basicranium, F. Robin O’Keefe
Neoteny And The Plesiomorphic Condition Of The Plesiosaur Basicranium, F. Robin O’Keefe
Biological Sciences Faculty Research
The purpose of this paper is to describe the condition of the braincase in stratigraphically early and morphologically primitive plesiosaurs. Information on the braincase of plesiomorphic taxa is important because it establishes the polarity of characters occurring in more derived plesiosaurs. This paper begins with a short review of braincase anatomy in stem-group sauropterygians. Data on braincase morphology of the plesiomorphic plesiosaur genera Thalassiodracon and Eurycleidus are then presented and interpreted via comparison with other plesiosaurs, stemgroup sauropterygians, and stem diapsids (Araeoscelis). Early diapsids are relevant because plesiosaur skulls more closely resemble early diapsids than stem-group sauropterygians in several key …
Home Range And Behavior Of The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus Horridus), Jennifer P. Adams
Home Range And Behavior Of The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus Horridus), Jennifer P. Adams
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Seventeen timber rattlesnakes were surgically implanted with radio transmitters and subsequently radio-tracked to determine the home range and behavior, as well as cause-specific mortality, of timber rattlesnakes on production forests in Randolph County, West Virginia. Mean home range sizes were 94.3 ha, males; 31.2 ha, nongravid females; 8.5 ha, gravid females; and 44.7 ha, among sex classes. Among sex classes, the mean daily movement rate was 20.2 mper day; the mean maximum known distances from den sites was 1110.2 m; the mean distance from den sites was 514.2 m; and the mean total distance moved was 2852.9 m. Mean active …
Habitat Analysis By Hierarchical Scheme And Stream Geomorphology, James B. Spence
Habitat Analysis By Hierarchical Scheme And Stream Geomorphology, James B. Spence
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
A study was undertaken to classify eight stream reaches in the North Branch of the Potomac River watershed and determine if geomorphologic differences influenced the availability of fish habitat structure and fish density. Stream reaches were classified using Rosgen Level II (1996) methods, and fish habitat was determined using Hydraulic Channel Unit (HCU) classification based on a method modified from Bisson et al. (1982). Other habitat variables were also studied such as stream shading and physical habitat based on the Rapid Bioassessment Protocol (Barbour et al. 1999). Despite the differences in HCU density between sites, HCU density did not influence …
Comparisons Of Morphology And Reproductive Status Of Plethodon Glutinosus At High, Middle, And Low Elevations In West Virginia, Cynthia F. Lucas
Comparisons Of Morphology And Reproductive Status Of Plethodon Glutinosus At High, Middle, And Low Elevations In West Virginia, Cynthia F. Lucas
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Plethodon glutinosus populations in West Virginia were looked at in three different elevations. Objectives were to determine if there is enough difference in elevation to cause different populations to vary in morphology and reproduction. Nine morphological measurements were taken to represent both size and proportional shape. Sexual dimorphism was found in all measurements only in low elevations, males being larger (p<0.001-p=0.041). Mean measurements between the three elevations showed significant differences (p<0.005) in all measurements excluding head width, tail length, and 3rd digit length. Salamanders were dissected; testes and vasa deferentia were removed from males and ovaries with follicles were removed from females. Results showed males in lower and middle elevations deposit spermatophores May-July. Low sample sizes in higher elevations provided inconclusive results. Females of lower elevations lay eggs early-mid summer. Middle and higher elevations results revealed a likely spring oviposition, or possibly a fall oviposition.
Aging Affects Stretch-Induced P70s6k And 4e-Bp1 Phosphorylation In Fast- And Slow-Twitch Muscle, Sreevani Uddemarri
Aging Affects Stretch-Induced P70s6k And 4e-Bp1 Phosphorylation In Fast- And Slow-Twitch Muscle, Sreevani Uddemarri
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
In the present investigation we compare the expression, basal activation and the ability of muscle stretch to activate the p70S6k pathway in the fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and slow-twitch soleus of adult (6 mo. old), aged (30 mo. old) and very aged (36 mo. old) Fischer 344 x Brown Norway rats. Immunoblotting demonstrated that the tissue content of mTOR, p70S6k, 4E-BP1 and GSK-3β decreased in the EDL and soleus in aged rats, while SHP-2 increased in the EDL and decreased in the soleus when compared to adult rats. Basal phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 increased in both the …
Analysis Of Genotypic And Phenotypic Differences In Desmognathus Quadramaculatus Across The Southern Appalachians, Deborah Susan Merritt
Analysis Of Genotypic And Phenotypic Differences In Desmognathus Quadramaculatus Across The Southern Appalachians, Deborah Susan Merritt
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Populations of Desmognathus quadramaculatus were compared for genotypic and phenotypic differences across 5 states in the Southern Appalachians. Series consisting of 10 salamanders each were collected from West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia. Salamanders were assessed for genotypic differences by using allozyme (proteins with polymorphic loci) electrophoresis staining for 13 loci of the muscle, liver and stomach tissue. Nei’s genetic distance was used to score genetic variation between populations. Phenotypic differences were assessed by comparing 10 external morphological measurements between populations. Mahalanobis’ distance was used to score morphological differences between populations. Both genetic and morphological differences were correlated …
Natural History And Conservation Biology Of A Southern West Virginia Contour Surface Mine Reptile And Amphibian Community, Zachary James Loughman
Natural History And Conservation Biology Of A Southern West Virginia Contour Surface Mine Reptile And Amphibian Community, Zachary James Loughman
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
During the 2004-2005 field seasons, natural history of a herpetofaunal community was studied on an abandoned contour surface mine in Eccles, Raleigh County, West Virginia. This study is the first natural history investigation of amphibian and reptile populations present on an abandoned mine site. Specific natural history parameters for each order on the mine were investigated to determine what effect the post mining landscape had on herpetofaunal communities. Pond breeding caudates population success was dependent on life history parameters. Anurans were efficient at re-colonization, with 12 of a possible 14 species collected on the mine site. Anuran diversity was linked …
The Vertebrate Fauna Of The Upper Permian Of Niger—Iii, Morphology And Ontogeny Of The Hindlimb Of Moradisaurus Grandis (Reptilia, Captorhinidae), F. Robin O’Keefe, Christian A. Sidor, Hans C. E. Larsson, Abdoulaye Maga, Oumarou Ide
The Vertebrate Fauna Of The Upper Permian Of Niger—Iii, Morphology And Ontogeny Of The Hindlimb Of Moradisaurus Grandis (Reptilia, Captorhinidae), F. Robin O’Keefe, Christian A. Sidor, Hans C. E. Larsson, Abdoulaye Maga, Oumarou Ide
Biological Sciences Faculty Research
We describe hindlimb elements of the large captorhinid Moradisaurus grandis (Reptilia: Captorhinidae) recently collected from the Upper Permian Moradi Formation of north-central Niger. This description is based primarily on an associated partial skeleton comprising a hemimandible, vertebral column, and partial left and nearly complete right hindlimb. Additionally, we report on a well-preserved, articulated, and essentially complete juvenile pes that provides important information on the ontogeny of the captorhinid tarsus. The hindlimb of Moradisaurus is stout and more massively built than in any other known captorhinid. The femur displays several features interpreted as adaptations to the demands of large body size, …
The Natural History, Distribution, And Phenotypic Variation Of Cave-Dwelling Spring Salamanders, Gyrinophilus Spp. Cope (Plethodontidae), In West Virginia, Michael Steven Osbourn
The Natural History, Distribution, And Phenotypic Variation Of Cave-Dwelling Spring Salamanders, Gyrinophilus Spp. Cope (Plethodontidae), In West Virginia, Michael Steven Osbourn
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
There are over 4000 documented caves in West Virginia, potentially providing refuge and habitat for a diversity of amphibians and reptiles. Spring Salamanders, Gyrinophilus porphyriticus, are among the most frequently encountered amphibians in caves. Surveys of 25 caves provided expanded distribution records and insight into ecology and diet of G. porphyriticus. Over 500 species locality records were compiled in a nearly comprehensive list. The Gyrinophilus population from General Davis Cave is of particular interest. In 1977, Besharse and Holsinger first described the West Virginia Spring Salamander, G. subterraneus; however, its taxonomic status is unclear. In order to …
The Ecology And Natural History Of The Northern Leopard Frog, Rana Pipiens Schreber, In West Virginia, William Bradley Sutton
The Ecology And Natural History Of The Northern Leopard Frog, Rana Pipiens Schreber, In West Virginia, William Bradley Sutton
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
The purpose of this study was to gather ecological and life history data for the Northern Leopard Frog, Rana pipiens Schreber, in West Virginia. In Chapter 1, natural history data, such as morphometrics (larval and adult), dorsal coloration, and emergence time were recorded. In Chapter 2, it was discovered that Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas ssp. skin infections affecting R. pipiens could be identified using BIOLOG analysis. The scope of Chapter 3 was to analyze habitat partitioning between 3 sympatric anurans (R. pipiens, R. catesbeiana, and R. clamitans melanota). The following habitat partitioning gradient was discovered. Rana …
Natural History And Sexual Dimorphism Of The Eastern Hellbender, Cryptobranchus A. Alleganiensis, Robert Makowsky
Natural History And Sexual Dimorphism Of The Eastern Hellbender, Cryptobranchus A. Alleganiensis, Robert Makowsky
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
The Eastern Hellbender’s natural history and morphology was examined. Field studies were done to examine the efficacy of different techniques (focusing on capturing larva) and diet analysis. Lab studies were done to determine if any sexual dimorphism exists in hellbenders using simple measurements (and ratios) and if this dimorphism could be used to reliably determine gender. Field studies were inconclusive due to the inability to find a reliable sample because of record rainfall. Lab studies revealed that a dimorphism does exist for one ratio (TG/TL, P=.048) and for several measurements. These measurements alone were not applicable for determining gender. …
The Natural History And Morphology Of The Eastern Cricket Frog, Acris Crepitans Crepitans, In West Virginia, Kimberly Ann Bayne
The Natural History And Morphology Of The Eastern Cricket Frog, Acris Crepitans Crepitans, In West Virginia, Kimberly Ann Bayne
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Two subspecies of cricket frogs, Acris crepitans blanchardi and Acris crepitans crepitans, historically have occurred in West Virginia. The range of Acris c. blanchardi, Blanchard’s Cricket Frog, begins along the Ohio River extending into West Virginia. The Eastern Cricket Frog, Acris c. crepitans, is found in counties located in the eastern panhandle. The Eastern Cricket Frog is a species of great concern. Two sites where Acris c. crepitans historically occurred, two sites that never contained A. c. crepitans, one historical site that currently has A. c. crepitans, and two new sites that have A. c. crepitans were studied by auditory …
Use Of An Artificial Pond And Marshes By Amphibians And Reptiles In West Virginia, Vanessa A. Dozeman
Use Of An Artificial Pond And Marshes By Amphibians And Reptiles In West Virginia, Vanessa A. Dozeman
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
A farm pond approximately 40 years old located in Wayne County, West Virginia was studied to determine the ingress and egress of amphibians and reptiles. In addition to the pond, 2 small marshes were also examined. The study extended from February 2003 to November 2003. The pond is approximately 36 m long and 38 m wide and is located on a south-facing hillside at 202 m in elevation. A drift fence composed of landscaping cloth was constructed to completely encircle the site. At every 5.15 m, funnel traps were positioned on both sides of the fence. Traps were checked daily …
On The Cranial Anatomy Of The Polycotylid Plesiosaurs, Including New Material Of Polycotylus Latipinnis, Cope, From Alabama, F. Robin O’Keefe
On The Cranial Anatomy Of The Polycotylid Plesiosaurs, Including New Material Of Polycotylus Latipinnis, Cope, From Alabama, F. Robin O’Keefe
Biological Sciences Faculty Research
The cranial anatomy of plesiosaurs in the family Polycotylidae (Reptilia: Sauropterygia) has received renewed attention recently because various skull characters are thought to indicate plesiosauroid, rather than pliosauroid, affinities for this family. New data on the cranial anatomy of polycotylid plesiosaurs is presented, and is shown to compare closely to the structure of cryptocleidoid plesiosaurs. The morphology of known polycotylid taxa is reported and discussed, and a preliminary phylogenetic analysis is used to establish ingroup relationships of the Cryptocleidoidea. This study also presents new material referable to Polycotylus latipinnis from the Mooreville Chalk Formation of Alabama. This skeleton is largely …
Preliminary Report On The Osteology And Relationships Of A New Aberrant Cryptocleidoid Plesiosaur From The Sundance Formation, Wyoming, F. Robin O’Keefe, William Wahl Jr.
Preliminary Report On The Osteology And Relationships Of A New Aberrant Cryptocleidoid Plesiosaur From The Sundance Formation, Wyoming, F. Robin O’Keefe, William Wahl Jr.
Biological Sciences Faculty Research
The cryptocleidoid plesiosaur Tatenectes laramiensis, new genus, is described from the Redwater Shale Member of the Sundance Formation, Narrona County, Wyoming. The holotype of this species was a partial skeleton that has since been lost. A neotype is designated that preserves the same elements present in the holotype. A second specimen is referred to the taxon, and this specimen includes cranial material. The preserved cranial elements are the left squamosal, a partial right frontal, several isolated teeth, the parasphenoid, and large portions of the left and right pterygoids. The skull shares many traits with that of Kimmerosaurus, a cryptocleidoid plesiosaur …
Current Taxonomic Status Of The Plesiosaur Pantasaurus Striatus From The Upper Jurassic Sundance Formation, Wyoming, F. Robin O’Keefe, William Wahl Jr.
Current Taxonomic Status Of The Plesiosaur Pantasaurus Striatus From The Upper Jurassic Sundance Formation, Wyoming, F. Robin O’Keefe, William Wahl Jr.
Biological Sciences Faculty Research
Plesiosaur material has been known from the Redwater Shale member of the Sundance Formation (Jurassic: Oxfordian) of Wyoming for over 100 years, but has received little research attention. Here we report on the taxonomic status of a long-necked cryptocleidoid plesiosaur from the Redwater Shale, the correct identity of which is Pantosaurus striatus Marsh 1893. The taxon Muraenosaurus reedii Mehl 1912 is shown to be a junior synonym of Pantosaurus striatus. Pantosaurus is described on the basis of the holotype and referred specimens, and found to be a cryptocleidoid plesiosaur possessing between 35 and 40 cervical vertebrae. These vertebrae are very …
Abiotic Factors Influencing The Breeding, Movement, And Foraging Of The Eastern Spadefoot (Scaphiopus Holbrookii) In West Virginia, Keith A. Johnson
Abiotic Factors Influencing The Breeding, Movement, And Foraging Of The Eastern Spadefoot (Scaphiopus Holbrookii) In West Virginia, Keith A. Johnson
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Haphazard searches and telemetry methods were used to track movements and habitat use of two recently discovered and only known populations of Scaphiopus holbrookii in West Virginia. It was the purpose of this study to determine the home range and habitat use of S. holbrookii. Toads were found to forage a mean distance of 13.5 in. (34.5 cm) from their burrows. Habitat consisted of open areas with soil textures of sandy loam, loamy sand, or sand. Radio- transmitters were surgically implanted in two specimens from one breeding site to provide data about habitat use and emergence. Data loggers were installed …
Development Of A Gis Geodatabase As A Tool For Analyzing Spatial Relationships In The Species Distributions Of West Virginia Fishes, Nathan D. Bowe
Development Of A Gis Geodatabase As A Tool For Analyzing Spatial Relationships In The Species Distributions Of West Virginia Fishes, Nathan D. Bowe
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
One of the most complete references to date of fish species distribution in West Virginia is a 1995 book entitled “The Fishes of West Virginia” (Stauffer, et al.). In this project, geographic information systems (GIS) and relational database technology have been utilized to adapt that reference into a system where spatially arranged collection site features are related to distribution data through a series of common fields among tables in a geodatabase. The geodatabase is stored in an MDB-formatted database management system (DBMS) which is readable by Microsoft Access and useful in its own right as a means to query distribution …
An Ecological Study Of The Spotted Salamander, Ambystoma Maculatum, And Jefferson Salamander, A. Jeffersonianum, In West Virginia, Seth J. Myers
An Ecological Study Of The Spotted Salamander, Ambystoma Maculatum, And Jefferson Salamander, A. Jeffersonianum, In West Virginia, Seth J. Myers
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
The movements of Spotted Salamanders, Ambystoma maculatum, and Jefferson Salamanders, A. jeffersonianum, in and out of an ephemeral wetland in West Virginia were monitored for one breeding season using a drift fence lined with funnel traps. Significant movements of A. jeffersonianum coincided with rainfall and maximum daily air temperatures reaching a minimum of 5° C. Significant movements of A. maculatum coincided with rainfall and maximum daily air temperatures of at least 10° C. A. jeffersonianum preceded A. maculatum to the breeding site. Males of both species preceded females. The mark-recapture estimate of A. maculatum is 67 males and 25 females. …
Phylogenetic Structure Of Two Central Mexican Centruroides Species Complexes, William Ian Towler
Phylogenetic Structure Of Two Central Mexican Centruroides Species Complexes, William Ian Towler
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Central Mexico is home to numerous species of highly toxic Centruroides scorpions. Two species complexes C. infamatus, (C.L. Koch, 1844), and C. limpidus (Karsch, 1879) typify the complex relationships that exist between and within the complexes. Their existing taxonomic status is based on morphological features such as coloration and morphosculpture. A complete and modern study of these scorpions does not exist, and is needed. In an attempt to clarify the status and relationship between these complexes we initiated a molecular based approach applying mitochondrial gene markers (16S and CO1). This study confirms two divergent clades within C. infamatus; divergence rate …
Comparisons In Morphology, Reproductive Status, And Feeding Ecology Of Plethodon Cinereus At High And Low Elevations In West Virginia, Mizuki Takahashi
Comparisons In Morphology, Reproductive Status, And Feeding Ecology Of Plethodon Cinereus At High And Low Elevations In West Virginia, Mizuki Takahashi
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
To develop effects of elevation on morphological features, reproductive status, and feeding ecology of Plethodon cinereus in West Virginia, overall comparisons between high (>4000 ft) and low (<1260 ft) elevation populations were made. Adult P. cinereus from high elevations were smaller in SVL (female: p=0.003, male: p<0.001), but stored larger amounts of fat (female: p=0.041, male: p=0.006) in their tails than fromlow elevations. Larger amounts of tail fat could be an adaptation to harsh environments at high elevations. It was determined that in West Virginia, where as females at low elevations oviposit annually, females at high elevations oviposit biennially. Stomach content analysis revealed that salamanders at high elevations were confronted by food shortage. Because of less prey availability and longer winters at high elevations, salamanders at high elevations attained the smaller body size than at low elevations and could not obtain sufficient energy in 1 year to yolk a clutch.