Biology Commons^™

Phylogeny And Biogeography Of Ice Crawlers (Insecta: Grylloblattodea): Evidence From Six Molecular Loci, Karl J. Jarvis

Theses and Dissertations

Ice crawlers (Insecta: Grylloblattodea) are rarely encountered insects that consist of five genera representing 26 species from North America and Asia. Asian grylloblattids are the most diverse, but North American ice crawlers (genus Grylloblatta) are known for their adaptation to cold conditions. Phylogenetic relationships among grylloblattid species and genera are not known. Late Pleistocene glaciations had a major effect on the current Grylloblatta distribution, because their specific habitat requirements restrict them to small geographical areas. Six genes were sampled in 37 individuals for 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, histone 3, 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and cytochrome oxidase II (COII) from 27 …

Density And Cover Preferences Of Black-And-Rufous Elephant-Shrews (Rhynchocyon Petersi) In Chome Forest Reserve, Tanzania, Stephanie Coster, David O. Ribble

Biology Faculty Research

The objective of this study was to determine the density and habitat preference of the Black-andrufous elephant-shrew (Rhynchocyon petersi) in Chome Forest Reserve, Tanzania. Chome Forest (143km²) is located in the South Pare Mountains and provides critical habitat for endangered R. petersi. Twelve 300m transects were cut through the centre of the forest in an east-west direction and the number of elephant-shrew nests within 2.5 meters on each side of the transects was recorded. The mean number of nests per 100m transect (0.39 ± 0.47 [1SE]) translated to a density estimate of 19 elephant-shrews per …

Rich Mesic Forests: Edaphic And Physiographic Drivers Of Community Variation In Western Massachusetts, J. Bellemare, G. Motzkin, D. R. Foster

Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Rich Mesic Forest, a Northeastern variant of the species-rich Mixed Mesophytic Forest association of eastern North America, is an Acer saccharum-dominated forest type typically associated with calcareous bedrock and nutrient-rich, mull soils. Rich Mesic Forest (RMF) is a priority for conservation in the Northeast due to its limited areal extent, high plant species richness, and numerous rare taxa, yet the community characteristics and environmental correlates of this forest type are incompletely understood. This study undertook a quantitative classification of RMF of the northeastern edge of the Berkshire Plateau in western Massachusetts. Cluster analysis of data from ten sites identified two …

The Challenge Of Environmental Protection, Jennifer Mattei

Biology Faculty Publications

Connecticut is in the midst of a demographic transition to a period of lower population growth. These demographic changes will help check the pressures exerted on the state's natural resources by population growth. Water, air, soil, energy sources, food, fisheries, forests, and biodiversity are common pool resources upon which we depend in ways that transcend political boundaries. Those governing Connecticut should help turn the state into a model of how to manage natural resources by halting forest fragmentation, reducing pollution, and promoting environmental science education.

Fish Species Composition, Size Structure And Distribution In Non-Trawlable Areas Of Lake Victoria (Tanzania) With Emphasis On Mwanza Gulf And Mori Bay, Jdr Bayona, B Msuku, S Mzighani

Tanzania Journal of Science

Fish diversity studies in littoral non-trawlable areas of Lake Victoria (Tanzania) were undertaken during six systematic surveys (November 2000 to December 2002). Information on fish species composition, size structure as well as spatial and temporal distribution was generated from gill-netting, beach-seining and electric fishing. Lates niloticus, indicated a declining trend in composition from 78.9% in March 2001 to 5.1% in July 2002. The species, however, increased to 40.6 % in catch composition as of December 2002, exhibiting somewhat inverse trends in distribution with Oreochromis niloticus and haplochromines in the lake fisheries. The surveys identified over 50 species for which 42 …

Changes In Population Structures Of The Major Species In Selected Satellite Lakes Around Lake Victoria Following Changes In Fishing Effort, E F B Katunzi, M A Kishe

Tanzania Journal of Science

This paper evaluates the impacts of reduction in effort, increase in mesh sizes, and prohibition of illegal fishing gears in selected satellite lakes around Lake Victoria. The study was carried out in six satellite lakes by making investigations on fish collected from experimental and artisanal fisheries. The fishes were analysed for length frequencies, weight and numbers caught to determine the population structure of the fishes. Indiscriminate fishing by deploying illegal gears and increased fishing effort due to open access policy, the catch and diversity of the species in these lakes has declined. Establishment of Conservation Management Units (CMUs) as an …

Density Effects On Growth, Survival And Diet Of June Sucker (Chasmistes Liorus): A Component Allee Effect In An Endangered Species., David Barrett Gonzalez

Theses and Dissertations

Density-dependence is considered one of the most important regulators of population growth, and it has been documented across a wide variety of species. Typically, population growth rate and components thereof decline with increasing density (i.e., negative density-dependence); however, in species that exhibit high population densities and social behavior, positive density-dependence (i.e., Allee effect) may occur at low density. June sucker, a federally endangered lake sucker endemic to Utah Lake, Utah, USA, occurred historically at high density, and it exhibits coordinated feeding behavior. These characteristics indicate a potential for the existence of an Allee effect at current low population densities. To …

The Impact Of Species Concept On Biodiversity Studies, Keith A. Crandall, Paul-Michael Agapow, Olaf R. P. Bininda-Emonds, John L. Gittleman, Georgina M. Mace, Jonathon C. Marshall, Andy Purvis

Faculty Publications

Species are defined using a variety of different operational techniques. While discussion of the various methodologies has previously been restricted mostly to taxonomists, the demarcation of species is also crucial for conservation biology. Unfortunately, different methods of diagnosing species can arrive at different entities. Most prominently, it is widely thought that use of a phylogenetic species concept may lead to recognition of a far greater number of much less inclusive units. As a result, studies of the same group of organisms can produce not only different species identities but also different species range and number of individuals. To assess the …

The Ecology Of Lianas And Their Role In Forests, Stefan A. Schnitzer, Frans Bongers

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Recent studies have demonstrated the increasingly important role of lianas (woody vines) in forest regeneration, species diversity and ecosystem-level processes, particularly in the tropics. Mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of liana species diversity could yield new insights into the maintenance of overall species diversity. Lianas contribute to forest regeneration and competition, not only by competing directly with trees, but also by differentially affecting tree species and thus changing how trees compete among themselves. In addition, they contribute considerably to ecosystem-level processes, such as whole-forest transpiration and carbon sequestration. As the rate of tropical forest disturbance increases, they are likely to …

Puerto Rican Karst - A Vital Resource, Ariel E. Lugo, Leopoldo Miranda Castro, Abel Vale, Tania Del Mar López, Enrique Hernández Prieto, Andrés García Martinó, Alberto R. Puente Rolón, Adrianne G. Tossas, Donald A. Mcfarlane, Tom Miller, Armando Rodríguez, Joyce Lundberg, John Thomlinson, José Colón, Johannes H. Schellekens, Olga Ramos, Eileen Helmer

WM Keck Science Faculty Papers

The limestone region of Puerto Rico covers about 27.5 percent of the island's surface and is subdivided into the northern, southern, and dispersed limestone areas. All limestone areas have karst features. The karst belt is that part of the northern limestone with the most spectacular surficial karst landforms. It covers 142,544 ha or 65 percent of the northern limestone. The karst belt is the focus of this publication, although reference is made to all limestone regions. The northern limestone contains Puerto Rico's most extensive freshwater aquifer, largest continuous expanse of mature forest, and largest coastal wetland, estuary, and underground cave …

Los Coquís De Puerto Rico: Su Historia Natural Y Conservación, Rafael O. De Sá

Biology Faculty Publications

As the title indicates, this well-illustrated (115 photographs and 76 illustrations) book summarizes the current knowledge about the natural history of the 16 species of Eleutherodactylus inhabiting Puerto Rico. The book consists of eight chapters (including the epilogue) and it is clearly stated that it was written to serve both the scientific community and the nonspecialist reader. The goal of bridging these two audiences is ambitious and usually difficult; however, the book has probably accomplished this goal. The technical reader, i.e., students and professional herpetologists, will find a good summary of data and enough information to continue reading with interest. …

Foraging Ecology Of The Endangered Wood Stork Recorded In The Stable Isotope Signature Of Feathers, Christopher S. Romanek, Karen F. Gaines, A. L. Bryan Jr., I. L. Brisbin Jr.

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Down feathers and regurgitant were collected from nestling wood storks (Mycteria americana) from two inland and two coastal breeding colonies in Georgia. The stable isotopic ratios of carbon ( 13 C/12 C) and nitrogen ( 15N/ 14N) in these materials were analyzed to gain insights into the natal origins of juvenile storks and the foraging activities of adults. Down feathers differed in δ 13 C between inland and coastal colonies, having average isotopic values that reflected the sources of carbon fixed in biomass at the base of the food web. Feathers from the inland colonies differed between colonies in δ …

Applications Of X-Ray Microanalysis To The Study And Conservation Of Ancient Glasses, S. Hreglich, M. Verita

Scanning Electron Microscopy

X-ray microanalysis can be successfully applied to the study of the chemical composition and weathering processes of ancient glass. The problems concerned with this kind of application are considered. A verification is conducted of the accuracy and sensitivity of this technique, which are sufficient to obtain useful information on technologies and raw materials used and consequently on the origin and dating of ancient glasses.

This analytical method also discloses meaningful data for the optimization of restoration and the choice of appropriate conservation operations.

The Voluntary Water Quality Monitoring Program : 1982 Project Report, Barbara Welch, Judy Potvin, Mary Ellen Dennis

Maine Collection

The Voluntary Water Quality Monitoring Program : 1982 Project Report

by Barbara Welch, Judy Potvin & Mary Ellen Dennis

Division of Environmental Evaluation and Lake Studies, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Augusta, Maine 1982.

Contents: Understanding Maine's Lakes and Ponds / Acknowledgement / Temperature / Dissolved Oxygen / Other Measures of Lake Water Quality / Nutrients / Algae and Chlorophyll a / Transparency / Morphometry / Sampling / Protection / Classification / Answers to Most Frequently Asked Questions / Glossary of Terms / Appendix A : Maximum, Minimum, and Mean Values / Appendix B : Phosphate Content of Common Cleansers …

Inventory Of Lake Studies In Maine, Charles F. Wallace Jr., James M. Strunk

Maine Collection

Inventory of Lake Studies in Maine

By Charles F. Wallace, Jr. and James M. Strunk

State Planning Office, Water Resources Planning Division, July 1973.

"Printed under Appropriation Number 4248.5 and financially assisted by planning grants from the United States Water Resources Council Title III funds."

Contents: Introduction / Investigating Agencies / Federal Agencies / State Agencies / Regional Planning Commissions and Economic Development Districts / Maine Colleges and Universities / Private / Other Private / Other / Appendices

Studies Of Increment, Height-Weight, And Moisture Content Of Important Western Kansas Grasses, John Launchbaugh

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

A logical approach to the question of how much forage is taken by livestock would be, it seems, to study first the growth habits of the important species of p:i.sture and range grasses in the areas where they are used. The purpose of this report, therefore, was to study the development of several species of perennial grasses in the mixed prairie of west-central Kamas from near the beginning of the grazing season until the grasses had reached maturity.

The Ecology Of A Pasture In The Dakota Sandstone Formation In Ellsworth County, Kansas, Byron O. Blair

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

The vast area of prairie of the United States has long been known as the "feeding grounds" for herbivorous animals. In the past, the standard of living of the people of grassland regions has been measured largely by the ability of the native ranges to produce ·vegetation sufficient to maintain economical livestock production. It has become apparent that if our desired living standard is to be maintained, we must direct our efforts toward a program by the most rapid and efficient means possible, which will bring economic stability to the seventeen million acres of grassland in the Great Plains region. …

A Descriptive Analysis Of The Musculature And Osseous Systems Of The Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys Ordii, Virgil Mathis

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

The kangaroo rats constitute the only genus, Dipodomys, of the subfamily Heteromyinae, now extant . There is fossil evidence of two other genera which are now extinct. The kangaroo rat, Dipodomys ordii richardsoni, is one of the common rodents of western Kansas . According to Hibbard (3, p. 76), "Its range extends northeastward along the Kansas river into Riley County." These animals are easily distinguished from other rodents by their long tail, long hind legs and feet, small hands, fur lined external cheek pouches, and their saltating method of locomotion. These rodents are seldom seen by the casual observer, being …

The Effect Of Climate And Different Grazing And Dusting Intensities Upon The Yield Of The Short Grass Prairies In West Central Kansas, Marvin L. Lacey

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

The purpose of this problem was to determine the effect of climate, amount of dusting, and degree of grazing by livestock and grasshoppers upon the quantity and quality of forage produced by various short grass pastures in west-central Kansas.