Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons^™

Diving At High Altitude: O2 Transport And Utilization In The Ruddy Duck And Torrent Duck In The Andes, Kevin G. Mccracken, Graham R. Scott, Luis Alza, Andrea Astie, Ciska Bakkeren, Emil Bautista, Mariana Bulgarella, Rebecca Cheek G. Cheek, Beverly A. Chua, Neal J. Dawson, Alexis Diaz, Catherine M. Ivy, Peter B. Frappell, Cecilia Kopuchian, Sabine L. Laguë, John N. Maina, Violeta Muñoz-Fuentes, Elizabeth R. Schell, Matthew M. Smith, Ryan J. Sprenger, Pablo L. Tubaro, Elizabeth R. Schell, Matthew M. Smith, Ryan J. Sprenger, Pablo L. Tubaro, Thomas Valqui, Roy E. Weber, Daniela Wilner, Robert E. Wilson, Julia M. York, William K. Milsom

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

Hypoxia and cold temperatures create unique physiological challenges for high-altitude organisms that can vary depending on lifestyle. While nearly all studies of air-breathing animals at high altitude are from terrestrial species, species that breath-hold dive underwater at high altitude encounter a very different set of selective pressures influencing their phenotype. The goal of this publication is to highlight the changes in O2 transport and utilization in high-altitude diving birds relative to divers at sea level, and the extent to which these changes are qualitatively distinct from phenotypic changes in non-diving species at high altitude. For example, while high capacities for …

History, Annotated Gazetteer, And Bibliography Of Sarawak Ornithology, Frederick H. Sheldon, Dency F. Gawain, Daisy G. S. Kho, Rosalina Regai, Subir B. Shakya, Chin Aik Yeap

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

Sarawak is Malaysia’s largest state, covering most of northern Borneo. It has a remarkable history of scientific bird study, starting in the 1840s and growing ever since. To set the stage for the gazetteer, which is the core of this paper, we start with a review of this history and discuss various forces that have influenced the direction of bird research in the state. Following this introduction comes the gazetteer, which is an annotated list of c. 865 sites in Sarawak where birds have been collected, studied, or regularly observed. The gazetteer provides the latitude, longitude, and elevation of each …

Effects Of Riverine Barriers On Avian Evolution In The Amazon Basin, Andre Eugene Moncrieff

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The high biodiversity found in the Amazon Basin has long captivated the attention of naturalists and evolutionary biologists seeking to explain its origins. Early observations by Alfred Wallace highlighted the role of rivers in delimiting the geographic ranges of many species; furthermore, where rivers narrow towards their headwaters, he noted that some species cross rivers freely. A major goal of this dissertation is to investigate how these and other observations about riverine barriers might inform our understanding of how speciation unfolds in Amazonia. My approach involved generating genomic data with dense geographic sampling for manakins in the genus Lepidothrix, …

Leveraging Multiple Data Sources: How Catch Data, Metadata, And Genetic Samples Can Aid The Recovery Of Endangered Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis Pectinata), Kelcee Smith

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The small population sizes characteristic of many imperiled species means that they are vulnerable to both demographic and genetic extinction threats. Responses to these threats (e.g., population trends, genetic diversity estimates) are often difficult to obtain, but critical for conservation. Thus, researchers studying imperiled species may have to consult multiple data sources, collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders, or ask new questions about previously collected data. I used this approach to understand more about the United States (U.S.) population of Pristis pectinata, an endangered elasmobranch that has declined up to 95% due to habitat loss and bycatch in …

Henry V. Howe And His Collection Of Foraminifera At Louisiana State University, Lorene E. Smith, Baren K. Sen Gupta

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

Henry V. Howe, the founder of the current academic program in geology at Louisiana State University (LSU), and a renowned ostracod specialist, was also a distinguished foraminiferal paleontologist. His best work in that field, involving the discovery of many new species, was on the taxonomy of Eocene Foraminifera of Louisiana. The present H.V. Howe Type Collection of Microfossils began with Howe’s gift of slides to LSU. This collection, enriched by contributions from later workers, now includes over 580 slides of foraminiferal primary type specimens, with holotypes and syntypes of 361 species and 15 taxa labeled as “varieties.” Information regarding these …

Feeding Ecology Of Red Snapper (Lutjanus Campechanus) And Vermilion Snapper (Rhomboplites Aurorubens) Coexisting At The Louisiana Shelf-Edge Banks, Katherine M. Ellis

LSU Master's Theses

Niche partitioning, the process by which competing species use different subsets of the available resources, is commonly used to explain the coexistence of closely related species. In the northwest Gulf of Mexico on the shelf-edge banks, red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) and vermilion snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens) are two coexisting closely related species. Yet, little is known about how these species partition resources. In this study, niche partitioning of red snapper and vermilion snapper was investigated using gut contents and stable isotopes. While dietary niche partitioning was apparent, the species relied upon similar prey and displayed isotopic niche overlap, …

Evaluation Of Space Use And Movement By Wild Turkey (Meleagris Gallopavo) During Extreme Climatic Disturbances And Annual Phenological States, David J. Moscicki

LSU Master's Theses

Space use is driven by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors across space and time. Meaning a species demography and habitat requirements may vary across landscapes. Recent studies on wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo spp., hereafter turkey) have shown both direct and indirect demographic impacts of climatically driven events on turkey populations. Similarly, there is an abundance of information documenting turkey demographic parameters and space use, but few studies have addressed breeding phenology in great detail. We evaluated the impact on space use and movement patterns of Eastern wild turkeys (M. g. silvestris; n = 20) and Rio Grande wild …

Habitat Associations And Reproduction Of Fishes On The Northwestern Gulf Of Mexico Shelf Edge, Elizabeth Marie Keller

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Several of the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) shelf-edge banks provide critical hard bottom habitat for coral and fish communities, supporting a wide diversity of ecologically and economically important species. These sites may be fish aggregation and spawning sites and provide important habitat for fish growth and reproduction. Already designated as habitat areas of particular concern, many of these banks are also under consideration for inclusion in the expansion of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. This project aimed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the communities and fish species on shelf-edge banks by way of gonad histology, …

Reproductive Parameters And Female Breeding Season Survival Of Rio Grande Wild Turkeys In South Central Texas, Jacob White

LSU Master's Theses

Historically, Rio Grande wild turkeys in south central Texas have been at lower densities than other portions of the state. Within the Oak-Prairie Wildlife District of Texas, Rio Grande wild turkey regulatory restrictions are different for counties in the eastern and western portions of the ecoregion. Due to perceived increases in turkey density in the eastern portion of the ecoregion (hereafter 1-bird zone), Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) considered increasing the bag limit to match counties in the western portion of the district (hereafter 4-bird zone) in order to increase hunting opportunities. However, if regulatory changes are to be …

Ornithological Expeditions To Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, 2007-2017, Frederick H. Sheldon, Haw Chuan Lim, Phred M. Benham, Matthew L. Brady, Clare E. Brown, Ryan C. Burner, Vivien L. Chua, John C. Mittermeier, Subir B. Shakya, Paul Van Els, Mustafa Abdul Rahman, Dency F. Gawin, Zahirunisa Abdul Rahim, Luisa Duya Setia, Robert Moyle

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University, the University of Kansas, and the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak undertook collaborative research on the evolution and ecology of Bornean birds starting in 2005. This collaboration included a series of expeditions from 2007–2017 to collect and study birds at >30 sites in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Here we provide information on the study-sites and summarize the main discoveries resulting from the collaboration.

An Evaluation Of Sciaenid Growth In The Gulf Of Mexico, Shane Flinn

LSU Master's Theses

Growth models estimate life history parameters that are used in the management of fisheries stocks. The most commonly used growth model in fisheries is the von Bertalanffy growth model (VBGM), yet it has been shown to provide a poor fit for length-at-age data of some species and other models exist. I reviewed 196 peer-reviewed age and growth studies and 50 NOAA stock assessments to examine temporal trends in the use of growth models and model selection in fisheries. I found that the use of multi-model frameworks has increased since the year 2000 and information theoretic approaches are replacing goodness-of-fit and …

A Review Of Current Knowledge Concerning The Breeding And Summer Distribution Of The Cordilleran Flycatcher (Empidonax Occidentalis) In Mexico, Harold F. Greeney, Matthew J. Miller, Charles Van Riper Iii

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

The Cordilleran Flycatcher (Empidonax occidentalis) is one of many North American birds whose distribution crosses the US–Mexican border and for which little is presently known about summer distribution and breeding biology south of this border. In addition, the Cordilleran Flycatcher presents ornithologists with a number of challenging questions surrounding its taxonomy, migration, distribution, population structure, and species limits. In particular, there remains a good deal of uncertainty concerning the species-level relationships, seasonal movements, and the wintering and breeding distributions of both recognized subspecies of Cordilleran Flycatcher in Mexico. Using field observations, a thorough review of the literature, and …

Impact Of Temperature, Plant Species, And Sorghum Cultivar On The Population Dynamics Of Melanaphis Sacchari, Monique Ferreira De Souza

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari Zehner, is now widely established in sorghum, Sorghum bicolor L., production areas of the United States and is an important economic pest. However, detailed studies of temperature, host range and plant resistance effects on the biology and population parameters of the M. sacchari biotype responsible for the sorghum outbreak in the United States have not been performed previously. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate: 1) How temperatures affect M. sacchari 2) M. sacchari interaction with host plants 3) M. sacchari interaction with sorghum genotypes. The response of M. sacchari to six different constant temperatures (15, …

Evolution Of Alu Elements In The Saimiri And Papio Lineages Of Primates, Jasmine Nicole Brown Baker

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Alu elements are approximately 300 base pair (bp) primate specific non- autonomous retrotransposons. Alu elements, a short interspersed element (SINE), account for high copy numbers in all primate genomes. Numerous Alu element subfamilies have undergone varying degrees of activity and amplification within primates. Identification of these subfamilies has proved to be very informative in elucidating phylogenies and as phylogenomic markers. Squirrel monkeys, genus Saimiri, are one of the most well-known neotropical primates and the second most commonly used laboratory monkey. Squirrel monkey species diverged approximately 1.5 million years ago and are native to South America. Despite being well-known, there …

First Record Of The Non-Native Pacu, Piaractus Brachypomus, In Lago Petén-Itzá, Guatemala, Central America, Diego J. Elias, Susan F. Mochel, Prosanta Chakrabarty, Caleb D. Mcmahan

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

We documented the first record of the non-native species Piaractus brachypomus (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) in Lago Petén-Itzá, Petén, Guatemala. One brined specimen was donated by a local fisherman in San Benito, El Petén. The captured specimen was reportedly collected in the southern basin of the lake. We used the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) to validate identity of the specimen. We hypothesize that the local aquarium trade is the most likely source of introduction of the non-native Pacu in Lago Petén-Itzá.

Documentamos el primer registro de la especie no nativa Piaractus brachypomus (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) en el lago Petén Itzá, Petén, …

A Study Of The Urban Red Fox (Vulpes Vulpes) Population In Baton Rouge, Louisiana Using Social Media, Ahsennur Soysal

LSU Master's Theses

Foxes are timid yet resourceful animals that are integrated into many urban environments. Because they are elusive, collecting information about the number of urban foxes, their diet and spatial distribution, their interactions with the ecological community in their urban habitat, as well as residents’ response to them, is difficult. Involving stakeholders to participate in the data collection on wildlife via citizen science on social media is one way to overcome this complication, while simultaneously engaging residents in the ecology happening around them. Therefore, we used social media as the platform to engage the public to document and map the foxes …

First Record Of The Non-Native Suckermouth Armored Catfish Hypostomus Cf. Niceforoi (Fowler 1943) (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) From Central America, Wilfredo A. Matamoros, Caleb D. Mcmahan, Carlos R. Mejia, Parker H. House, Jonathan W. Armbruster, Prosanta Chakrabarty

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

We document the first record of Hypostomus cf. niceforoi in Central America. Two specimens of these suckermouth armored catfishes were collected in Lake Nicaragua (Nicaragua) and identified as H. cf. niceforoi. Hypostomus niceforoi is endemic to Andean streams of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru. We hypothesize that its introduction in Central America is related to the aquarium trade, as is the case of other armored catfish species introductions.

Gazetteer And Site-Based History Of The Ornithology Of Sabah. Malaysian Borneo, Frederick H. Sheldon

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

The gazetteer lists sites in the state of Sabah, Malaysia, where birds have been collected, studied, or watched. Its purpose is to identify locations for research and birding in Sabah and to provide a brief scientific history of the more important sites. Each site description includes latitude, longitude, and general information on location. For many sites, elevation, habitat, scientific or birdwatching importance, historical notes, citations of key papers, specimen records, and records of certain species are also included.

A Consensus Taxonomy For The Hawaiian Honeycreepers, H. Douglas Pratt

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

No abstract provided.

Comments On Some African Taxa Of Leptotyphlopid Snakes, Jeff Boundy

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

Miscellaneous material of African Leptotyphlopidae are discussed: An overlooked senior synonym of Namibiana latifrons, mental scale characteristics in Tricheilostoma greenwelli, an insular record of Leptotyphlops pembae, a range expansion of Myriopholis adleri (new to the country of Ghana), and cephalic scale terminology of Rhinoleptus koniagui.

Birds In Peatswamp At Klias Forest Reserve And Environs, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, Frederick H. Sheldon, Geoffrey Davison, Anna Wong, Robert G. Moyle

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

Periodically from 1998-2004, we surveyed birds in the Klias Forest Reserve, which is one of the last remaining pockets of peatswamp in western Sabah. We report here on those surveys. We also review prior work on birds in peatswamp and swamp forest in the Klias-Sipitang region of Sabah as it relates to the conservation of habitat and birds specialized on peatswamp. Peatswamp forest is in jeopardy from development and fires throughout Borneo, and particularly in the Malaysian State of Sabah, which had very little to start. Peatswamp in the Klias area is of particular importance for conservation and bird watching …

Notes On The Avifauna Of The Floodplain Forest Of The Rio Mamoré, Beni, Bolivia, With A Description Of The Juvenile Plumage Of Unicolored Thrush (Turdus Haplochrous) (Aves: Turdidae), Ryan S. Terrill, Miguel Angel Aponte Justiniano, Michael G. Harvey, Glenn F. Seeholzer, Rosa Ines Strem

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

Notes on the avifauna of the floodplain forest of the Rio Mamoré, Beni, Bolivia, with a description of the Juvenile plumage of Unicolored Thrush (Turdus haplochrous) – The floodplain forest along the Rio Mamoré is an isolated stretch of riverine forest in the matrix of flooded grassland and gallery forest of the Llanos de Moxos in the department of Beni, Bolivia and contains an understudied avifauna. This habitat potentially represents a stronghold for certain bird taxa. During Dec 2010-Jan 2011, we conducted daily audiovisual censuses, targeted collecting with shotguns, and general collecting with mist-nets for birds at a …

Notes On Bird Species In Bamboo In Northern Madre De Dios, Peru, Including The First Peruvian Record Of Acre Tody-Tyrant (Hemitriccus Cohnhafti), Michael G. Harvey, Daniel F. Lane, Justin Hite, Ryan S. Terrill, Sheila Figueroa Ramírez, Brian Tilston Smith, John Klicka, Walter Vargas Campos

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

In the southwestern Amazon Basin, large areas of habitat are comprised predominantly of Guadua bamboo. Many bird species occur in or specialize on Guadua-dominated habitats, but little is known about the taxonomy, distribution, and evolutionary history of this avian assemblage. During 2011, we surveyed the surroundings of Iberia, an area with many large Guadua stands in the southern Peruvian Amazon. We found many Guadua specialist bird species and discovered a surprising Andean element to the local avifauna. We present information on Guadua specialists, Andean species, birds of open habitats, and avian migration and reproduction. We provide accounts for species …

A Checklist Of The Amphibians And Reptiles Of México, Ernest A. Liner

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

No abstract provided.

Species Limits Within The Mexican Garter Snakes Of The Thamnophis Godmani Complex, Douglas A. Rossman, Frank T. Burbrink

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

The highly variable Thamniphis godmani complex of southern Mexico, comprised of four apparently allopatric populations, was examined by using 28 morphological characters scored on 214 specimens. Character values were tested with univariate and multivariate statistics to determine if populations are morphologically distinct. The results suggest that the four populations represent independently evolving lineages. Four species, three previously undescribed, are recognized in the T. godmani complex. A lectotype is designated for T. godmani. For each species, a diagnosis description of holotype or lectotype, summary of interspecific variation, and statement of distribution are provided. Comparisons are made with T. errans, alleged to …

Variations In The Xenodontid Water Snake Helicops Scalaris Jan, And The Status Of H. Hogei Lancini, Douglas A. Rossman

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

No abstract provided.

Late Cretaceous Mammals And Magnetostratigraphy, Big Bend, Texas, Julia T. Sankey, Wulf Gose

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

No abstract provided.

A New Species Of Garter Snake From Western Mexico, Roger Conant

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

No abstract provided.

Percina Kathae, A New Logperch Endemic To The Mobile Basin In Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, And Tennessee (Percidae, Etheostomatini), Bruce A. Thompson

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

No abstract provided.

Variation In The Mexican Garter Snake Thamnophis Scalaris Cope And The Taxonomic Status Of T. Scaliger (Jan), Douglas A. Rossman, Guillermo Lara Gongora

Occasional Papers of the Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University

No abstract provided.