Biology Commons^™

Total Body Water And Body Composition In Phalaropes And Other Birds, Hugh I. Ellis, Joseph R. Jehl Jr

Biology: Faculty Scholarship

Contrary to some reviews, total body water (TBW) may fall below the expected value of about 65% in birds if measured as a percentage of total body mass. However, water constitutes a relatively stable proportion (659%-70%) of body composition when measured as a percentage of lean body mass (LBM). We demonstrate this by using data from two migratory phalaropes (Phalaropus tricolor and Phalaropus lobatus), which exhibit inverse relationships between TBW and body mass and between TBW and fat content. As the phalaropes fatten before migration, lipids increase but not at the expense of water, which also increases with gains in …

An Ecological Description Of Three Black Bass Species In Two Northeastern Kentucky Muskellunge Streams, Albert F. Surmont Jr.

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science by Albert F. Surmont, Jr. on December 10, 1990.

Macroinvertebrate Drift Abundance Below Bonneville Dam And Its Relation To Juvenile Salmonid Food Habits, William Douglas Muir

Dissertations and Theses

There is a paucity of information concerning the invertebrate food resources available to juvenile salmonids in the Columbia River as they migrate seaward. Construction of mainstream dams has altered the temperature cycle, flow regime, and substrate which indigenous invertebrates were adapted to. Studies on how the macroinvertebrate community has adapted to these alterations have been neglected. This study was undertaken to help fill this void.

Macroinvertebrate drift samples were collected over a three year period in the Columbia River downstream from Bonneville Dam. Samples were collected with a D-ring plankton net fished on the bottom for one-half hour. Two sites …

Tests Of Three Hypotheses Of Hatching Asynchrony In The Common Tern, Patricia Bollinger, Eric Bollinger, Richard Malecki

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

We examined three hypotheses concerning hatching asynchrony in the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo). Survival of third-hatching "C-chicks" was significantly lower than that of "A-" and "B-chicks" in broods of three. In 2 yr when conditions did not appear favorable, survival was significantly higher in manipulated broods in which chicks hatched synchronously (73%) than in nonmanipulated broods (56%). Chicks in synchronous broods grew significantly faster than C-chicks and at a rate similar to A- and B-chicks. These results were inconsistent with the brood-reduction hypothesis, which predicts that hatching asynchrony will maximize brood success under conditions of food limitation. Chicks hatching from …

Tests Of Three Hypotheses Of Hatching Asynchrony In The Common Tern, Patricia B. Bollinger, Eric K. Bollinger, Richard A. Malecki

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

We examined three hypotheses concerning hatching asynchrony in the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo). Survival of third-hatching "C-chicks" was significantly lower than that of "A-" and "B-chicks" in broods of three. In 2 yr when conditions did not appear favorable, survival was significantly higher in manipulated broods in which chicks hatched synchronously (73%) than in nonmanipulated broods (56%). Chicks in synchronous broods grew significantly faster than C-chicks and at a rate similar to A- and B-chicks. These results were inconsistent with the brood-reduction hypothesis, which predicts that hatching asynchrony will maximize brood success under conditions of food limitation. Chicks hatching from …

Biogeography And Species Density Distributions Of Tasmanian Mammals, Jerry E. Bevers

Dissertations and Theses

Separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait, Tasmania has acted as an island preserve maintaining large populations of many mammalian species presently uncommon, rare, or extinct on mainland Australia.

There are few studies of Tasmanian mammal distributions. Recent distributional maps, based on information from surveys and mammal specimens, allowed for an investigation of the species density distributions of the terrestrial mammals of Tasmania. Compilation of species' distributional information into species density distributions provides an overview as to which areas may provide the most significant habitat for the greatest number of species; what geographic variations may influence species distributions; and …

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.

A Chronic Toxicity Assessment Of An Industrial Effluent Utilizing Pimephales Promelas And Ceriodaphnia Sp, Sharon J. Whitaker Fugate

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biology by Sharon J. Whitaker Fugate on July 23, 1990.

Reproduction In The Hispid Cotton Rat, Sigmodon-Hispidus Say And Ord (Rodentia: Muridae), In Southeastern Virginia, Robert K. Rose, Michael H. Mitchell

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

The hispid cotton rat, Sigmodon hispidus Say and Ord, a species of the southwestern United States that has been moving northward and eastward in this century, was first observed in Virginia in 1940. In this study of the cotton rat in southeastern Virginia, most males were reproductively competent from February through November, embryos were recorded from March through October, and litter sizes were comparable to those from other locations except Kansas. Also unlike the cotton rat in Kansas, animals grew at substantial rates during the winter in Virginia. The hispid cotton rat seems to have adjusted its breeding season in …

Small Mammals In The Great Dismal Swamp Of Virginia And North Carolina, Robert K. Rose, Roger K. Everton, Jean F. Stankavich

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Small" mammals were surveyed in a range of habitats in the Great Dismal Swamp of Virginia and North Carolina. The survey is based on three chronologically overlapping studies, each lasting 15-18 months and for which the results have been reported separately. A different trapping method was used in each of the three studies: nest boxes, Fitch live traps, or pitfall traps. Only two species of mammals, both arboreal, were taken in nest boxes, compared with 10 and 9 species in Fitch live traps and pitfall traps, respectively. The Fitch live traps had a much higher catch rate per 1,000 trap-nights …

Description Of The Tadpoles Of Gastrophryne Pictiventris And Nelsonophryne Aterrima (Anura: Microhylidae), With A Review Of Morphological Variation In Free-Swimming Microhylid Larvae, Maureen A. Donnelly, Rafael O. De Sá, Craig Guyer

Biology Faculty Publications

The tadpoles of Gastrophryne pictiventris and Nelsonophryne aterrima are described based on material collected in Costa Rica and Panama, respectively. The tadpole of G. pictiventris resembles those of the other species of Gastrophryne. The tadpole of N. aterrima differs from other New World microhylid tadpoles in location of the vent tube (medial), the spiracular opening (ventral to the gut), and eyes (dorsolateral). The unique configuration of mouthparts in N. aterrima is described. Morphological variation in microhylid tadpoles is reviewed and six larval characters are analyzed cladistically for IO New World microhylid genera.

Fisheries Research Report No 88 - A Synopsis Of The Biology And The Exploitation Of The Australiasian Pilchard, Sardinops Neopilchardus (Steindachner) Part 1: Biology, W. J. Fletcher

Fisheries Research Reports

There have been a large number of studies which relate to the biology and exploitation of the Australian pilchard, Sardinops neopilchardus. Much of the data, however, are located in journals which are hard to obtain, or in unpublished reports, and theses. With the increase in catch of pil­chards, particularly in Western Australia, a collation of all the available knowledge pertaining to pilchards in Australia and New Zealand was desired to help with the planning of future research into the Western Australian stocks of this species. This report contains all the information located on the biology of Sardinops neopilchardus, a companion …

Enhancement And Monitoring Of The Procambarus Clarkii Population In Lake Mead, Mikell Beth Hager

Publications (WR)

Procambarus clarkii are found in extremely low numbers throughout Lake Mead, AZ-NV. The crayfish are an important dietary component for game fish. Enhancement of the crayfish population would broaden the fishery forage base. Crayfish were stocked and monitored in a study cove on Saddle Island to determine if the Procambarus clarkii population could be enhanced. A trapping survey of the area after the following reproductive season yielded low numbers of crayfish. A comparison of pre-stocking and post-stocking catch per trap day (CPTD) values revealed no significant increase in the population. Procambarus clarkii growth is limited by environmental factors in Lake …

Comparison Of The Protein Content In Selected Tissues At Different Feeding Stages In The American Dog Tick Dermacentor Variabilis (Say), Mark John Beveridge

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Selected tissues from Dermacentor yariabilis (Say) were collected at different feeding stages (unfed, part-fed, and replete) and examined by several different protein analyses to determine soluble protein content, protein or polypeptide molecular weights, and pI values. Results showed a relationship between the salivary gland, ovary and hemolymph and evidence indicates the synganglion produces and secretes substances that may control oocyte development.

Dna Fingerprinting Analysis Of Captive Asian Elephants, Elephas Maximas, Laura Louise Bischof

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis examined the effectiveness of DNA fingerprinting analysis for paternity ascertainment and the establishment of relatedness of captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximas). Eighteen Asian elephants from three North American zoos were examined. Thirteen of these elephants were wild caught. Relationships between these elephants and the remaining elephants born in captivity were known.

Effects Of Ambient Lake Mohave Temperatures On Development, Oxygen Consumption, And Hatching Success Of The Razorback Sucker, Michael A. Bozek, Larry J. Paulson, Gene R. Wilde

Publications (WR)

Spawning of razorback suckers, Xyrauchen texanus, in Lake Mohave occurred from 10-22° C and larvae were collected at water temperatures from 10-15° C in 1982 and 1983. In the laboratory, hatching success was similar from 12-20° C, but reduced hatching success was found at 10° C while none hatched at 8°C. Development rate and oxygen consumption were positively related to incubation temperature. Direct effects of ambient Lake Mohave water temperatures on hatching success of razorback sucker embryos are considered minimal. Historical spawning temperatures for the species are hypothesized based upon successful incubation temperatures and comparison to the white sucker, …

Relationships Between Blood Parasites, Mating Success And Phenotypic Cues In Male Sage Grouse Centrocercus Urophasianus, Robert M. Gibson

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

In lek breeding Sage Grouse Centrocercus urophasianus in eastern California, male mating success is strongly correlated with individual differences in lek attendance, and in the rate and acoustic quality of courtship display, suggesting that these provide cues by which females choose mates. Increased lek attendance and high display rates also associated with elevated metabolic expenditure. This paper examines the hypothesis that the ability to commit energy to display is related to the incidence of blood parasites. A single hematozoan genus, Haemoproteus, was found in 37.5% of 184 Sage Grouse sampled over a five year period. Parasitism varied across years and …

Introduction And Enhancement Of Vegetative Cover At Lake Mead, Jennifer S. Haley, Lisa K. Croft, Suzanne E. Leavitt, Larry J. Paulson

Publications (WR)

Studies done by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and the Arizona Fish and Game between 1978 and 1981 indicate that inadequate cover may be limiting the production and survival of largemouth bass at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LMNRA). As a result of these studies, NDOW initiated a contract in 1986 with the Lake Mead Research Center (LMRC) to investigate means of improving habitat for game fish by introducing natural and/or artificial cover. During Phase I (1986-1987) of this contract, the shoreline of Lake Mead was surveyed for aquatic and terrestrial plant growth. Also during this time, submerged …

The Effects Of Site Quality On Breeding-Site Fidelity In Bobolinks, Eric K. Bollinger, Thomas A. Gavin

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

We compared breeding-site fidelity of Bobolinks (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) at two low-quality sites (Bald Hill and Shackelton Point, BH +SP) with that at one high-quality site (Moore Road, MR) in central New York. Yearly density of fledglings at Moore Road was more than six times the density at Bald Hill and Shackelton Point. Furthermore, individual residents fledged 50-70% more young at the high-quality site. At Moore Road, 70% of the males and 49% of the females returned one or more times, compared with 44% of the males and 25% of the females at the low-quality sites. Successful residents (i.e. those fledging …

The Effects Of Site Quality On Breeding-Site Fidelity In Bobolinks, Eric Bollinger, Thomas Gavin

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

We compared breeding-site fidelity of Bobolinks (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) at two low-quality sites (Bald Hill and Shackelton Point, BH +SP) with that at one high-quality site (Moore Road, MR) in central New York. Yearly density of fledglings at Moore Road was more than six times the density at Bald Hill and Shackelton Point. Furthermore, individual residents fledged 50-70% more young at the high-quality site. At Moore Road, 70% of the males and 49% of the females returned one or more times, compared with 44% of the males and 25% of the females at the low-quality sites. Successful residents (i.e. those fledging …

Effects Of Dietary Corn Oil And Menhaden Oil On Rats Mammary Tumorigenesis And Prostaglandin E2 Levels, Melissa L. Philley

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biology by Melissa L. Philley on August 4, 1989.

Distribution And Marketing Of Western Australia Rock Lobster., P. J. Monaghan

Fisheries Management Papers

This report describes the marketing and distribution of Western Australian rock lobster products in the major consuming countries namely, USA, Japan and Taiwan. It is based on a study which was commissioned by the Fisheries Department of Western Australia who sought, for the benefit of industry generally, an understanding of the world lobster markets.

Southern Demersal Gillnet And Longline Fishery., Management Advisory Committee

Fisheries Management Papers

In its report to the Ministier for Fisheries in November 1986, the Southern Western Australian Shark Working Group recommended the establishment of an Industry/Government Mangement Advisory Committee to provide managememt advice on the fishery to the Minister for Fisheries. The Advisory Committee held its first meeting in Albany on 23 February 1989. After being briefed on the state of shark stocks, the Committee's deliberations fell into three broad categories. In the first category there was sufficient time and information available to make a recommendation to the Minister for Fisheries. In the second category, discussion commenced, but was held over to …

Temporal And Spatial Patterns Of Abundance Of Age 0 Threadfin Shad (Dorosoma Petenense) In Overton Arm, Lake Mead, William Lee Pelle

Publications (WR)

Temporal and spatial patterns of age 0 threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense) abundance and growth, in the Overton Arm of Lake Mead, were examined to evaluate the effects of resource availability on the young fish. This was part of a larger, game fishery enhancement study (Lake Mead Fertilization Project), designed to assess feasability of increasing survivorship of larval/juvenile shad by boosting phosphate levels, thereby increasing algal and zooplankton biomass, during the shad spawning period. Shad are the primary forage base for the striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and black bass (Macropterus salmoides) fisheries. Weekly samples were …

Field Playback Of Male Display Attracts Females In Lek Breeding Sage Grouse, Robert M. Gibson

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Recent correlational studies of lekking sage grouse suggest that male vocal display attracts females. To test this hypothesis further, the natural displays of a territorial male were supplemented with the tape-recorded display of another reproductively successful individual. Significantly, more females approached the speaker's location on days when the recording was played, and also on nonplayback days immediately following a playback, than on other nonplayback days. Analysis of male displays indicated that females were responding to the playback itself rather than to changes in male behavior. The "after-response" following a playback suggests that some females present during a playback remembered its …

Geographic Allozyme Variation In Kentucky Populations Of The Desmognathus Fuscus Complex (Plethodontidae), Russell M. Meadows

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science by Russell M. Meadows on May 8, 1989.

Management Of The Perth Metropolitan Purse-Seine Fishery., N. Moore

Fisheries Management Papers

This report outlines the management plan for the limited entry purse-seine fishery for small pelagic fish in coastal waters between Lancelin and Cape Bouvard and seaward to the 200 mile limit of the Australian Fishing Zone. The plan includes Cockburn Sound.

The Use Of Banding Recovery Data To Estimate Dispersal Rates And Gene Flow In Avian Species: Case Studies In The Red-Winged Blackbird And Common Grackle, William S. Moore, Richard A. Dolbeer

Biological Sciences Faculty Research Publications

Dispersal resulting in gene flow strongly affects the evolution of genetic structure in populations. This report describes statistical estimators of dispersal parameters based on USFWS banding recovery records. Finite-area studies of avian species yield estimates of root-mean-square (RMS) dispersal along a transect of about 1 km per generation. In contrast, estimates of RMS dispersal for the Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) and Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), based on USFWS banding recovery records, are 94.6 and 111.4 km per generation, respectively. Distributions for both species are extremely leptokurtic, and confidence intervals based on jackknife statistics are large because the estimators are sensitive …

Analysis Of Mitochondrial Dna Restriction Fragment Patterns In Killer Whales, Orcinus Orca, Tracy Alison Stevens

Dissertations and Theses

The mitochondrial DNA restriction fragment patterns of killer whales (Orcinus orca) were investigated in order to determine the level of genetic differentiation that exists between killer whales from various geographic locations. Twenty one killer whales were examined, seventeen of which were captive killer whales that originated from the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific Oceans. Two were captive-born animals and two were killer whales that stranded along the Northeast Pacific coast.

DNA was extracted from blood and/or tissue samples, cleaved with a variety of restriction endonucleases and the DNA fragments were separated by horizontal agarose gel electrophoresis. The DNA …

A Review Of The Shark Bay Pearling Industry., D. A. Hancock

Fisheries Management Papers

While there are currently only two pearl culture leases in Shark Bay, two new applications for leases have already been received by the W.A. Fisheries Department. Increased interest is being generated about pearl culture in Shark Bay, which will need to be considered against the background of management plans designed to restrict further entry into other areas, notably the pearly industry of W.A from Exmouth Gulf northwards, and the pearling industry of the Northern Territory. Recent successes with pearl culture in both those areas, and the greatly increased revenues and high lease transfer values realised, must inevitably focus interest on …