Biology Commons^™

Expression Patterns Of Developmental Genes In Drosophila Melanogaster Larval Genital Discs, Denise E. Freeland

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Re-Examining Subfamily Classifications For The Alu Family Of Repeated Dna Sequences, William A. York

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The primate Alu family of repetitive elements has been widely characterized. This ubiquitous class of retroposons has been found to occupy some 5% of the human genome. This heterogenous group of Short Interspersed Nucleic add Elements (SINEs) has been theorized to possess an identifiable subfamily structure between and within various taxonomic levels in primates. It has been postulated that humans possess up to 6 Alu subfamilies in their genome; this number, however, has varied according to the method of analysis performed on the data. Quentin (1988) analyzed 127 aligned Alu sequences and found evidence supporting the amplification/fixation theory in 5 …

Genetic Analysis Of Posterior Bithorax-Complex Mutants In Drosophila Melanogaster, Chunni Duan

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Variation In Female Somatic Condition And Its Relationship To Reproduction In The Sailfin Molly, Poecilia Latipinna (Pisces: Poeciliidae), Richard Eugene Smith

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Seasonal and gestational variation in the somatic and reproductive condition of females was determined for two east-central Florida populations of the livebearing fish Poecilia latipinna. Females were sampled monthly between January 1985 and January 1986 at Badge Station (BDGST) and Titusville Ditch (TDTCH) study sites. In addition, collections were made at approximately 8 day intervals in April and August. Somatic condition was determined by calculating index values for dry weight (somatic tissue minus water), lipid, and protein from overall regression equations relating these components to female body size. Significant seasonal variation in somatic condition existed within the two study sites. …

Evaluation Of Inversion Uab1, A Bithorax-Complex Mutant, Gerhild Rathmann Packert

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Age, Growth, And Movement Patterns Of The Atlantic Stingray, Dasyatis Sabina, In A Florida Coastal Lagoon System, Thomas Henry Schmid

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Age, growth rates, and patterns of movement were studied in the Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina, in the Indian River lagoon system in east central Florida. Age was estimated using the growth rings on the vertebral centrum and tretacycline marking. Tetracycline injections produced clear readable rings in all pups, but failed to be incorporated into the centra of adults. Females possess more centrum rings than males, but annual periodicity could not be verified. Growth rates were determined from aquarium held pups and adults and from tagged and recaptured animals. Males appeared to reach maturity in about two years, females in slightly …

Arachnid Fauna In Three Central Florida Plant Communities, David T. Corey

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Arachnids were collected in three plant communities on the University of Central Florida campus, beginning in May of 1983 and ending in March 1984. These sites were undisturbed communities: pond pine, sand pine scrub, and flatwoods. Pitfall traps and sweep nets were used to catch arachnids every other month.

A total of 2,657 arachnids were collected in pitfall traps and 4,022 in sweep nets. Spiders were the most numerous group, consisting of 87.5% of the individuals in pitfall traps and 100.0% in sweep nets. Forty-two scorpions, 41 pseudoscorpions, and 248 opilionids were captured on the ground surface.

Spider diversity on …

Seasonal Variation In Serum Testosterone Of Immature Sea Turtles In Central Florida, Lawrence K. Luepschen

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A yearlong hormonal study of immature populations of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) inhabiting the Indian River in Central Florida, USA, provided information about the relationship between serum testosterone levels and life history habits. By use of a specific radioimmunoassay, testosterone levels of both species were found to remain constant throughout the year with only a slight increase in the warmer months. Adrenal production of steroids in response to stress does not contribute significantly to overall testosterone levels may be reduced for turtles held in captivity. Testosterone levels indicate that the sex ratios of both species …

Multivariate Analysis Of Competition And Habitat Use Of Small Mammals In Florida Sand Pine Scrub, C.E. Jr. Swindell

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Human And Natural Causes Of Marine Turtle Clutch And Hatchling Mortality And Their Relationship To Hatchling Production On An Important Florida Nesting Beach, Blair E. Witherington

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Populations of Western Atlantic loggerheads (Caretta caretta) and Florida green turtles (Chelonia mydas) have been in historical decline. The identification and protection of beaches that are major producers of loggerhead and green turtle hatchlings are vital to the preservation of these species.

A study assessing loggerhead and green turtle hatchling production was initiated at a 21 km stretch of beach in south Brevard County, Florida (Melbourne Beach) during the 1985 nesting season. Nesting densities were assessed from a season-long (10 May – 12 September) census in which every nest was counted and identified to species. An analysis of average reproductive …

Florida Macrolichens As Potential Bioindicators Of Environmental Quality: A Baseline Study, Harry V. Neal

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Lichens have been used extensively and with considerable success as bioindicators of atmospheric pollution in North America and Europe for more than thirty years. Little research has followed in tropical and subtropical regions where population growth is rapid and environmental pressures unprecedented. However, taxa used as bioindicators in other studies and/or taxa having this potential, occur naturally in Central Florida. A new potential major source of pollution, the coal-fired Curtis H. Stanton Energy Center, is about to begin operation providing the opportunity to determine the extent of impact. Therefore, lichen monitoring sites have been established and the collection of baseline …

Analysis Of The Df(3r)Ok1, Pamela S. Thomas

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Sewage Effluent Removal On The Water Quality Of Lake Howell, Florida, Patricia L. Smith

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

In April, 1983, sewage effluent discharge from the Maitland and Winter Park sewage treatment plants was diverted from Lake Howell to the Iron Bridge Regional Sewage Treatment Plant. The sewage treatment plants of the cities of Winter Park and Maitland had been discharging into Lake Howell since 1927 and 1962, respectively. These point sources had contributed 95% of the total phosphorus and 69% of the total nitrogen budgets for Lake Howell. Physico-chemical parameters were monitored monthly for two years chemical parameters were monitored monthly for two years from January, 1983 through December, 1984. Annual mean values fro chlorophyll_a, …

A Taxonomic Study Of Hawaiian Marchantia, Terri L. Roberts

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The genus Marchantia occurs world-wide. The greatest diversity of described species occurs in the tropical Pacific. Fourteen species of Marchantia have been reported at different times from the Hawaiian Islands but when this study began seven species were recognized. A new technique for clearing thallus material enabled me to see and compare ambiguous characters. From studies of types and numerous additional collections from the islands, I determined that the seven species accepted actually belong to three taxa and one previously undescribed species was discovered. Comparison of Hawaiian plants with specimens, drawings and descriptions of extra-Hawaiian Marchantiae showed clearly that the …

The Effect Of Food On Reproduction In The Sailfin Molly, Poecilia Iatipinna (Poeciliidae, Rebecca B. Smith

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Sailfin molly populations often experience a midsummer slump in reproduction, and it has been suggested that this slump is caused by food shortage. A food supplementation experiment on a natural population of mollies was done in 1983. Excess food did not directly affect the fecundity of females in the field. A laboratory experiment was designed to determine the food level on reproduction in females. Ration had the greatest effect on somatic condition and growth, indirectly influencing fecundity. Two explanations for this strategy are suggested. A significant difference in brood size and size of young was observed between the field and …

A Demographic Study Of An Isolated Population Of The Gopher Tortoise, Gopherus Polyphemus; And An Assessment Of A Relocation Procedure For Tortoises, Terry J. Doonan

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

It is acknowledged that the gopher tortoise is declining in numbers throughout its geographic range primarily from degradation and loss of suitable habitat. This research project is part of a pilot program to study the effectiveness of relocation as a mitigation method for the conservation of gopher tortoises. There was an opportunity to gather information about the tortoise population prior to its relocation, and for that reason this thesis is presented in two sections.

The first section of this work involved the analysis of the tortoise population prior to its removal from the development site. Results of two methods for …

Surgical Sterilization Of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella Val.), David H. Clippinger

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

In November, 1983, 93 sexually immature and 33 mature grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Val.) were surgically sterilized by clipping the gonaduct or removing a section of the ovaries of testes through a ventral incision between the pelvic girdle and the vent. No mortality occurred from this procedure. After six months (May, 1984), 95.7% of the immature and 100% of the mature grass carp had at least some gonadal tissue regeneration. Fifty-nine percent of the immature fish regenerated a pathway for the eggs or milt to enter the environment. Artificial spawning of the mature female grass carp was 66.7% successful. Over …

Breeding Biology Of The Great Crested Flycatcher, Myiarchus Crinitus, (Linnaeus) In Central Florida, Mark A. Kershner

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Structural Comparisons Of Sand Pine Scrubs Of East-Central Florida, Pamela J. Latham

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Life History Tactics Of The Sailfin Molly (Poecilia Latipinna) In Contrasting Environments, Helen L. Large

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Life history tactics of three Central Florida populations of Poecilia latipinna were compared to those predicted by life history selection theory. The three populations were sampled monthly for one year. At each sampling period a series of physicochemical measurements were taken to determine the degree of spatial and temporal environmental heterogeneity within each site. Life history traits determined for each population included size at maturity, size specific fecundity, reproductive effort, and length, weight, and condition of offspring. The population inhabiting the most variable environment was characterized by smaller size at maturity, lower size specific fecundity, lower overall reproductive output, and …

Reproductive Biology Of Thamnophis Sauritus Sackenii (Kennicott) (Reptilia:Serpentes:Colubridae) From East-Central Florida, Steven. Myers

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Peninsula ribbon snakes, Thamnophis sauritus sackenii, were collected for 14 months. Of 90 individuals collected and examined, 42 were females, 29 were males, and 19 were neonates. Females had a larger body length than did males. The smallest, sexually mature female had a snout-vent length of 428 mm. Mating occurred from March through May. Parturition occurred from June through October. Vitellogenesis began in spring and ovulation occurred between April and May. Spermatogenic activity occurred from August through December and testes were regressed during other months.

A Biosystematic Study Of The Fern Genus Lygodium In Eastern North America, Violet M. Brown

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The mainly tropical genus Lygodium differs from other ferns in that the fronds are indeterminate and are vine-like. A single species, L. palmatum is native in temperate North America. The temperate Asian L. japonicum is naturalized throughout much of the southeastern United States. About twenty years ago, L. microphyllum was introduced into South Florida and is now naturalized in several counties. The present study documents differences among spores and their generation, development of sporophytes from the fertilized egg, and in flavonoid chemistry. Hybridization experiments showed a strong possibility for cross fertility between species. Experiments with prothallial development and differentiation revealed …

The Reproductive Biology Of Sternotherus Minor Minor (Reptilia: Testudines: Kinosternidae) From The Southern Part Of Its Range In Central Florida, Cory R. Etchberger

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Variation in chelonian reproductive patterns is well documented. Previous studies of loggerhead musk turtles (Sternotherus minor) reproduction have not attempted to control for variation in latitude, local population differences, and seasonal variation. The present study attempts to control for these variables by collecting turtles from one population for one reproductive season. The reproductive pattern of S. minor at the southern limit of its range (Central Florida) is compared to those of S. minor studied elsewhere. Both male and female musk turtles mature after five to six years and at approximately 60mm plastron length. No sexual dimorphism in overall body size …

The Effects Of Beach Restoration On Marine Turtles' Nesting In South Brevard County, Florida, Paul W. Raymond

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The south Brevard coast of Florida is a major nesting ground for the Atlantic loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). A beach restoration project was completed in the winter of 1980-81 at Indialantic and Melbourne Beach. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of beach restoration on marine turtle nesting during the summer months of 1981 and 1982. A 3.1 km restored beach study area and two control beach study areas, each 3.1 km in length and consisting of natural beach sands, were established. The entire study area (9.3 km) was monitored for nesting and non-nesting emergences (false crawls) and a …

The Isolation And Identification Of Flavonoids In Zygocactus, Jacqueline M. Wade

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Factors That Influence Plant Species Richness On Habitat Islands Of Sand Pine Scrub, Cindy B. Connery

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Food Supplementation Of Small Rodents In The Sand Pine Scrub, Brenda L. Young

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Hybrid Grass Carp And Grass Carp, Janine L. Callahan

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The hybrid grass carp, a cross between the male bighead carp (Hypothalmichthys nobilis) and the female grass carp (Ctenopharyngodonidella), was first produced in the United States in 1979 for biocontrol purposes. Unlike the fish produced in 1979 and 1980, the hybrid grass carp spawned in 1981 were assumed to be uniform, triploid, and to have growth and feeding rates comparable to those of grass carp. A comparison study to determine differences in the morphology of the 1979, 1980, and 1981 hybrid grass carp revealed that the hybrid grass carp spawned in 1981 have a longer relative gut length, fewer deformities …

Aspects Of The Biology Of Aeromonas Hydrophilia With Respect To The Striped Mullet, Mugil Cephalus L. In The St. Johns River, Gerald E. Fensch

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The aspects of the biology of Aeromonas hydrophila with respect to a striped mullet (Mugil cephalus L.0 nursery were examined. A. hydrophila density in the natural water was found to be strongly correlated with turbidity and weakly correlated with water temperature. No correlations were found between A. hydrophila density and water depth, dissolved oxygen, pH, total alkalinity, specific conductivity, or phytoplankton chlorophyll concentration. A. hydrophila density/g dry weight of stomach content were found to be correlated with chlorophyll concentration/g dry weight stomach content. The survivability of striped mullet after capture was found to be primarily related to stress. Stressed striped …

The Influence Of Somatic Investment On The Patterns Of Reproduction In Poecilia Latipinna (Pisces: Poeciliidae), Jeffrey D. Wetherington

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

In Poecilia latipinna size-specific reproductive and survivorship patterns were correlated with changes in habitat availability. Of the numerous physical, chemical, and biological parameters associated with a reduction in available habitat, probably the most important was reduced food availability. Large (old) females, theoretically with a low reproductive value, allocated energy to reproduction regardless of habitat and, presumably, food availability. When reproductive activities were initiated in March, habitat availability was modest. In association with a severe reduction in available habitat in April, large females were subject to a substantial loss of body weight during the yolk-loading phase of the reproductive cycle. This …