Biology Commons^™

The Effects Of Pool Size On The Microinvertebrate Populations Of Chaney Lake, An Ephemeral Wetland Located In Bowling Green, Kentucky, Shannon Gaines

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Studies concerning the microinvertebrate communities of differing pool sizes were conducted at Chaney Lake, an ephemeral, karst wetland located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. As the lake begins to dry in the early summer, smaller, isolated ponds begin to form. Several ponds of various sizes were marked for analysis. Microinvertebrate samples and physiochemical readings were taken at each of the sites and were counted in the lab. T-tests were performed on the samples to determine if the microinvertebrate densities differed between ponds that dried later in the season as opposed to those that dried earlier. Ostracoda densities of the late dry …

Changes In The Breeding Bird Community Of Subtropical Evergreen Forest In The Lower Rio Grande Valley Of Texas, 1970s-1990s, Timothy Brush, Alberto Cantu

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Biology)

Breeding-bird censuses conducted in 1994-1996 at the Santa Ana National Wildlife, southern Texas were compared to those done on the same site in 1973-1978. The study site was described as subtropical evergreen forest in the 1970s, but is now thorn-forest with remnant evergreen forest. Canopy cover was incomplete and lower and trees were smaller and more densely packed in 1994-1996 than in 1973-1978. Seven bird species typical of thorn-forest and thorn-scrub, which were not present in 1973-1978, made up 20% of the breeding bird community in 1994-1996. Species tolerant of thorn-forest and thorn-scrub made up 76.0% of the breeding bird …

Summary Of Submissions To Fisheries Management Paper No 108 - Issues Affecting Western Australia's Inshore Crab Fishery, Cathy Campbell

Fisheries Management Papers

The summary of submissions is a record of comments offered in respect to the contet of Fisheries Management Paper No. 108 : Issues affecting Western Australia's inshore crab fishery (the Issues Paper) and submitted by groups or individuals who have an interest in inshore crab fishing activity in this State. Concerns of the respective parties included a percieved decline in recreational crab catches at specific locations; instances of conflict between commerical and recreational crabs fishers in Geographe Bay; concern for the types of gear used to take crabs; a substantial rise in the catch of crabs in the Cockburn Sound …

Effects Of Fertilization On Water Quality In Grayson Lake, Kentucky., Albert W. Remley Ii

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Science and Technology at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science by Albert W. Remley II on January 15, 1998.

Ecology And Natural History Of The Cow Knob Salamander, Plethodon Punctatus Highton, In West Virginia, Robert B. Tucker

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Very little has been written on the ecology and natural history of the Cow Knob salamander, Plethodon punctatus Highton, since it was described by Highton (1971). Plethodon punctatus is known only from the higher elevations of Great North (above 2,800 ft) and Shenandoah (above 3,000 ft.) Mountains in Virginia and West Virginia (Highton, 1972; Conant and Collins, 1991). The type locality is Cow Knob, Pendleton County, West Virginia. Plethodon punctatus is a large (up to 75 mm snout-to-vent length) dorso-ventrally flattened salamander with creamish iridiophore spots on the back and sides, webbed feet for a fossorial lifestyle, and large …

Life History, Ecology, And Low Ph Tolerance Of The Freshwater Prawn, Palaemonetes Kadiakensis Rathbun, In A Mitigated Wetland Of The Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area, West Virginia, Jennifer Ann Aderman

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

An ecological life history study of the freshwater prawn Palaemonetes kadiakensis was conducted at the mitigated wetland of the Green Bottom Wildlife management Area (GBWMA). Monthly samples were collected from November 1996 through November 1997. In addition, weekly samples were collected from May through November for growth and reproductive analysis. Monthly samples yielded 520 prawns. Palaemonetes kadiakensis had a one-year life cycle, with all adults dying by September. Males averaged 23.82 mm (range = 14.15 to 36.75 mm) and females averaged 26.78mm (range = 15.06 to 38.60 mm) in length. Males averaged 0.087g (range = 0.014to 0.293 g) and females …

Reproductive Demographics And Early Life History Of The Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus Platorynchus), Robert E. Colombo

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Due to the collapse of the historic caviar fisheries in the Volga River and Caspian Sea, the demand on domestically produced caviar has increased. To supply the increased demand, the harvest of the shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus latorynchus has increased. Because caviar fisheries preferentially harvest females, information regardingthe sexual demographics of these populations is essential for effective fisheries management. To date, knowledge regarding the sex ratios and reproductive development of the shovelnose sturgeon population in the Middle Mississippi River is lacking. In Chapter 1, I describe this problem in detail and in subsequent chapters I explain how I addressed this problem …

Reproductive Demographics And Early Life History Of The Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus Platorynchus), Robert Colombo

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Due to the collapse of the historic caviar fisheries in the Volga River and Caspian Sea, the demand on domestically produced caviar has increased. To supply the increased demand, the harvest of the shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus latorynchus has increased. Because caviar fisheries preferentially harvest females, information regardingthe sexual demographics of these populations is essential for effective fisheries management. To date, knowledge regarding the sex ratios and reproductive development of the shovelnose sturgeon population in the Middle Mississippi River is lacking. In Chapter 1, I describe this problem in detail and in subsequent chapters I explain how I addressed this problem …

The Use Of Emergent Rocks As Refugia For The Cheat Mountain Salamander, Plethodon Nettingi Green, Beth Anne Pauley

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Plethodon nettinqi was listed as a threatened species in 1989 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (Pauley, 1991). Its total range is within 5 counties in eastern West Virginia. There are fewer then 60 disjunct populations known and most populations are above 3,000 ft. and are associated with emergent rocks or narrow ravines with Rhododendron. It is hypothesized the P. netting! survived lumbering practices at the turn of the century by taking refuge beneath large emergent rocks and narrow ravines with Rhododendron. This study examined environmental factors associated with emergent rocks that might regulate the distribution of P. …

The Use Of Isoelectric Focusing To Assess The Genetic Diversity Of The Cyprinid Fishes: Rhinichthys Cataractae And Rhinichthys Atratulus In West Virginia, Fauzia Alam Miah

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In this study, isoelectric focusing is used to separate proteins of Rhinichthys cataractae and R. atratulus and conventional staining is used to identify alleles of six genes. The objective of this work is to determine whether these methods can effectively assay isozymes that may be used to establish the relationship between anthropogenic stress and genetic diversity. Alleles for LDH-A, LDH-B, EST-A, EST-B, EST-C, and EST-D loci were identified for two species of fish, R. atratulus and R. cataractae. Both fish species are known to be sensitive to anthropogenic stress and known to be widely distributed in stressed environments. Alleles …

Tapeinosperma Alatum (Myrsinaceae): A Remarkable New Species From Ceram, Diane Holland, P.F. Stevens

Biology Department Faculty Works

A new pachycaul species Tapeinosperma alatum D.E. Holland & P.F. Stevens (Myrsinaceae) is described from South Central Ceram. It is characterized by its huge leaves, over 1 m long, and congested, almost Gunnera-like. inflorescence. The distinctive distribution of the Papuasian pachycaul species of Tapeinosperma is briefly compared with that of a number of other unrelated taxa.

Phorbol Ester Activation Of An Nhe-Like Electroneutral Na+ /H+ Antiporter In Isolated E-Cells Of Lobster (Homarus Americanus) Hepatopancreas, Jeff Duerr, Gregory A. Ahearn

Faculty Publications - Department of Biological & Molecular Science

The basolateral membrane of Atlantic lobster (Homarus americanus) epithelium possesses an electroneutral Na+ /H+ antiporter that functionally resembles members of the vertebrate NHE family. Regulatory mechanisms of this antiporter in purified hepatopancreatic E-cell suspensions, produced with a centrifugal elutriation technique, were investigated. Suspensions routinely consisted of greater than 95% E-cells displaying greater than 90% viability. Intracellular pH (pHi) was monitored by loading cells with the fluorescent dye 2´,7´-bis(carboxyethyl)-5,6- carboxyfluorescein (BCECF), and placing suspensions in a spectrofluorometer. Recovery from induced acid-loading was mediated by a Na+ -dependent, dimethylamiloride-sensitive proton efflux. Antiport activation was a sigmoidal function of pHi at values below …

Intraspecific Heterochrony And Life History Evolution: Decoupling Somatic And Sexual Development In A Facultatively Paedomorphic Salamander, Travis J. Ryan, Raymond D. Semlitsch

Scholarship and Professional Work - LAS

Morphological features such as size and shape are the most common focus in studies of heterochronic change. Frequently, these easily observed and measured features are treated as a major target of selection, potentially ignoring traits more closely related to fitness. We question the primacy of morphological data in studies of heterochrony, and instead suggest that principal sources of fitness, such as life history characteristics, are not only the chief targets of selection, but changes in them may necessitate changes in other (subordinate) elements of the organism. We use an experimental approach to investigate the timing of metamorphosis and maturation in …

Chondrocranial Anatomy And Skeletogenesis In Dendrobates Auratus, Rafael O. De Sá, Shannon Hill

Biology Faculty Publications

The larval chondrocranium and visceral skeleton of Dendrobates auratus ls described and compared with those of other dendrobatids. Four characters, i.e. lack of fusion between orbital cartilages and otic capsules, wide processus muscularis palatoquadrati, lack of processus pseudopterygoideus, and lack of processus anterolateralis hyalis, represent derived conditions for Dendrobates within Dendrobatidae. Cranial and postcranial ossification sequences are reported for D. auratus and Epipedobates tricolor. Skeletogenesis is earlier in E. tricolor, but the overall pattern of ossification is similar in the two species.

Draft: Plan For The Management Of The Houtman Abrolhos Islands Fish Habitat Protection Area (Schedule 1), Abrolhos Islands Management Advisory Council, Fisheries Department Of Western Australia

Fisheries Management Papers

This document is a separate draft plan which has been prepared to meet the requirements of Section 117 of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994. It contains a description of the area; outlines the purposes for which the area is to be set aside; and lists the recommendations contained in Fisheries Management Paper No. 104, Management of the Houtman Abrolhos System, which relate to the management of the proposed Fish Habitat Protection Area.

Management Of The Houtman Abrolhos System, Abrolhos Islands Management Advisory Council, Fisheries Department Of Western Australia

Fisheries Management Papers

In November 1995 Cabinet resolved that the Minister for Fisheries would establish the Abrolhos Islands Management Advisory Committee (AIMAC) pursuant to Section 42 of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994. The role of AIMAC is to advise the Minister for Fisheries about the management of the Abrolhos Islands and the adjoining State Territorial Waters, as detailed in Section 2.2.3.1 of this report. The AIMAC has overseen the preparation of this report on behalf of the Minister for Fisheries. This draft report contains a brief description of the Abrolhos System and its special values. It also states goals and objectives for …

The Mayfly Newsletter, Peter M. Grant

The Mayfly Newsletter

The Mayfly Newsletter is the official newsletter of the Permanent Committee of the International Conferences on Ephemeroptera.

The Brood-Rearing Habitat, Brood Home Range, And Fecundity Of The Snowy Plover (Charadrius Alexandrinus) In Coastal Southern Texas, Jeffery R. Rupert

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Habitat fragmentation has been shown to have negative effects on avian communities. I looked at the effects of corridor width and vegetation characteristics on nesting densities and breeding success of birds in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. There were definite trends in this study of increasing species richness and nesting densities with increasing corridor widths. Multiple regression revealed little correlation between tree density, diameter at breast height, tree height, canopy cover and ground cover with nesting density or nesting success. However, factors such as parasitism by the Bronzed Cowbird (Molothrus aeneus) and predation were much greater in narrower corridors. This …

Egg Removal By Brown-Headed Cowbirds: A Field Test Of The Host Incubation Efficiency Hypothesis, Douglas Wood, Eric Bollinger

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) often remove host eggs, usually to the detriment of the host's reproductive success. We tested the hypothesis that host egg size and number influence the incubation efficiency of a parasitic egg. A single House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) or Brown-headed Cowbird egg was placed in each host nest (addition), and in some nests a host egg was removed as well (addition/removal). Hatching success and incubation length were measured to determine whether host-egg removal conferred an advantage in incubation efficiency compared to simple addition of a parasitic egg. Redwinged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) and Chipping Sparrows (Spizella passerina) served …

Egg Removal By Brown-Headed Cowbirds: A Field Test Of The Host Incubation Efficiency Hypothesis, Douglas R. Wood, Eric K. Bollinger

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) often remove host eggs, usually to the detriment of the host's reproductive success. We tested the hypothesis that host egg size and number influence the incubation efficiency of a parasitic egg. A single House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) or Brown-headed Cowbird egg was placed in each host nest (addition), and in some nests a host egg was removed as well (addition/removal). Hatching success and incubation length were measured to determine whether host-egg removal conferred an advantage in incubation efficiency compared to simple addition of a parasitic egg. Redwinged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) and Chipping Sparrows (Spizella passerina) served …

Whole Body I=In Vivo Vascular Compliance In Two Amphibians, Bufo Marinus And Rana Cate, Todd Micheal Hoagland

Dissertations and Theses

The mean circulatory filling pressure (MCFP), vascular compliance (C) and unstressed volume (USV) were measured in Bufo marinus and Rana catesbeiana, using an in vivo preparation. Capacitance curves were constructed by varying total vascular volume and then measuring MCFP. These capacitance curves enable the extrapolation of USV and the measurement of vascular compliance. The MCFP, C, and USV were 8.6 ± 0.2 (mmHg), 3.7 (ml· mmHg-1 · kg- 1 ) and 2.5 (ml), respectively, in B. marinus. The MCFP, C, and USV were 9.5 ± 0.1 (mmHg), 2.2 (ml· mmHg-1 · kg- 1 ) and 14.2 (ml), respectively, …

Draft: Optimising The Worth Of The Lobster Catch: Options And Issues, Marec Pty Ltd

Fisheries Management Papers

The purpose of this document is to contribute to informed discussion on alternative measures which might be adopted to optimise the worth of the lobster catch. In doing so, it provides a number of possible initiatives which could be more closely examined for adoption. Details of issues are provided which should be taken into consideration when assessing the various proposals. The industry as it is today is examined and assessed, and its achievements analysed. The possible initiatives proposed stem from this research. As a consequence of this document, the rock lobster industry could undertake to proceed with a detailed examination …

Detection Of Hybridization Events Between The Coyote, Canis Latrans, And The Domestic Dog, Canis Familiaris, Using Two Polymorphic Microsatellite Loci And Cranial Morphometric Analysis, John Jobe Cox

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Science and Technology at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biology by John Jobe Cox on August 26, 1997.

Partial Characterization Of Na+, K+-Atpase And Its Gill And Antennal Gland Osmoregulatory Role In The Crayfish, Orconectes Putnami, Michael E. Fultz

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Science and Technology at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biology by Michael E. Fultz on August 1, 1997.

Marine Farm Planning And Consultation Processes In Western Australia, Dave Everall

Fisheries Management Papers

The development of a sustainable aquaculture industry in Western Australia is considered to be a high priority by the Government. The marine farming industry has a bright future in Western Australia, but there is a need to balance its developing needs for suitable waters with those of existing activities, and with community expectations for accountability and transparency in the resolution of equity and resource sharing decisions. The purpose of this report is to review the existing planning and consultation processes for pearling and aquaculture in WA and recommend how they may be improved and incorporated into a single process. It …

Nebraska's Flying Mammals, Patricia W. Freeman, Kenneth N. Geluso, J. Scott Altenbach

Biology Faculty Publications

They flit around at dusk in crazy patterns. They fly around street lights and dive at rocks thrown in the air. They have high-pitched squeaks and turn up in unexpected places. They have strange, little faces and bizarre ears. They have soft fur and a thin rubbery membrane across their long fingers. They are bats, Nebraska's only flying mammals.

Bats are mysterious. Is it because they come out at night and we come out in the daytime? Maybe it is because we associate flying with birds, not mammals. Bats are dark and foreboding, not brightly colored. At first, these mysterious …

The Mayfly Newsletter, Peter M. Grant

The Mayfly Newsletter

The Mayfly Newsletter is the official newsletter of the Permanent Committee of the International Conferences on Ephemeroptera.

The Aquaculture Of Non-Endemic Species In Western Australia, Tina Thorne

Fisheries Management Papers

This Management Paper has been drafted in liaison with the Department of Environmental Protection in accordance with the principles of risk assessment and taking into account translocation issues of non-endemic species such as redclaw (Cheras quadricarninatus). It is considered that the implementation of this policy will protect the natural environment and native crayfish species. It will also allow for the development of a redclaw industry, and provide the first step towards self regulation of that industry.

Management Arrangements For The Western Rock Lobster Fishery For The 1997/98 Season, F. B. Prokop

Fisheries Management Papers

This paper deals with the proposed management strategies for the 1997/98 seasons. The purpose of this paper is to present the views of RLIAC on management arrangements for the 1997/98 rock lobster season and to indicate the strategic directions that long term management of this important fishery might take so as to ensure both its biological sustainability and the optimisation of product value for both the State and the participants in the fishery.

Management Of The South Coast Purse Seine Fishery, J Fowler, K Donohue, R.C. J. Lenanton, M. Moran, D Gaughan

Fisheries Management Papers

This paper has presented a strategy for moving the management of the small pelagics fishery off the south coast to management of the whole fishery, which facilitates a more biologically sound and economically stable fishery.