Biology Commons^™

Effects Of Long-Term Variation In Temperature On Reproductive Phenology In A Population Of Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia Sialis), Paul Pleiman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the relationship between multiple temperature variables, to include annual and pre-lay date temperatures with first-egg and mean first-egg lay dates of the eastern bluebird at the Warner Parks in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. Data is collected by citizen scientists for the Eastern Bluebird Nesting Box Project while visiting artificial nest boxes throughout the park and recording observations made during the breeding season. Temperature data is retrieved from the Northwest Alliance for Computational Science and Engineering’s Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) Climate Group, based at Oregon State University. The analyses showed no correlation between annual or pre-lay …

Minimal Structural Elements Required For Midline Repulsive Signaling And Regulation Of Drosophila Robo1, Haley E. Brown, Timonthy A. Evans

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

The Roundabout (Robo) family of axon guidance receptors has a conserved ectodomain arrangement of five immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domains plus three fibronectin type III (Fn) repeats. Based on the strong evolutionary conservation of this domain structure among Robo receptors, as well as in vitro structural and domain-domain interaction studies of Robo family members, this ectodomain arrangement is predicted to be important for Robo receptor signaling in response to Slit ligands. Here, we define the minimal ectodomain structure required for Slit binding and midline repulsive signaling in vivo by Drosophila Robo1. We find that the majority of the Robo1 ectodomain is dispensable …

Differences In Learning And Gene Expression In Brains Of Male And Female Bicyclus Anynana, Gabrielle Agcaoili

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

One way to understand the variation in the behavior of animals is by looking at the genes involved. We were particularly interested in behavioral differences between the sexes. How might these differences be manifested in the brain? This study worked to answer this question by using male and female butterflies of the species Bicyclus anynana, examining what is going on in the brains of males and females as they learned from a social exposure. We focused in on how sex plays a role in behavior and learning; it has been seen that males and females respond to the same social …

Understanding Cytochrome C Maturation In Anaerobic Archaea, Blake Wojciechowski

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Methanoperedens nitroreducens (MPEBLZ), an archaeal methanotroph and close relative of Methanosarcina acetivorans, contain numerous cytochrome c proteins. However, difficulty in using these organisms as a model for cytochrome cresearch has created a pressure to express cytochrome c proteins in an organism that is much easier to work with. A punitive cytochrome c protein (MPEBLZ_04274) from M. nitroreducens was attempted to be cloned into a model methanogen M. acetivorans as well as Escherichia coli. Cytochrome c proteins are important for many metabolic processes within anaerobic archaea. In order for a mature cytochrome c to be formed heme must …

Expression Analysis Of Cnidarian-Specific Neuropeptides In A Sea Anemone Unveils An Apical-Organ-Associated Nerve Net That Disintegrates At Metamorphosis, Hannah Zang, Nagayasu Nakanishi

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Neuropeptides are ancient neuronal signaling molecules that have diversified across Cnidaria (e.g., jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones) and its sister group Bilateria (e.g., vertebrates, insects, and worms). Over the course of neuropeptide evolution emerged lineage-specific neuropeptides, but their roles in the evolution and diversification of nervous system function remain enigmatic. As a step toward filling in this knowledge gap, we investigated the expression pattern of a cnidarian-specific neuropeptide—RPamide—during the development of the starlet sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. We show that RPamide precursor transcripts first occur during gastrulation in scattered epithelial cells of the …

Massard Prairie Restoration And Soil Microbiome Succession, Jeffrey M. Shaver, Emily S. Bellis, Chizuko Iwaki, Jake Qualls, Jay Randolph, Jeremiah Smith

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We have initially sequenced soil microbial DNA from 4 restored and 4 virgin tallgrass prairie soil samples from Ben Geren Park and Massard Prairie (Fort Smith, AR), respectively. As expected, the soil microbiomes are distinct, with several lineages of nitrogen-fixing bacteria more common in virgin tall grass prairie. However, we predict that as restoration of tallgrass prairie in Ben Geren Park progresses, the soil microbiome of restored prairie will more closely mirror those of the virgin prairie.

Clinostomum Marginatum (Digenea: Clinostomidae) From Fishes Of Crooked Creek, Boone And Marion Counties, Arkansas, Chris T. Mcallister, Henry W. Robison

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Crooked Creek is a renowned trophy (blue ribbon) Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) fishing stream. This fish, however, has been previously reported to commonly harbor some of the highest population densities of the digenean trematode parasite, Clinostomum marginatum, otherwise known as “yellow grub”. The parasite infects the orobranchial cavity, gills, and peritoneal cavity of Smallmouth Bass. Historical studies on this fish over the last 3 decades or more from various sites on the creek have shown that M. dolomieu also have high mean abundances but fish from upstream sites had lower prevalence than those collected from downstream sites. …

Hemoparasites (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoon; Kinetoplastida: Trypanosoma) Of Green Frogs, Rana Clamitans (Anura: Ranidae) From Arkansas, Chris T. Mcallister, Ryan P. Shannon, Thomas J. Fayton, Henry W. Robison

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The green frog, Rana clamitans, has been reported as a host of several hemoparasites, including trypanosomes and Hepatozoon spp. In Arkansas, however, there are no reports of any hemoparasites in R. clamitans nor from any other anuran from the state. We collected 9 green frogs from Polk County and blood was taken from their facial musculocutaneous vein in heparinized capillary tubes. Thin blood smears were also made and stained with DipQuick stain. Seven out of 9 (78%) R. clamitans were infected with hematozoans. Three (33%) were infected with an unknown species of Hepatozoon and 4 (44%) were infected with …

Helminth Parasites Of The Golden Topminnow, Fundulus Chrysotus (Cyprinidontiformes: Fundulidae) From Desha County, Arkansas, Chris T. Mcallister, Thomas J. Fayton, Henry W. Robison, Stanley E. Trauth, Donald G. Cloutman

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

During July 2019, 21 Golden Topminnows (Fundulus chrysotus) were collected from an oxbow lake in McGehee, Desha County, Arkansas, and examined for parasites. Found were 4 taxa of endoparasites, including 3 digeneans (Clinostomum marginatum, Homalometron sp., and Posthodiplostomum minimum) and a nematode (Spiroxys contortus). We document a new host record for S. contortus and the first report of parasites in F. chrysotus from the lower Mississippi River Drainage.

Ecto- And Endoparasites Of The Texas Deermouse, Peromyscus Attwateri And Eastern Woodrat, Neotoma Floridana (Rodentia: Cricetidae) From Polk County, Arkansas, Chris T. Mcallister, Lance A, Durden, John A. Hnida, Henry W. Robison

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

In Arkansas, the Texas deermouse (Peromyscus attwateri) occurs in the western part of the state where it is restricted to the uplands of the Interior Highlands. The eastern woodrat (Neotoma floridana) is found statewide but is less common in the Gulf Coastal Plain. Very little is known about the parasites of either rodent in Arkansas, especially helminths from P. attwateri at any locality within its range. Found in/on P. attwateri were a coccidian (Eimeria langbarteli), a tapeworm (Catenotaenia peromysci), a nematode (Syphacia peromysci), 2 ticks (Dermacenter variabilis and Ixodes …

Energy Content Of Seeds Of Common Sunflowers (Helianthus Annuus) In The Diet Of Scaled Quail (Callipepla Squamata) In Southeastern New Mexico, John L. Hunt, Matthew E. Grilliot, Troy L. Best, Dixie Lozano-Lopez, Emily R. Neilson, Isaac C. Castillo

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We analyzed the energy content of seeds of common sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) obtained from the crops of scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) collected from plains-mesa sand-scrub habitat in Eddy and Lea counties, New Mexico. Seeds were removed from crops and dried for 48 hours at 60°C to remove moisture and to standardize masses. Seeds were then analyzed for gross caloric value (i.e., energy content) in an oxygen bomb calorimeter. Energy content of seeds of common sunflowers from New Mexico was greater than that of many seeds previously reported from the diet of scaled quail and other granivorous …

Helminth Parasites Of Eastern Screech Owl, Megascops Asio (Aves: Strigiformes: Strigidae) From Arkansas, Chris T. Mcallister, Henry W. Robison

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The eastern screech owl (Megascops asio) is a small owl that is relatively common in eastern North America. Nothing is known of the parasites of this owl in Arkansas. Here, we document 3 helminths from a single injured M. asio that subsequently died and was donated by a rehabilitation center for parasitic examination. Found were 2 digenetic trematodes, Brachylaima mcintoshi and Neodiplostomumamericanum, and a habronematid nematode, Excisa excisiformis. The former trematode represents a new host record for M. asio, and B. mcintoshi and E. excisiformis are reported from Arkansas for the first time.

Mammal Species Inventory Using Various Trapping Methods In Zone 4 Of Billy Barquedier National Park, Belize During Rainy Season, Mersady Redding

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Belize is a small country, but it is extremely ecologically diverse. Based on the few studies conducted in Belize, the abundance of mammals is low but diversity is high. Particular findings note the number and identity of species differed between four sites in the Maya Mountains of Belize, indicating that a data set from a single site is not representative of the Neotropical region. Insufficient data is available to estimate current species richness of many areas in Belize, including Billy Barquedier National Park (BBNP). The objective of this study was to explore trapping and documentation methods of terrestrial mammals in …

Toward Understanding The Mechanism Of Protein Targeting In The Chloroplast Signal Recognition Particle Pathway, Mercede Furr

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Protein targeting is a vital cellular function. The signal recognition particle (SRP) pathway is a universally conserved targeting system present in the cytosol and used to co-translationally target many proteins to the inner membrane of prokaryotes and the endoplasmic reticulum of eukaryotes. The chloroplast has a homologous SRP system which post-translationally targets light harvesting chlorophyll binding proteins (LHCPs) to the thylakoid membrane for integration. The chloroplast SRP (cpSRP) is a heterodimer with a 54 kDa subunit equivalent to SRP54 in the canonical pathway. In addition, cpSRP contains a novel 43 kDa subunit which is a unique and irreplaceable component. cpSRP43 …

Genetic Relationships Using Mitochondrial Versus Nuclear Markers: Is The Catfish Rag1 Gene Suitable For Species Differentiation In The Family Pangasiidae?, Huong Thanh Hoang

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Mekong River located in Southeast Asia is a global “hotspot” for aquatic biodiversity. It includes an extensive variety of fish species second only to the Amazon River in South America. Recent studies have revealed the impacts of anthropogenic and climate factors on this river system. Such impacts can result in the formation of barriers, which divide a species population and impede gene flow between separated sub-populations. Barriers influence evolutionary trajectories resulting in the generation of geographic variants or subspecies from an ancestral population. Catfish (Teleostei: Siluriformes) are a key species of the Mekong River ecosystem and are an essential …

The Functional Conservation Of Frazzled In Insects, Benjamin Wadsworth

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Axons in the developing embryo receive and react to signals that direct their growth to reach target tissues at specified locations. The signal pathways that direct midline crossing of axons during embryonic development have been comprehensively examined in the past years using the Drosophila ventral nerve cord or the spinal cord as a model system. A number of these signaling mechanisms are conserved, however disparities have been found between species in general strategy or the molecular signals controlling the response of axons to guidance cues.

The Netrin-Frazzled pathway has been shown to aid in midline crossing of axons in the …

Observations And Applications Of Husbandry Methodologies On A Backyard Poultry Farm In Dangriga, Belize, Bailey Carpenter

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study explores the husbandry methodologies on a backyard poultry farm in Dangriga, Belize, with the purpose of producing a set of guidelines for backyard poultry growers that have limited resources in similar regions. The majority of data collection occurred through survey questions approved by the IRB, necropsies approved by IACUC, and general observations. There has been a steady increase in poultry production in developing regions due to its positive effects on income and relative nutrition. However, due to a lack of accessible communication and education regarding effective and safe poultry production, these operators typically see poor productivity and/or profitability …

The Diversity Of Terrestrial Mammals Surrounding Waterfall At Billy Barquedier National Park, Kelsey Johnson

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Billy Barquedier is a National Park located in the Stann Creek district of Belize that contains Neotropical vegetation and wildlife. This study was performed in order to provide a baseline inventory and appearance frequency patterns of the terrestrial mammals located within Zone 1 of the park near a waterfall. The goal of the data and information collected during this study is to gain a greater understanding of the biodiversity and activity patterns of terrestrial mammals within the park and across Belize as a whole. The use of camera traps, small Sherman live traps, large live traps, and tracking methods were …

The Reproductive Season Of The Highland Stoneroller, Campostoma Spadiceum, Evidenced By Museum Specimens, C. Renn Tumlison, Henry Robison, Grace Wills

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The Highland Stoneroller (Campostoma spadiceum) was described as a distinct species in 2010. Since then, the only study specific to this species is a survey of distribution, and nothing is known about reproduction. We examined 134 lots including 315 specimens of C. spadiceum housed in the Henderson State University collection of fishes to evaluate the timing of reproductive events. We dissected individuals to reveal sex and reproductive status. Females as small as 49 mm total length were able to yolk eggs, and follicles were in development by October. Ripe eggs were present in specimens collected from January through …

Vertebrate Natural History Notes From Arkansas, 2019, C. Renn Tumlison, Chris Mcallister, Henry Robison, Matt Connior, Ron Redman, Stan Trauth, Paul Port

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Important observations of natural history often go unreported because they are not part of larger studies, but small details can provide insights that lead to interesting questions about ecological relationships or environmental change. We have compiled recent important observations of distribution, deformities, foods, parasites, and reproduction of various vertebrates. Included are a new record of Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), a new size record of mudpuppy (Necturus louisianensis), and a second observation of bilateral gynandromorphism in a Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). These unique observations continue to grow knowledge of vertebrate biology in Arkansas.

Haemogregarina Sp. (Apicomplexa: Eucoccidiorida: Adeleorina) From Eastern Spiny Softshell, Apalone Spinifera Spinifera (Testudines: Trionychidae), From Arkansas, Chris T. Mcallister, Henry W. Robison

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

More Host Records For Acanthocephalan Parasites From Arkansas Fishes (Aphredoderidae, Catostomidae, Centrarchidae, Cyprinidae, Esocidae, Percidae), Chris T. Mcallister, Henry W. Robison

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Dumortier’S Liverwort, Dumortiera Hirsuta (Sw.) Nees (Hepaticophyta: Marchantiales: Dumortieraceae) In Arkansas, Chris T. Mcallister, Henry W. Robison, Paul G. Davison

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

De Novo Development And Characterization Of Tetranucleotide Microsatellite Loci Markers From A Southeastern Population Of The House Finch (Haemorhous Mexicanus), Edgar E. Sanchez, J Dylan Maddox, Douglas G. Barron

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Microsatellites are short tandem repeats (e.g. TAGATAGA) of base pairs in a species’ genome. High mutation rates in these regions produce variation in the number of repeats across individuals that can be utilized to study patterns of population- and landscape-level genetics and to determine parentage genetically. In this project our objective was to develop microsatellite markers for the House Finch, Haemorhous mexicanus. This species has become one of the most well-studied species of songbirds due to its unique geographical, evolutionary, and epidemiological history. Using mist-nets we captured birds on the Arkansas Tech University campus and collected blood samples to …

Occurrence Of The Sinus Nematode Skrjabingylus Sp. (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea) Inferred From Sinus Lesions In Arkansas Mustelidae And Mephitidae, With Review Of Relevant Literature, C. Renn Tumlison, Terry Tumlison

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Nasal nematodes of the genus Skrjabingylus occur in the mammalian families Mustelidae and Mephitidae, and have been found from Canada to Costa Rica. Ingestion of infected snails, frogs, snakes, or mice can lead to infection of these mammalian hosts. Infection often causes pathology to bones in the sinus region, which may lead to discoloration, enlargement, and fenestrations of the bone. Examination of museum specimens for bone lesions or other evidence of infection has been used to evidence prior infection, but prevalence and intensity cannot be interpreted without actually recovering the parasite. We examined Mustelids and Mephitids in collections of mammals …

Distribution, Habitat, And Life History Aspects Of The Dwarf Crayfishes Of The Genus Cambarellus (Decapoda: Cambaridae) In Arkansas, Henry W. Robison, Chris T. Mcallister

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The dwarf crayfishes of the genus Cambarellus are represented in Arkansas by only 2 species: Cambarellus (Pandicambarus) puer (Hobbs) and C. (P.) shufeldtii (Faxon). Both species are quite small and uncommonly encountered in the state. Between 1972 and 2018, we made 368 crayfish collections throughout the 75 counties of Arkansas. A total of 34 collections (our collections, plus museum specimens), and those previously collected by Reimer (1963) yielded a total of 304 specimens of C. puer and 12 collections of C. shufeldtii returned 54 specimens of C. shufeldtiii. Herein, we document these …

Parasites (Trematoda, Nematoda, Phthiraptera) Of Two Arkansas Raptors (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae; Strigiformes: Strigidae), Chris T. Mcallister, Lance A. Durden, Charles R. Bursey, John A. Hnida, Vasyl V. Tkach, Tyler J. Achatz

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Very little is known about the helminth parasites of hawks and owls of Arkansas. We had the opportunity to salvage 2 road-killed raptors, a red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) and a great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) from the state and examine them for ecto- and endoparasites. Found were chewing lice (Degeeriella fulva) and a nematode (Porrocaecum angusticolle) on/in B. lineatus, and 3 digenean trematodes (Echinoparyphium sp., Strigea elegans, Neodiplostomum americanum), and nematode eggs (Capillaria sp.) in B. virginianus. We document 6 new distributional records for these parasites.

Observations Of An Alligator (Alligator Mississippiensis) Nest And Behavior Of Hatchlings In Clark County, With Anecdotal Observations Of Other Alligator Nests In Arkansas, Allison Surf, Kevin Nordengren, C. Renn Tumlison, Kelly Irwin

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Historically, the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) ranged through southern and much of eastern Arkansas. By the early 1900s, alligator populations had declined due to unregulated hunting, commercial exploitation, and habitat loss. In 1961, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) established protection of this species, and in 1967 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the alligator as an endangered species. The AGFC conducted a restocking program from 1972-1984, and the species made a full recovery in Arkansas. Still, little is known about reproductive biology in the state. We observed an alligator nest near Arkadelphia, Clark Co., the mound …

Cotylogaster Occidentalis (Aspidogastrea: Aspidogastridae) From Freshwater Drum, Aplodinotus Grunniens (Actinopterygii: Sciaenidae), In Northeastern Oklahoma, Chris T. Mcallister, Anindo Choudhury

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

The Diversity Of Terrestrial Mammals Surrounding Waterfall At Billy Barquedier National Park, Kelsey Johnson, Jason Apple

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Billy Barquedier is a National Park located in the Stann Creek district of Belize that contains Neotropical vegetation and wildlife. This study was performed to provide a baseline inventory and appearance frequency patterns of the terrestrial mammals located within Zone 1 of the park near a waterfall and to gain a greater understanding of the biodiversity and activity patterns of terrestrial mammals within the park. The methods included camera traps, small Sherman live traps, large live traps, and tracking methods. A non-random sampling method of placing camera traps and live traps on or near human-made or animal-made trails was used …