Biology Commons^™

Elephants In The Plant World, Dale J. Osborn

Elephant

Survey of plants named for features that recall the elephant.

The Origins Of Spring Migratory Staging By Sandhill Cranes And White-Fronted Geese, Roger S. Sharpe

Biology Faculty Publications

A most unusual avian migratory event takes place each .,pring in the Platte River basin of Nebraska between 98 and 102 degrees longitude (Fig. 1). In suitable habitats throughout this area large concentrations of Sandhill Cranes, Crus canadensis, and White-fronted Geese, Anser albifrons, develop and achieve peak populations in mid to late March. This phenomenon is traditional to the migratory habits of specific populations and occurs during the spring movement from wintering grounds in Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico to breeding grounds far to the north in Canada and Alaska. In both species groups of individuals drift in from wintering …

Fish Of Lake Mead And Lake Mohave, Robert C. Allan, Dennis L. Roden

Publications (WR)

This publication offers an in-depth study of the fish and other organisms that live in Lakes Mead and Mohave. The history and background of the two lakes is offered, as well as information about diseases, parasites, and unusual fish occurrences. Food sources, predation and competition are also discussed.

The Reproductive Cycle Of Microtus Ochrogaster In Eastern Kansas, Robert K. Rose, Michael S. Gaines

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

About 800 Microtus ochrogaster were live—trapped at biweekly intervals from May 1971 through March 1973 in 3 grassland study areas in eastern Kansas, USA. Details of reproduction were determined by autopsy. Population density increased through the first winter, reached a peak in April 1972, then declined sharply during that summer and beyond. Body length, but not body mass, tended to be positively related to density. Both sexes matured at about the same weight; development was somewhat prolonged during the winter months, especially in the winter preceding the population peak. Pregnancy rates were high, approaching maximal iteroparity, throughout the study, with …

An Evaluation Of Narrow Hybrid Zones In Vertebrates, William S. Moore

Biological Sciences Faculty Research Publications

A review of the literature on vertebrate hybridization reveals the existence of a number of narrow hybrid zones. Three hypotheses have been suggested to explain the occurrence of these zones. The ephemeral-zone hypothesis states that hybridization will end either in speciation or fusion of the hybridizing taxa by means of introgression. The dynamic-equilibrium hypothesis allows the possibility that narrow hybrid zones might be stable: where hybrids are confined to a small area by steep selection gradients, "crystallization" of an antihybridization mechanism might be prevented by naive immigrants from the parental populations even though hybrids are selected against. The hybrid-superiority hypothesis …

Distribution And Behavior Study Of Diurnal Tree Squirrels In Portland, Oregon, With Emphasis On The Western Gray Squirrel (Sciurus Griseus Griseus Ord) And The Western Fox Squirrel (S. Niger Rufiventer E. Geoffroy St.-Hilaire), Ira Young Rice Iii

Dissertations and Theses

Populations of diurnal tree squirrels in the Portland area were located by mail surveys, personal interviews, and field inspections. Pine squirrels were found to reside in thickly wooded residential areas with dense understories and running water nearby. Western gray squirrels occupied habitats in relatively quiet residential neighborhoods, in areas well supplied with mast crops. Western fox squirrels were found to coexist with gray squirrels in their preferred habitat, and also to thrive in park settings with few mast trees and high activity and noise levels. In areas occupied by both fox and gray squirrels, dominant-subordinate relationships were noted. Each species …

Seasonal Abundance & Diversity Of Fishes At Three Stations On The Middle Fork Of Drake's Creek, Warren & Allen Counties, Kentucky, David Bell

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A total of 7,485 fish, representing 49 species, 25 genera, and 11 families, were electroshocked from three stations on the Middle Fork of Drake's Creek during the period January, 1972 through January, 1973. Community structure was influenced by seasonal changes in both numbers of species and numbers of individuals. The number of species per collection was at its highest, at all stations, during the month of September. The total number of species and individuals collected at each station progressively increased toward the upstream areas. Eleven of the forty-nine species collected during the course of the study provided 91.8% of the …

Meeting Of The Elephant Interest Group At Michigan State University, June 21, 1977, Jeheskel Shoshani

Elephant

Digest of the minutes of the first informal meeting of the Elephant Interest Group at the 57th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mamalogists (ASM).

A Behavioral Study Of A Small Group Of Pikas (Ochotona Princeps) On Mt. Hood, Oregon, Nancy A. Ewen Frazier

Dissertations and Theses

Observations or a small group of pikas, (Ochotona princeps) occupying a southwest facing roadfill on Mt. Hood, Oregon (1518 m) were made during the fall or 1976. Territorial sizes of 305.5 m² and 121 m² were determined based on territorial displays. These territories were compared with those observed in other studies. The mean distance to the nearest neighbor was 15.1 m. A pair relationship between two of the pikas and a dominance order are discussed. The seasonal progression of the haypiles and the reactions of the pikas to other animals are also noted.

Behavioral Temperature Regulation In The Turtle Pseudemys Scripta Elegans, Michael H. Johnston

Dissertations and Theses

A group of red-eared turtles (Pseudemys scripta elegans) was acclimated to 18-20˚C and artificial photo-period for 21 days. The animals were then individually placed in a thermal gradient and their selected temperatures were continuously recorded for 24 hours. A second group of turtles was acclimatized to 7.5-11.0˚C and natural photoperiods for 28 days, and subsequently tested in the same manner as the first group. Lastly, the turtles in the first group, after being acclimated to 3.0˚C and the previous artificial photoperiod for 14 days, were retested in the gradient.

Live Trap Preference Among Grassland Mammals, Robert K. Rose, Norman A. Slade, James H. Honacki

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

In two independent studies, small mammals of grassland communities in eastern Kansas, when given a choice, preferred Fitch to Sherman live traps. Except for the harvest mice in the demographic study, the type of preferred trap and magnitude of selection was remarkably comparable, with microtines showing slight, and cricetines strong, preferences overall. The merits of each type of trap are compared, and related to season, weather, prior experience, and trap-associated mortality.

Vocal Communication, Nesting, And Territoriality In The California Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma Coerulescens), Nancy Donehue Dodson

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

This report evaluates vocal communication, nesting, territoriality, and other social behaviors of the California Scrub Jay.

Some Helminths From Salamanders Of California, José Joaquín Castro

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Studies on the helminth parasites of salamanders from California have been very limited.

Between September 1975 and April 1977, 340 salamander belonging to seven species, Aneides flavipunctatus (7), A. lugubris (7), Batrachoceps attenuatus attenuatus (250), Ensatina eschscholtzii eschscholtzii (52), E. e. sierrae (17), Taricha torosa (6), and Dicamptodon ensatus (1), were examined for helminths and found to harbor 10 species, four of which are new. The parasites found are: Cestoda: Distoichometra ensatinae sp. nov. from Ensatina e. eschscholtzii and E. e. sierrae; and Baerietta diana (Helfer, 1948) Douglas, 1958 from Batrachoceps a. attenuatus. Nematoda: Dibulbiger caballeroi sp. nov. from Dicamptodon …

The Wavelength Dependency Of Ultraviolet Induction Of Simian Virus 40 From A Transformed Line Of Baby Hamster Kidney Cells, Timothy Bichenbrenner

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

For our investigation, an established line (E line) of baby hamster kidney cells which was transformed by the incorporation of Simian Virus 40 into the cellular genom was used. The induction of this virion by irradiating these cells with ultraviolet light was studied. The purpose of this thesis was to determine the wavelength dependency (at four selected ultraviolet mercury emission lines) of the induction of the SV40 genome from these cells. The viral titres of induction were measured by the agar overlay plaque assay method and by the fluorescent antibody microassay technique.

At the four wavelengths tested 265 nm and …

Radioprotection Of Oral Cavity Structures By S-2-(3-Aminopropylamino) Ethyl Phosphorothioate (Wr-2721), Ronald King

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Studies reporting a high concentration of WR-2721 in mouse salivary glands led to our studies of possible radioprotection of these glands by this drug from ionizing radiation. Oral effects of radiation in the presence of WR-2721 were studied in mice and dogs. Histological evaluation of mouse salivary glands irradiated with 1000 rads of ⁶⁰Co showed essentially no difference between control and experimental animals. Almost full regeneration of the serous salivary components occurred by 6 months in both groups and neither group had changes in the mucous glands. The use of higher doses of radiation in the mouse was prevented …

The Chromosome Constitutions Of A Hybrid Salmonid And Its Parental Types: Salmo Gairdneri And Salmo Clarki, Peter Bruce Valentine Jacky

Dissertations and Theses

A study was undertaken to investigate the application of tissue culture and histochemical banding techniques normally used in mammalian studies to fish cells and to examine the mechanisms of chromosome evolution and speciation in salmonids by comparing the chromosomes of the hybrid to those of the parental types. The application of banding techniques was generally unsuccessful in revealing bands, though quinacrine staining did reveal the presence of two fluorescent spots in the vicinity of the centromere. These were thought to be heterochromatic blocks, possibly related to the high incidence of centric fusion or fission in salmonids. Results of chromosome analysis …

Population Dynamics Of Microtus Ochrogaster In Eastern Kansas, Michael S. Gaines, Robert K. Rose

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Four eastern Kansas populations of the prairie vole, Microtus ochrogaster were live trapped from 1970—73 to gain insight into the population regulation of this species. All four populations exhibited a 2—yr cycle in numbers with peak densities generally occurring in June 1972. Peak densities were followed by a decline in numbers, a recovery, and a population crash in spring 1973. Reproductive parameters changed dramatically as density rose and fell. The summer breeding season in the crash year of 1973 was shortened by at least 3 mo. A reduction in breeding activity occurred during the summer of every year of the …

Stability Of Small Unisexual-Bisexual Populations Of Poeciliopsis (Pisces: Poeciliidae), William S. Moore

Biological Sciences Faculty Research Publications

All-female species of Poeciliopsis depend upon ♂ ♂ of closely related species for sperm. This relationship creates a competitive situation in which bisexual ♀ ♀ compete with unisexual ♀ ♀ for sperm from ♂ ♂ of the bisexual species. Earlier studies demonstrated a sufficient mechanism inherent in the behavior of ♂ ♂ for allowing coexistence in mixed unisexual-bisexual populations. Courtship preference of ♂ ♂ for conspecific ♀ ♀ is dynamically countered by social interaction among ♂ ♂ : subordinate males mate with unisexual ♀ ♀ in impetuous courtships. The Poeciliopsis monacha-Poeciliopsis 2 monacha-lucida complex occurs naturally in small isolated populations …

The Life History Of The Teardrop Darter, Etheostoma Barbouri Kuehne And Small, In Kentucky, Rory Flynn

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The life history of the teardrop darter, Etheoctoma (Catonotus) barbouri Kuehne and Small, was intensively studied from September, 1972, through August 1973. A total of 299 teardrop darters was seined from two isolated populations in Alexander and Little Muddy Creeks, Kentucky. These darters are known only to occur in second, third or fourth order tributaries of the Green River in Kentucky and Tennessee, and normally seek protection afforded by rocky or vegetated edges of such streams.

Gonosomatic ratios indicated that teardrop darters spawned from late March through late May in waters 12.5 - 15.5 C. Young females developed primary ova …

Bulletin No. 20: Tidal Marsh Invertebrates Of Connecticut, Nancy C. Olmstead, Paul E. Fell

Bulletins

36 pp. 1974. Descriptions and illustrations of over 40 species of mollusks, crustaceans, arachnids and insects found on our tidal marshes.

A Survey Of The Herpetofauna Of The Upper Lick Fork Watershed, Rowan County, Kentucky, Ronald A. Bertram

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the School of Sciences and Mathematics at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biology by Ronald A. Bertram on April 3,1974.

Ua66/1/2 Scrapbook, Wku Ogden College Of Science & Engineering

WKU Administration Documents

Scrapbook of clippings, press releases, photographs and other items related to the history of Ogden College of Science & Technology from 1961 to 1974.

Time Of Mating And Incidence Of Conception And Implantation In The Post Partum Lactating Female Mouse, Paul A. Walter

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the School of Sciences and Mathematics at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biology By Paul A. Walter on July 23, 1973.

Possible Avian Influences In The Distribution Of Dwarf Mistletoe, Paul James Zilka

Dissertations and Theses

The goal of this investigation was to determine the potential of birds as vectors for the movement of dwarf mistletoe seeds and the means by which such movement could occur. Birds would greatly speed the rate at which these parasites move horizontally or vertically through the forest. Five areas in Oregon, heavily infected by six species of Arceuthobium were studied. Observations of avian behavior point to 13 species whose general behavior make them potential vectors in the distribution of these parasites. More specifically, the roosting and subsequent bathing behavior of most forest birds proves a very important means of potential …

Effects Of Tubal Ligation And Salpingectomy On Pregnancy, Ottis Murphy Lane

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the School of Sciences and Mathematics at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biology by Ottis Murphy Lane May 1, 1973.

Morphological And Ecological Relationships Of Etheostoma Caeruleum And Etheostoma Spectabile In West Central Indiana, Dennis E. Clark

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Etheostoma caeruleum Storer and Jii. spectabile (Agassiz) are closely related members of the family Percidae, subfamily Percinae, tribe Etheostomatinae. This group, consisting mostly of small, brilliantly colored darters, has been partially characterized by Collett ( 1963). Several papers have been published dealing with the biology of these two species. One or both species have been described by Storer (1845), Agassiz (1854), Reeves (1907, but see Trautman, 1930), Trautman (1930, 1957) Knapp (unpublished Ph.D. dissertation), Distler (1968), and others. Trautman (1930, 1957) Gerking (1945), and Hubbs and Lagler (1947) reported that h caeruleum lives in larger and faster streams, whereas JL_ …

The Effects Of Chlordane On Pregnant Mice And Their Offspring, Timothy W. Leonard

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the School of Sciences and Mathematics at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biology by Timothy W. Leonard on April 27, 1973.

Relationship Of Heart Weight To Altitude In The Oregon Junco, Donald Lee Gatlin

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a statistical analysis of dry heat weights from Oregon Juncos obtained at various altitudes.

Some Aspects Of Mercury Accumulation By The Purple Shore Crab Hemigrapsus Nudus Dana (Crustacea: Decapoda), Ralph Gene Swanson

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The present study has attempted to investigate some of the more basic questions concerning the toxicity and accumulation of mercury in the purple shore crab, Hemigrapsus nudus. This rocky intertidal denizen is found in abundance along the entire Pacific coast of the United States from Sitka, Alaska, to the Gulf of California where it dominates the mid-tide pool region. Local specimens were collected just north of the Pacific Marine Stations, Dillon Beach, Marin County, California. The animal is hearty and can be kept in a state of good health for long periods of time in the laboratory with minimum care …

A Study Of The Seasonal Incidence Of The Arthropod & Helminth Parasites Of The Prairie Vole, Microtus Ochrogaster, & The Wood Mouse, Peromyscus Leucopus, In An Area Of Warren County, Kentucky, Richard Buckner

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

One-hundred and fifty Microtus ochrogaster and one-hundred and fifty-five Peromyscus leucopus were examined for arthropod and helminth parasites during a study from November, 1970 through November, 1971. The mean monthly burdens, per host, of each species of parasite and observations on the seasonal incidence of each species are reported.

Nineteen species of arthropod parasites were found; these include eight species of mites, two of chiggers, one of ticks, two of lice, five of fleas, and one of hots. Most of these species exhibited very little host specificity, although there was a definite host preference. Heavier ectoparasite burdens were found on …