Biology Commons^™

Estimating Parasitoid Wasp Assemblages On Fragmented Land : Do Habitat And Trap Type Matter?, Matthew Charles Christopher Havers

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Parasitoid wasps are a hyper-diverse monophyletic group of Apocrita (Hymenoptera) that typically oviposit inside or on an arthropodal host, whereafter the wasp larvae obtain nutritional resources for development. Although some species are well-studied as agents in biological control, little is known about the biology of the less diverse and less abundant superfamilies; and even less about assemblages of parasitoid wasp taxa within a given habitat. The aim of the present study was twofold: to estimate parasitoid wasp assemblages within two habitats common in central and northern New Jersey, USA, and to develop a protocol to increase the yield and diversity …

A Phylogenetic Assembly And Positive Selection Analysis Of The Dmp1 Gene In Aves, Testudines And Crocodilia, Nicholas Michael Morelli

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The DMP1 gene codes for proteins that play a role in the calcification of hard tissues, including dentin, in vertebrates. Deleterious mutations in the gene can cause genetic disorders such as rickets in humans. The gene function, however, has only been investigated widely within mammalian lineages, and has not been thoroughly researched within sauropsids (reptiles and birds). Birds are edentulous (toothless) and have a unique bone structure that allows a majority of species to withstand the rigors of flight. In contrast, their closest living relatives, the crocodilians, are polydontous and possess dense skeletons as an adaptation to their semi-aquatic lifestyle. …

Impacts Of Forest Fire On Stream Sediment : A Chemical Analysis Of The 16 Mile Fire In Delaware State Forest, Pennsylvania, Usa, Bernadette Rosario Calderon

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Wildfires, which will occur naturally or be produced from anthropogenic activities, are known to have significant impacts in most terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems such as streams. Following a wildfire, burning of soil and vegetation to ash can potentially lead to the input of contaminants such as trace elements into nearby aquatic streams. For this study, stream sediments were examined from the 16-Mile Fire that occurred in April 2016 at the Delaware State Forest, Pennsylvania, USA to determine major and trace elements present. While major and trace elements have been previously examined in soil from the 16-Mile Wildfire, stream sediments have …

Response To Phototaxic Stimulation In Relation To Sex And Reproductive State In The Urban Adapted Mosquito, Culex Pipiens F. Molestus, Karen M. Catalina

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The mosquito, Culex pipiens f. molestus, is a scientifically relevant species due to its impact upon both human and veterinary medicine. This city dwelling disease vector lives and reproduces in underground tunnels and sewer systems throughout the world. After reproducing, adults begin searching for food above ground, but little is known about the sensory signals that guide this seeking behavior. Because cues may have a major impact on feeding and reproduction, I compared the phototaxic response of adult male and female Cx. pipiens f. molestus at different reproductive states. Virgin females, mated females, virgin males, and mated males were monitored …

The Expression Of Circadian Rhythms In The Non-Diapausing Mosquito Culex Pipiens F. Molestus, Natalie Rachel Epstein

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Mosquitos within the Culex pipiens species complex are primary vectors of West Nile virus in North America. The most common member of this complex in New Jersey, Cx. pipiens f. pipiens, is adapted to a temperate climate and females enter a diapause state as adults each winter. In contrast, its co-occurring sister taxon, Cx. pipiens f. molestus, is unable to enter the diapause state and both males and females continue feeding and breeding during winter months. Females additionally continue to lay eggs. The molestus form can do so because it is highly adapted to urban environments and is predominantly found …

Contrasting Seasonal Presence Of West Nile Virus In Mosquitos Between Coastal And Inland Communities Of New Jersey, Domenica Mousa

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

In 1999, West Nile Virus (WNV) was introduced to New York City, most likely by an infected bird or mosquito. Since then, West Nile has been detected in every one of the forty-eight continental states of the US, and outbreaks have occurred yearly. Mosquitos play an important role as the main vector for WNV transmission to mammals, birds and some reptiles. As New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the United States, WNV is an ever-present public health concern. High human population density may increase the probability of coming in contact with a WNV positive mosquito. The prevalence …

Size Does Matter : Exposure And Effects Of Microplastics On The Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea Virginica), Erika Bernal

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The global impact plastic pollution has on aquatic ecosystems is rapidly increasing and there are numerous studies highlighting the negative impacts from microplastic exposure. While the general effects of microplastics are becoming clearer, less is known about the specific impacts of the various polymers that make up plastic. Moreover, many studies show the effects of exposing organisms to microplastics of the same shape and size, which is an inaccurate representation of what organisms are exposed to in natural environments. I exposed the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) to four types of polymers and analyzed their feces, pseduofeces, and internal tissues for …

Testing Multiple Climate Stressors At The Cold Range Limit Of A Marine Calcifier, Christian R. Bojorquez

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Coastal marine ecosystems have been identified as at particularly high risk from global climate change. Laboratory mesocosm experiments with model organisms can be useful in elucidating the effects of multiple climate change stressors on marine species. Here I examine the combined effects of marine heatwaves (MHWs) and ocean acidification (OA) on early embryonic development of the sea urchin Arbacia punctulata taken from its cold (northern) range limit in the Northwest Atlantic. I observed additive effects of MHWs and OA on developmental rates, with rates enhanced by MHWs and hindered by OA as compared to ambient conditions. Hence, MHWs mitigated a …

Home Range Size And Habitat Use : Analysis On The State Endangered Bobcat (Lynx Rufus) In Northwestern New Jersey, Rita Isabel Matos

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Knowledge of an animal's home range provides insights into their ranging patterns and the habitats they exploit. Carnivores serve a fundamental role in ecosystems due to their trophic significance. They require large areas to roam and when these areas are protected many other species benefit. In this study, thirteen bobcats (Lynx rufus) in northwestern New Jersey were captured between 2002-2016 and fitted with GPS telemetry collars to assess their home range sizes and habitat utilization. We determined that female bobcats utilized forested landscapes more so than males, and that males utilized agricultural landscapes more so than females. We did not …

The Antiviral Effects Of Embelin On Hsv-1 In Cultured Vero Cells, Tony Elias

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a linear double stranded DNA virus that is responsible for one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases within the United States. However, treatment drugs for HSV-1 could be costly and may have side effects. In recent years the number of cases of drug resistant HSV-1 has increased, resulting in interest for novel treatments. This study aimed to investigate the antiviral effects of the reagent Embelin on HSV-1 infection in cultured Vero Cells. Embelin is a benzoquinone isolated from the plant Embelia ribes. Cell viability and cell proliferation assays were conducted to determine …

Trace Element Accumulation And Distribution In Two Turtle Species, Malaclemys Terrapin And Chelydra Serpentine In New Jersey, Usa, Molly Hillenbrand

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Trace elements occur naturally in the environment and through anthropogenic pollution can become elevated beyond natural levels. Within an ecological community these trace elements can bioaccumulate and biomagnify up the food web. Elevated levels of trace elements can pose a significant threat to human health. Diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) and common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) are two turtle species consumed by humans and were studied for trace element bioaccumulation. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS) was used to determine the total concentrations of arsenic (As), silver (Ag), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), selenium …

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) Movement And Mortality In The Flat Brook-Roy Catch And Release Section Of New Jersey, Christopher J. Shea

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Rainbow trout are a widely distributed species for recreational angling. The state of New Jersey has 14 streams in which the Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries stocks hatchery raised Rainbow Trout. This paper focuses on the Flatbrook-Roy catch and release section of the Big Flat Brook in northwest NJ. From 2012 to 2015, electrofishing surveys conducted by the NJDEP reported significantly less fish within the Flatbrook-Roy catch and release area, compared to the state’s other catch and release area in the South Branch of the Raritan River. This study was designed to investigate and understand the fate of the trout introduced …

Analysis Of The Spatial Distribution, And Recruitment Of Native And Non-Native Tunicate Species On Zostera Marina In New Jersey, Sarah Hoffman

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Many tunicate species have invaded the Western North Atlantic coast in the last century. These tunicates can have negative impacts on important industries like shellfish aquaculture, but they also foul natural and anthropogenic surfaces leading to displacement of native communities. During the summer of 2017 and 2018, the spatial distribution and recruitment of tunicate species in Zostera marina (Eelgrass) beds in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey were assessed. Samples were collected during the summer by excavating all eelgrass from a 0.125m2 area. Samples were then assessed for tunicate presence, as well as percent coverage of tunicates. In 2017, Botrylloides violaceus was …

Do Chemical Cues Influence Giant Waterbug Belostoma Flumineum Say (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae) Turning Behavior?, Olivia Paradis

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Lateral biases and alternation of directional turns influence impact navigation, foraging, and predator avoidance in diverse animal species. Extended alternating turn successions are known to reflect anti-predation escape behaviors of organisms in complex environments. This study examined the effects of chemosensory cues from bluegill sunfish, Lepomis macrochirus, red-eared slider turtles Trachemys scripta elegans, American bullfrogs, Rana catesbeiana, and conspecific giant waterbugs on turning behaviors of Belostoma flumineum in a multiple T-maze.

As a study population, B. flumineum were found to perform significantly different alternating turn behaviors than those predicted, but overall were not influenced by any one specific treatment. When …

The Effects Of Nutrient Enrichment And Invasive Mollusks On Freshwater Environments, Matthew Schuler, William D. Hintz, Devin K. Jones, Brian M. Mattes, Aaron B. Stoler, Rick A. Relyea

Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

The effects of an invasive species on the environment can be altered by anthropogenic activities such as nutrient pollution or the presence of additional invasive species with similar or unique traits. Using experimental mesocosms, we tested the separate and combined effects of three invasive mollusks (zebra mussels, Asian clams, and banded mystery snails) on freshwater environments in nutrient-poor and nutrient-enriched conditions. We predicted that in nutrient-poor conditions, single mollusk species would reduce the abundance of algae and zooplankton, but nutrient enrichment would mitigate these effects. Regardless of nutrient additions, paired bivalve species would reduce phytoplankton and zooplankton abundance, increasing periphyton …

Statistical Analysis Of Nutrient Loads From The Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin (Marb) To The Gulf Of Mexico, Phyllis Okwan, Yi Zhen, Huan Feng, Shinjae Yoo, Murty S. Kambhampati, Abreione Walker, Shayne Boykin, Joe Omojola, Noel Blackburn

Department of Earth and Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This study investigated the annual and seasonal variations in nutrient loads (NO₂⁻ + NO₃⁻ and orthophosphate) delivered to the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin (MARB) and examined the water quality variations. The results indicate that (1) annually, the mean NO₂⁻ + NO₃⁻ and orthophosphate loads showed a steady increase during 1996–1999, a persistent level during 2000–2007, and a moderate increase during 2008–2016; (2) seasonally, NO₂⁻ + NO₃⁻ and orthophosphate in MARB in spring and summer were higher than those in autumn and winter. Analysis of …

Global Evaluation Of Taxonomic Relationships And Admixture Within The Culex Pipiens Complex Of Mosquitoes, Matthew L. Aardema, Bridgett M. Vonholdt, Megan L. Fritz, Steven R. Davis

Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Background: Within the Culex pipiens mosquito complex, there are six contemporarily recognized taxa: Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. pipiens f. pipiens, Cx. pipiens f. molestus, Cx. pipiens pallens, Cx. australicus and Cx. globocoxitus. Many phylogenetic aspects within this complex have eluded resolution, such as the relationship of the two Australian endemic taxa to the other four members, as well as the evolutionary origins and taxonomic status of Cx. pipiens pallens and Cx. pipiens f. molestus. Ultimately, insights into lineage relationships within the complex will facilitate a better understanding of differential disease transmission by these mosquitoes. To this end, we have combined publicly …

Cloning And Expression Of The Green Fluorescent Protein (Gvfp) From The Clinging Jellyfish (Gonionemus Vertens) Using Rna-Seq, Vasilios A. Orologas

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

We have discovered a novel GFP in the clinging jellyfish (Gonionemus vertens), a protein we have named GvFP (Gonionemus vertens Fluorescent Protein). This protein is responsible for the bright green fluorescence seen in the rhopalia along the margin of the bell, the gonads associated with the radial canals, and the manubrium when illuminated with blue light (470 nm). GvFP was first identified by Nextgen sequencing (RNA-Seq) of libraries made from mRNA of mature medusa collected from a salt pond on Martha’s Vineyard, MA. The full-length GvFP gene is 690 bp, encoding a protein of 230 AA (25.95 kDa; pI = …

Environmental And Trophic Factors That Influence The Prevalence Of Gonionemus Vertens In The Northeastern United States, Matthew Rigby

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Gonionemus vertens, often referred to as the clinging jellyfish, is an invasive hydrozoan first documented in 2016 in New Jersey. Populations of the adult medusa stage bloom in May and continue to persist through the middle of July, during which time it is of particular concern from a public health standpoint. G. vertens 'clings' to sea grasses and other submerged aquatic vegetation in shallow coastal waters, which are highly utilized for recreational activities, and its sting is highly toxic, which can hospitalize victims for days with both physical and psychiatric symptoms. Encounters with highly toxic G. vertens are, unfortunately, becoming …

A Salty Compromise: The Behavioral Response Of Red-Backed Salamanders (Plethodon Cinereus) To Different Concentrations Of Nacl, A Prevalent Road Deicer, Randolph Viola

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Many amphibians are bound to a nearby freshwater source such as lakes and vernal pools. Often times, this is because they are fully aquatic; if they are partially terrestrial, they still need freshwater bodies to lay their eggs in a suitable environment. With the constant use of road salt as a deicer during snowing periods, the subsequent runoff has negatively altered nearby soil and water sources. Amphibians, with their permeable skin, are at great risk of desiccation if exposed to a hyperosmotic environment caused by this application. However, some plethodontid salamanders deviate from this restrictive norm by living as dedicated …

How Conflict Shapes Evolution In Poeciliid Fishes, Andrew I. Furness, Bart J.A. Pollux, Robert Meredith, Mark S. Springer, David N. Reznick

Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

In live-bearing animal lineages, the evolution of the placenta is predicted to create an arena for genomic conflict during pregnancy, drive patterns of male sexual selection, and increase the rate of speciation. Here we test these predictions of the viviparity driven conflict hypothesis (VDCH) in live-bearing poecilid fishes, a group showing multiple independent origins of placentation and extreme variation in male sexually selected traits. As predicted, male sexually selected traits are only gained in lineages that lack placentas; while there is little or no influence of male traits on the evolution of placentas. Both results are consistent with the mode …

Ecological Feedbacks Stabilize A Turf-Dominated Ecosystem At The Southern Extent Of Kelp Forests In The Northwest Atlantic, Colette Feehan, Sean P. Grace, Carla A. Narvaez

Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Temperate marine ecosystems globally are undergoing regime shifts from dominance by habitat-forming kelps to dominance by opportunistic algal turfs. While the environmental drivers of shifts to turf are generally well-documented, the feedback mechanisms that stabilize novel turf-dominated ecosystems remain poorly resolved. Here, we document a decline of kelp Saccharina latissima between 1980 and 2018 at sites at the southernmost extent of kelp forests in the Northwest Atlantic and their replacement by algal turf. We examined the drivers of a shift to turf and feedback mechanisms that stabilize turf reefs. Kelp replacement by turf was linked to a significant multi-decadal increase …

Impacts Of A Natural Disturbance On Coral Reefs In The Florida Keys And Subsequent Recovery Potential Of The Sea Urchin Diadema Antillarum, Julia Nicole Kobelt

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Ecosystem resilience is a measure of an ecosystem’s capacity to resist abrupt change and recover following a disturbance. While stochastic disturbances can contribute to normal ecosystem functioning, mounting natural and anthropogenic stressors are simultaneously intensifying the severity of disturbances and reducing the capacity for ecosystem recovery. Here, I examine the impacts of hurricane disturbance on a coral reef ecosystem and the potential for post-storm population recovery of a keystone herbivore, the sea urchin Diadema antillarum. Grazing pressure exerted by dense populations of D. antillarum is critical to coral reef ecosystem health by preventing (or reversing) an ecological regime shift from …

Predictive Biomarkers Demonstrating The Effect Of Levels Of Copper And Zinc From Exposure To World Trade Center 9/11 Particulate Matter On Human Esophageal Cells In Vitro, Rossara Nunez

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The World Trade Center Attack on September 11th, 2001 was the largest environmental attack that has ever happened in New York City. In the aftermath of the collapse of the twin towers, many first responders and rescue workers were exposed to the resulting clouds of dust. This toxic material has been shown to be responsible for membrane damage in human lung cells and can possibly become the cause of increased oxidative stress. The underlying factors that produce these findings are thought to the synergistic effects of the many components found within the market street sample. Complete analysis of the heavy …

Spontaneous Mutations In Maize Pollen Are Frequent In Some Lines And Arise Mainly From Retrotranspositions And Deletions, Hugo K. Dooner, Qinghua Wang, Jun T. Huang, Yubin Li, Limei He, Wenwei Xiong, Chunguang Du

Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

While studying spontaneous mutations at the maize bronze (bz) locus, we made the unexpected discovery that specific low-copy number retrotransposons are mobile in the pollen of some maize lines, but not of others. We conducted large-scale genetic experiments to isolate new bz mutations from several Bz stocks and recovered spontaneous stable mutations only in the pollen parent in reciprocal crosses. Most of the new stable bz mutations resulted from either insertions of low-copy number long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons or deletions, the same two classes of mutations that predominated in a collection of spontaneous wx mutations [Wessler S (1997) The …

Curcumin And Hispolon As Potential Antibacterial Agents, Haleigh Elizabeth Sullivan

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Antibiotic resistant bacteria are becoming an increasing threat worldwide, particularly in the healthcare setting. This has led researchers and healthcare providers to begin looking elsewhere for solutions. Research suggests that curcumin, a phenolic compound from the spice turmeric, has antibacterial properties that may be able to treat potentially life-threatening hospital infections, such as those caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Turmeric has been used in Asian medicine for thousands of years as a general antimicrobial. Curcumin was utilized in this study, along with hispolon, another phenolic compound isolated from various mushrooms, such as Inonotus hispidus and Phellinus linteus, a …

Reproductive Success Increases With Age In American Kestrels (Falco Sparverius), Especially In Breeding Males, Emilie Rehm Luttman

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Age-related differences in reproductive success have been well documented in many species of birds. The experience gained through successive breeding attempts can improve survival skills, foraging abilities, access to resources through social dominance, and familiarity with each stage of reproduction. In this study we examined 669 nesting attempts by American kestrels (Falco sparverius) from a population that bred in nest boxes in northwestern New Jersey, 1995 to 2018. We tested the hypothesis that older kestrels would have greater nesting success than those in their first reproductive attempt. Clutch size, hatching rate, and the number of chicks that survived to fledging …

The Potential Synergistic Effect F Egcg-S And Antibiotics On The Eskape Bacteria Group, Summer Elsayed

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The primary etiology of nosocomial infections derives from the following pathogenic ESKAPE organisms: Enterococcus faecium/faecalis, Staphyloccoccus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumanni, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter species. These opportunistic organisms are multidrug resistant and have the ability to form biofilm, which pose a great threat to clinical medicine. Evidence has shown catechins found in green tea (Camellia sinensis), have antibacterial activity. In this study, a modified polyphenolic catechin compound Epigallocatechin-3-gallate stearate (EGCG-S) was used to research its potential to inhibit ESKAPE growth and biofilm formation. In addition, synergistic ability of EGCG-S with antibiotics was also studied. Disk diffusion and colony forming …

Effects Of Astragaloside Iv On Gsk-3Β And S6k1 Phosphorylation In C2c12 Muscle Cells, Kyle James Tuohy

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Saponins are a broad class of functionally diverse phytochemicals that have been shown to exhibit antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Through in vitro and in vivo experimentation, Astragaloside IV (AsIV) has been shown to regulate glycogen synthesis through protein kinase B (AKT)-mediated phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta (GSK-3β). Along with control of glucose homeostasis, AKT activation is also an important regulator of protein synthesis via the downstream phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (S6K1). Because AsIV can activate this pathway to stimulate glucose metabolism, it is possible that it can also …

Saturated Hydrocarbon Analysis Of Liberty State Park Soils, Matthew Chi-Hymn Cheung

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Contaminated soils have been a concern in New Jersey since the Industrial Revolution (Gallagher, 2008). One site in particular has a variety of contaminants and is near the coast of Jersey City in Liberty State Park. Liberty State Park has been impacted by three significant changes. It was first a wetland in the 1600s, then became a New York dump site, and finally a railyard for the Central Railroad of New Jersey (Stanislaw, 2013). The whole land mass has mixed contaminants, including trace elements, heavy metals, organic wastes, and organic compounds. Currently, most of the state park has been dredged …