Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons^™

The Feasibility Of Commercial Scale Culture Of Atlantic Sturgeon, Acipenser Oxyrhynchus, Christopher John Coffing

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Abstract unavailable.

Morphological Variation Among 14 Species Of Callogobius Bleeker (Pisces: Gobiidae), James Francis Mckinney

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

A survey of the variation among the species of the Callogobius complex has been accomplished in order to determine if recognition of more than one genus is warranted for this assemblage of species. Emphasis has been placed on the osteological variation. Relationships among certain species within the Callogobius complex have been exposed. Although there are two well defined species groups within the complex, it is felt that inclusion of all of the examined species within the single genus Callogobius is the most parsimonious course of action.

Structure Of A Subtidal Benthic Community Near Cape Charles, Virginia, R. Michael Ewing

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Species composition, distribution, and abundance of benthic invertebrates of a subtidal community were examined at a location on the lower Delmarva Peninsula near Cape Charles, Virginia. Macrobenthos was sampled quarterly between June, 1977 and June, 1978 at nine sites along a transect in Old Plantation Creek and the adjacent offshore area. Spatial and temporal patterns of numerically important species are discussed.

Sampling sites and species were grouped by a numerical classification strategy which consisted of the Bray-Curtis similarity measure and group-average clustering. Three faunal assemblages were identified with the aid of constancy and fidelity nodal analyses: (1) a tidal creek …

The Spatial And Temporal Distribution Of Fish Eggs And Larvae In Hempstead Bay Estuary, Joseph Adelard Lessard

OES Theses and Dissertations

The ichthyoplankton of Hempstead Bay estuary was sampled from December 1972 to mid March 1974. Eleven stations were sampled by towing a 0.5 meter diameter plankton net. Eggs were most abundant during June and July with an average concentration calculated to be above 5,500/100m³. Egg densities were the lowest during the fall and winter. Larvae were most frequently taken from March through July with densities varying greatly among the samples. The eggs of Brevoortia tyrannus, Anchoa mitchilli, Tautoga onitis, Tautogolabrus adspersus, and Scophthalmus aguosus and the larvae of Menidia menidia, Ammodvtes hexapterus and Pseudopleuronectes americanus constituted most …

Seasonal Feeding Habits Of The River Otter (Lutra Canadensis) In Ditches Of The Great Dismal Swamp, Ronnie M. Pierce

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

To determine the seasonal feeding habits of the river otter (Lutra canadensis) in the Great Dismal Swamp 209 scats were collected, from May 1977 to May 1978, and analyzed for content. Remains of crayfish were found with a frequency of occurrence of 82% while fish remains occurred in 62% of the scat. This is in direct contrast to previous studies (from other areas) which found fish with a greater frequency than crayfish. Fish consumption was believed to increase during periods of low water or low temperatures. Sunfish were represented most frequently and may be the preferred fish. Amphiuma remains …

Swimming As A Determinate To Immigration For Two Small Mammals In Coastal Virginia, Jeffrey Lewis Carter

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Small mammals were live trapped on the mainland and on an island located in the southeast corner of Virginia. The area was characterized by a mid-Atlantic coastal climate. White-footed mice (Perompsous fsucopus) were trapped on the mainland but not on the island, whereas meadow voles (Microtus psnnsylvimious) inhabited only the island. A series of swimming tests were performed in both the field and in the laboratory on both of these species to determine if swimming abilities could be the factor preventing Pszomysous from colonizing the island.

Both species of small mammals showed good swimming endurance in …

The Comparative Ecology Of Two Populations Of The Troglobitic Isopod Crustacean Lirceus Usdagalun (Asellidae), James Alexander Estes

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Aquatic communities of two caves in Lee Co., Virginia, were compared, and an examination was made of the life history phenomena of the troglobitic isopod Lirceus usdagalun. Measurements of physical and biological parameters were made in Thompson Cedar Cave and Gallohan Cave No. l. A contagious distribution was exhibited by populations of L. usdagalun in both caves and also by the population of another troglobitic isopod, Caecidotea recurvata, in Gallohan Cave No. 1. This distribution was attributed to aggregations of individuals which were considered to occur in areas of preference or optimal habitat patches. Lirceus usdagalun exhibited a …

Animal-Sediment Relationship Study Of The Western Branch Of The Lynnhaven River, Charles Perry Seymour

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The animal-sediment relationships of the marine benthic infauna of an estuarine river system, Lynnhaven River, Virginia Beach, Virginia, were studied at six sites, sampled bimonthly for one year. Six species were found to dominate all of the sampling periods and sites for the year. The greatest number of individuals, biomass, and species were found at the sand sites. Deposit feeders were recorded in greater number than suspension feeders at both the sand and the mud sites.

Cluster and nodal analyses were successful in demonstrating animal-sediment relationships for the intertidal regions of the river system.

The Fall And Winter Food Habits Of The Black Bear (Ursus Americanus) In The Great Dismal Swamp Of Virginia, Francis Leonard Daniel

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

A study was conducted on the food habits of the black bear (Ursus americanus) in the Great Dismal Swamp of Virginia. A total of four stomachs and 42 scats were analyzed. Four samples were collected from September and October of 1975, and the remainder of the samples were collected from September 1976 to February 1977. The study was conducted to obtain information vital to the management of this species in the Great Dismal Swamp. Vitis spp. was the primary food item during the fall comprising 43% of the total diet, followed by fruits of Diospyros virginiana and Asimina triloba, each …

Experiments In Attempted Interspecific And Interpopulational Hybridzation Of Grass Shrimp Of The Genus Palaemonetes (Caridea Palaemonidae), Mark Andrew Boston

OES Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigates the interfertility of Palaemonetes populations, Interspecific crosses were attempted between representatives of sympatric :populations of P. pugio, P. vulgaris, and P. intermedius, Intraspecific crosses were undertaken between geographically separated :populations of P. pugio. Laboratory conditions of 25°c, 25°/oo, and 14.5 hour photoperiod per day were maintained for all breeding attempts, Under these conditions interspecific hybridization of Palaemonetes pugio and P. vulgaris was not feasible. P. intermedius could not be hybridized with P. pugio and P. vulgaris. At 40 days of age P. pugio juveniles were significantly larger than P. vulgaris juveniles of …

Herbaceous Production In Burned-Cut Burned-Uncut And Control Areas Of A Chamaecyparis Thyoides (L.) Bsp (Cupressaceae) Stand In The Great Dismal Swamp, Caroline Elisabeth Mckinley

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The herbaceous layer of an Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) stand in the Great Dismal Swamp was sampled to estimate the productivity of two burned areas and a control area. The herbaceous vegetation was sampled along three transects utilizing the harvest method and productivity values were estimated using peak biomass values for each individual species. The burned-cut area had the highest productivity (3623 kg ha^-l yr^-1) and was characterized by species of the Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Cyperaceae. The burned-uncut area had a productivity value of 1636 kg ha^-1 yr^-1 with similar species of the Asteraceae …

Plant Distribution And Succession Within Interdunal Depressions On A Virginia Barrier Dune System, Robert Wayne Tyndall

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

A unique series of interdunal depressions was recognized on the barrier dune system of southeastern Virginia. Plant distribution and succession, and environmental factors controlling them, were studied in the series. Plant community distribution appears to be predominantly controlled by soil moisture, interspecific competition, and feral hog disturbance. Both biotic and physiographic succession are apparent with Quercus virginiana probably climax for both. Salt spray and feral hog and migratory waterfowl activity are important controlling factors of plant succession. Results indicate that the zonal appearance of shrubs and trees on the Virginia and North Carolina coasts is due to the absence of …

A Seasonal Study Of Phytoplankton Composition Abundance And Productivity In Back Bay, Virginia, Robert Ringgold Comegys

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Phytoplankton samples were collected monthly (August 1974-June 1975) at two stations in the Back Bay system of southeastern Virginia. Measurements of phytoplankton productivity and potentially influencing environmental parameters (water and air temperature, turbidity, depth, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen) accompanied sample collections. A total of 106 phytoplankton species, representing six algal divisions and 54 genera were identified. Cyanophyta species were dominant at both stations in the warmer months of August, September, October, and June, and in April at one station only. In all remaining months, Chlorophyta species were dominant, indicating a seasonal shift in phytoplankton composition during winter and spring. The …

Feeding Ecology Of Black Sea Bass Centropristis Striata On An Artificial Reef Off Virginia (Perciforms: Serranidae), Ping K. Chee

OES Theses and Dissertations

The feeding ecology of the black sea bass, Centropristis striata, associated with artificial reefs shows seasonal and size-related changes. Monthly collections totaling 520 black sea bass taken from an artificial reef near the Chesapeake Light Tower, Virginia, between August 1975 and May 1976, were analyzed for food habits as revealed by number, volume, frequency of occurrence and a modified Index of Relative Importance.

The black sea bass feeds on the artificial reef as well as the adjacent areas. When food was abundant on the reef, food items from the reef and the surrounding area were consumed. Upon depletion of the …

A Study Of The Zooplankton Composition At A Twenty-Four Hour Station In Waters North Of Cuba, Judith Lee Hensley

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

No abstract.

Effect Of The Chesapeake-Elizabeth Sewage Outfall Virginia Beach, Virginia On The Distribution And Ecology Of Benthic Foraminifera, James M. Bates Jr.

OES Theses and Dissertations

Sediment and bottom water samples from seven stations at the Chesapeake Elizabeth sewage outfall, Virginia Beach, Virginia were collected in order to evaluate the effect of the outfall on benthic foraminifera. The top centimeter of sediment was analyzed for living and total (live plus dead) foraminiferal densities, chlorophyll a, sediment grain size, ATP, percentage of silt and clay, and total organic carbon. Bottom water salinity, temperature, and ammonia were also analyzed.

Living foraminiferal density increased from March to July and with distance from the outfall. Total foraminiferal density also increased from March to July. The set of environmental variables was …

The Food Habits Of Ictalurus Natalis, Centrarchus Macropterus And Perca Flavescens In Lake Drummond In The Dismal Swamp Of Virginia, Steven C. Russell

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The food habits of yellow bullhead catfish (Ictalurus natalis), yellow perch (Perea flavescens), and fliers (Centrarchus macropterus) in Lake Drummond in the Dismal Swamp were examined. Seventy yellow bullheads (42 mm to 255 mm), 136 yellow perch (41 mm to 280 mm), and 110 fliers (81 mm to 140 mm), were collected with gill nets, traps, seins, and electro-fishing gear from June through November of 1975. Frequency of occurrence and volumentric data were used to evaluate the relative importance of food items. Spearman's rank correlation coef­ficient was determined from the data to test differences …

Sex Pheromone Activity In The Foveal Glands In The Two Species Of Ixodid Ticks: Dermacentor Andersoni (Stiles) And Dermacentor Variabilis (Say), Lynn Anne Collins

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Sex pheromone activity in the foveal glands of female Dermacentor andersoni (Stiles) and Dermacentor variabilis (Say) is described. Autoradiography revealed the accumulation of ³⁶Cl in the foveal glands of females during their first 120 hours of feeding on a ³⁶Cl-labeled host. Emissions collected from these females contained a ³⁶Cl-labeled product. This product, however, was absent in emissions collected from the same females with their foveae dorsales obstructed.

Accumulation of ³⁶Cl in the foveal gland, in conjunction with the release of a ³⁶Cl-labeled product through the foveae dorsales, suggest localization of sex pheromone activity within these …

Structural Comparisons Of Four Plant Communities In The Great Dismal Swamp, Claire Virginia Dabel

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Four plant communities in the Great Dismal Swamp, located on the coastal plain in southeastern Virginia, were sampled and estimates of density, basal area and aboveground standing crop biomass were determined, Biomass was estimated as 229,800 kg/ha in the Chamaecyparis thyoides community and as 344,500 kg/ha in the Taxodium distichum community. Biomass for the two hardwood communities, the

Acer-Nyssa community and mixed hardwood (Quercus-Nyssa-Acer-Liriodendron-Liquidamber) community was estimated as 195,700 kg/ha and 194,600 kg/ha respectively and did not differ significantly (P

An Intensive Study Of The Spring Phytoplankton Bloom In Lynnhaven Bay, Virginia, Donald Lynn Webster

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Phytoplankton samples were collected biweekly from two stations, one in each branch of Lynnhaven Bay, Virginia over the period January 24 to June 9, 1975. Water temperature, salinity, pH, oxygen, ammonia, urea, reactive nitrite, reactive nitrate, reactive phosphorus, productivity, transparency, and weather conditions were recorded concurrently. Data were manipulated employing analysis of variance, simple correlation, correlation matrices, and forward stepwise multiple regression. Total phytoplankton numbers exhibited a unimodal pattern. A pre-bloom pulse was recorded at both stations in late February. The spring bloom lasted from April through May. Phytoplankton growth was primarily a function of nutrient supply and temperature. Nutrient …

The Distribution Of Submersed Hydrophytes In Currituck Sound, Steven Harry Davis

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The rooted submergent flora of Currituck Sound, North Carolina was determined, and the distributions of its species investigated with respect to salinity, substrate texture, depth, pH, turbidity and species co-occurrence. Eight species of hydrophytes were found: Potamogeton pectinatus, Fotamogeton perfoliatus, Ruppia maritima, Zannichellia palustris, Najas guadalupensis, Elodea nuttallii, Vallisneria americana, and Myriophyllum spicatum. The mean salinities at which each species occurred ranged from 1.0 ppt for E. nuttallii to 3.1 ppt for Z. palustris, Ruppia maritima, Z palustris and V. americana were the only species that commonly occurred on coarse-grained substrates. Elodea nuttallii and N. guadalupensis …

Variation In The Ecology Morphology And Behavior Of The Troglobitic Amphipod Crustacean Crangonyx Antennatus Packard (Crangonchidae) From Different Habitats, Gary Wayne Dickson

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Populations of the troglobitic amphipod Crangonyx antennatus living in two distinct aquatic habitats were examined for possible variations in their ecology, morphology and behavior. Collections were made seasonally for one year in six Lee Co., Virginia caves, three containing mud-bottom, drip pools and three with small gravel stream habitats. Environmental parameters thought to influence population variation were quantitatively and qualitatively recorded in each of the six caves.

Amphipod densities, body length, female maturity, clutch number and stream washout rates were found to be greater in drip pool habitat populations. Variation was also observed in body coloration and antennal segment-body length …

Seasonal Distribution Of Higher Marine And Aquatic Fungi In The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Scott Schatz

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Abstract unavailable.

Microbenthic Algal Production Of An Intertidal Sandflat In Little Creek Harbor, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Clayton Barry Shedrow

OES Theses and Dissertations

Estimated annual net microbenthic algal production of an intertidal sandflat on Little Creek Inlet, Virginia Beach, Virginia, was 105 g C/m². Seasonally, primary production was greatest during the summer and fall periods (38 and 49 g C/m², respectively). Productivity was found to vary directly with water temperature and standing crop of benthic diatoms, and inversely with incident solar radiation and standing crops of sedimentary chlorophyll 'a' and 'c'. Orthophosphate and nitrate-N appeared to be limiting factors, nitrate-N more so than orthophosphate. Mean annual net photosynthetic efficiency (based upon total light) for the microphytobenthic community was 0.09%. …

Genetic Studies Of Cave And Spring Populations Of The Freshwater Amphipod Crustacean Gammarus Minus Say, Steven Wolf Hetrick

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The amphipod Gammaru. minus has three morphotypes in its Appalachian range : (1) a spring form with well-developed eyes, (2) an intermediate cave form with slightly reduced eyes, and (3) an extreme cave form with greatly reduced eyes. This study compares the genetic structure of populations in two karst areas and analyzes the genetics of populations of the three morphotypes.

Genetic data were collected from populations in the Ward's Cove, Virginia and Greenbrier Valley, West Virginia karst areas using zone electrophoresis zymograms. One hundred percent of the Ward's Cove populations are polymorphic at both MDH-1 and PEP 1 loci …

Osteology Of Trypauchenichthys Sumatrensis Hardenburg, Christine Parrish Baer

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The osteology of a Malaysian goby was examined in detail and compared to other gobioids. Results indicated that Trypauaheniahthys sumatrensis is a specialized, but definite member of the Gobioidei. Some osteological characteristics of a related fish, Trypauchen vagina, were also discussed.

The Use Of Color Infrared Aerial Photography In Determining Salt Marsh Vegetation And Delimiting Man-Made Structures Of Lynnhaven Bay, Virginia, Robert E. Holman Lll

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Color infrared aerial photography was found to be superior to color aerial photography in an ecological study of Lynnhaven Bay, Virginia. The research was divided into three phases: 1) determination of the feasibility of correlating color infrared aerial photography with wetland species composition and zonation patterns, 2) determination of the accuracy of the aerial interpretation and problems related to the aerial method used, and 3) comparison of developed with undeveloped areas along Lynnhaven Bay's shoreline.

Wetland species composition and zonation patterns of major cones were correlated with aerial infrared photography and resulted in a high degree of accuracy. Problems with …

An Ecological Study Of The Craney Island Disposal Area In Hampton Roads, Virginia, David Wallace Laist

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

A one year ecological study was conducted on the Craney Island Disposal Area in Hampton Roads, Virginia. This study attempted to identify the flora and fauna inhabiting the spoil deposits and trace the development of communities from the time of deposition through the initial stages of succession.

One hundred and ninety-two species were identified including 48 vascular plants, 66 insects, 48 birds, 18 species of algae, 4 crustaceans, and 8 vertebrates. The study area was divided into six zones based on substrate characteristics and species composition. The successional patterns and biotic interactions within each zone were discussed.

The Ecology Of The Dominant Tick Species In The Northwestern Portion Of The Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Mary Keith Garrett

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Elements of the ecology of the two dominant man-biting ticks were studied during 1971-1973 in two locations in Southeastern Virginia, namely, what is now the Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and Newport News City Park. Tick species composition, relative abundance, density, and distribution in the two areas were compared. In addition, the Dismal Swamp locality was used as a test area for studies on the survival of native, lab reared and translocated Dermacentor variabilis (Say) and Amblvomma americanum (L.) in relation to selected abiotic factors. The Newport News locality served as a control area for these studies.

The species …

Seasonal Composition Of Zooplankton In The Lafayette River, Norfolk, Virginia, Dahn E. Crandall

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Abstract unavailable.