Robust Sex Determination In The Caenorhabditis Nigoni Germ Line,
2025
Rowan University
Robust Sex Determination In The Caenorhabditis Nigoni Germ Line, Jonathan P Harbin, Yongquan Shen, Shin-Yi Lin, Kevin Kemper, Eric S Haag, Erich M Schwarz, Ronald E Ellis
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research
Sexual characteristics and reproductive systems are dynamic traits in many taxa, but the developmental modifications that allow change and innovation are largely unknown. A leading model for this process is the evolution of self-fertile hermaphrodites from male/female ancestors. However, these studies require direct analysis of sex-determination in male/female species, as well as in the hermaphroditic species that are related to them. In Caenorhabditis nematodes this has only become possible recently, with the discovery of new species. Here, we use gene editing to characterize major sex-determination genes in C. nigoni, a sister to the widely studied hermaphroditic species C. briggsae. These …
Life After Death: Investigating The Resistance And Recovery Of Fungal Communities To Foundation Tree Mortality,
2025
University of New Mexico
Life After Death: Investigating The Resistance And Recovery Of Fungal Communities To Foundation Tree Mortality, Jessie F. Marlenee
Biology ETDs
Tree mortality can have cascading effects on the composition and resilience of interacting fungal communities. Yet, little is known about the impact tree mortality, distinct from abiotic drivers (i.e., drought), has on these communities. This dissertation focuses on the resilience of fungal communities to experimental tree mortality in a piñon-juniper woodland. In chapter one, I found that piñon mortality reduced piñon fine root biomass and piñon mycorrhizal fungal diversity, whereas juniper mycorrhizal fungi were unaffected by juniper mortality. In chapter two, I revealed that piñon mortality altered the composition and spatial structure of mycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi in the soil, …
How Bats View Their Flowers: Exploring The Use Of Visual Floral Cues By Nectarivorous Neotropical Bats,
2025
University of Missouri-St. Louis
How Bats View Their Flowers: Exploring The Use Of Visual Floral Cues By Nectarivorous Neotropical Bats, Lindsey R. Dennison
Theses
Neotropical nectar bats in cloud forest ecosystems must navigate and forage in dark, complex landscapes containing an incredible diversity of flowering plants. Despite these challenges, nectar bats are extremely successful at exploiting nectar resources from plants. Much of the sensory ecology behind these bat-plant interactions has been investigated and we know from previous studies that echolocation and olfaction are critical sensory modalities to nectar bats. Echo-acoustically conspicuous floral and vegetative structures as well as sulfur-containing volatile compounds function as signals, allowing bats to sense plants. However, not all plants exhibit conspicuous echo-acoustic and/or olfactory characteristics. Furthermore, many neotropical bat-pollinated plants …
05 - Freeze Severity And Black Mangrove Growth: Influence Of Plant Origin On Side Shoot Development,
2025
Old Dominion University
05 - Freeze Severity And Black Mangrove Growth: Influence Of Plant Origin On Side Shoot Development, Kathryn Bourlier, Katelyn Overstreet, Erik Yando
Undergraduate Research Symposium
Despite a reduction in freeze events and subsequent expansion in the southeastern US, freeze impacts still play a critical role in mangrove morphology and local range limits. Freeze events can impair growth, limit survival, and commonly prompts side shoot development. This study examines the relationship between plant origin, freeze severity, and side shoot development in black mangroves. Our findings show that plants from each location exhibited distinct morphological responses, with similarities more closely linked to environmental conditions rather than geographic proximity. Our work offers insights into thermal tolerance thresholds and implications for mangrove stature in coastal wetlands.
Primates From Senèze,
2025
CUNY Lehman College
Primates From Senèze, Eric Delson
Publications and Research
Senèze has yielded two primate fossils, neither from the recent field work. A partial ulna can be identified as cf. Macaca sylvanus. A nearly complete female skull is the holotype of Dolichopithecus arvernensis Depéret, 1928, now included in Paradolichopithecus. Emended and differential diagnoses are provided for this genus and species for the first time, and the Senèze skull is described and briefly compared to those of other species of the genus. Dental and cranial measurements are provided, along with comparative data. The macaque and Paradolichopithecus are moderately to highly terrestrial, respectively, and they suggest a woodland to more open …
The Impact Of Anthropogenic Infrastructure On Avian Reproductive Success: A Study Of House Wrens In Proximity To Highways,
2025
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
The Impact Of Anthropogenic Infrastructure On Avian Reproductive Success: A Study Of House Wrens In Proximity To Highways, Nana-Esi Irie Hanson, Medhavi Ambardar
SACAD: Scholarly Activities
Road infrastructure has multifaceted effects on bird populations, influencing various aspects of their ecology and behaviour. I investigated the impact of road infrastructure, particularly highways, on the reproductive success of House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon) in a rural area. I compared the reproductive success of House Wrens in sites close to a major highway (Sternberg Museum Nature Trail) with sites located farther away (along Big Creek) in Hays, KS. I hypothesized that House Wrens near highways would exhibit lower reproductive success. I recorded metrics of reproductive success, traffic volumes, and noise levels. House wrens at the Big Creek site had higher …
Influence Of Inselbergs On Bat Diversity In Afrotropical Ecosystems,
2025
Portland State University
Influence Of Inselbergs On Bat Diversity In Afrotropical Ecosystems, Amanda Lee Grunwald
Dissertations and Theses
Humans are altering biological communities on local to global scales, driving profound changes in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. However, significant gaps and biases in biodiversity data hinder our understanding of ecosystem interactions, making it challenging to develop effective, data-driven policies to protect remaining biodiversity. Bats, the second most species-rich groups of mammals, have a global distribution, and perform a broad array of vital ecosystem functions. Their diversity peaks in the tropics, where they often constitute more than 50% of mammal species diversity. The Afrotropics host substantial bat diversity, yet have historically been perceived as having lower species richness compared to …
The Effect Of Temperature And Vegetative Substrate On The Short-Distance Dispersal Behavior Of An Invasive Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) To A Protected Dune Thistle,
2025
Lawrence University
The Effect Of Temperature And Vegetative Substrate On The Short-Distance Dispersal Behavior Of An Invasive Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) To A Protected Dune Thistle, Alyssa S. Hakes, Tina Czaplinska, Monica Paniagua-Montoya
The Great Lakes Entomologist
The invasion of a seed-eating weevil, Larinus carlinae (Olivier, 1807) poses a threat to the persistence of native Pitcher's thistle (Cirsium pitcheri), a federally-threatened plant in sand dune communities of the western Great Lakes. At Whitefish Dunes (Sturgeon Bay, WI. USA), seed predation by weevils is higher for thistles surrounded by native marram grass (Ammophila breviligulata) than for those located in sandy habitats. In this study, we observed how the local abiotic and biotic environment affects the short-distance dispersal behavior of L. carlinae. Weevils were captured on site and individually released on the sand approximately …
Mitochondrial Mrna And The Small Subunit Rrna In Budding Yeasts Undergo 3'-End Processing At Conserved Species-Specific Elements,
2025
Rowan University
Mitochondrial Mrna And The Small Subunit Rrna In Budding Yeasts Undergo 3'-End Processing At Conserved Species-Specific Elements, Michael Anikin, Michael F Henry, Viktoria Hodorova, Hristo B Houbaviy, Jozef Nosek, Dimitri G Pestov, Dmitriy A Markov
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research
Respiration in eukaryotes depends on mitochondrial protein synthesis, which is performed by organelle-specific ribosomes translating organelle-encoded mRNAs. Although RNA maturation and stability are central events controlling mitochondrial gene expression, many of the molecular details in this pathway remain elusive. These include
Scaling Arctic Landscape And Permafrost Features Improves Active Layer Depth Modeling,
2025
University of Maine
Scaling Arctic Landscape And Permafrost Features Improves Active Layer Depth Modeling, Wouter Hantson, Daryl Yang, Shawn P. Serbin, Joshua B. Fisher, Daniel J. Hayes
Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research
Tundra ecosystems in the Arctic store up to 40% of global below-ground organic carbon but are exposed to the fastest climate warming on Earth. However, accurately monitoring landscape changes in the Arctic is challenging due to the complex interactions among permafrost, micro-topography, climate, vegetation, and disturbance. This complexity results in high spatiotemporal variability in permafrost distribution and active layer depth (ALD). Moreover, these key tundra processes interact at different scales, and an observational mismatch can limit our understanding of intrinsic connections and dynamics between above and below-ground processes. Consequently, this could limit our ability to model and anticipate how ALD …
Analysis And Authentication Of An Optical Method For Early Detection Of Harmful Algal Blooms,
2025
Marshall University
Analysis And Authentication Of An Optical Method For Early Detection Of Harmful Algal Blooms, Cody Schumacher
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
The proliferation and frequency of harmful algal blooms (HABs) attributed to eutrophication, storm events and a changing climate have been an increasing concern in both lotic and lentic freshwater ecosystems. Methods of detecting HABs have been explored through fluorescent measurement and sample analysis, but are often expensive and time-consuming. A novel smart device application is in development to detect HABs based on images captured and analyzed by machine learning algorithms trained to distinguish potential cyanobacterial blooms. The HABs App model accurately detected cyanobacteria in strong relationship with biovolume concentrations (R2 = 0.996) within the Greenup Pool of the Ohio …
Assessing The Foraging Habits Of Two Species Of Long-Horned Bees (Melissodes, Apidae) Using Dna Barcodes Its2 And Trnl,
2025
Marshall University
Assessing The Foraging Habits Of Two Species Of Long-Horned Bees (Melissodes, Apidae) Using Dna Barcodes Its2 And Trnl, Rebecca Jane Foy
Theses, Dissertations and Capstones
Sunflowers (Helianthus, Asteraceae) are an important crop used for oil, dye, fodder, and edible seeds. Long-horned bees (Melissodes, Apidae) are solitary species native to the Americas that specialize in sunflower pollination; they are among the most frequent visitors to sunflowers, and have been shown to enhance yield, offering considerable economic benefits to sunflower production. This study used metabarcoding to investigate the foraging habits of two understudied Melissodes species, M. trinodis and M. agilis. Using the ITS2 and trnL barcodes, our study aimed to (1) investigate the plants visited by M. agilis and M. trinodis and (2) assess the distances Melissodes …
How Individual Traits Predict Distribution Patterns And Community Convergence,
2025
University of Texas at Arlington
How Individual Traits Predict Distribution Patterns And Community Convergence, Zachary K. Lange
Biology Dissertations - Archive
One of the fundamental questions in biology is whether natural conditions lead species and communities toward predictable outcomes. Answering this question requires understanding how traits of individual organisms are connected to species- and community-level patterns. In Chapter 2, I examined how thermal physiology and environmental temperatures interact to determine the distribution patterns of Anolis lizards on the Greater Antilles. I combined lab-measured thermal traits (critical thermal minimum: CTmin, critical thermal maximum: CTmax, thermal preference: Tpref) with occurrence and abundance data from 21 species of Anolis lizards collected from extensive mark-resight surveys of communities across …
We Found Love In A Wetter Climate: The Impact Of Varying Climatic Conditions On The Prevalence Of A Fungal Endophyte In Elymus Virginicus Populations,
2025
Claremont Colleges
We Found Love In A Wetter Climate: The Impact Of Varying Climatic Conditions On The Prevalence Of A Fungal Endophyte In Elymus Virginicus Populations, Audrey Yung
Scripps Senior Theses
Epichloë is a genus of endophytes– symbiotic fungi residing within a plant’s tissue– that can provide mutualistic benefits to its host. The stress gradient hypothesis predicts that mutualism between species becomes stronger in conditions of high abiotic stress. We tested this idea by assessing how Epichloë prevalence in Elymus virginicus populations is affected by varying climatic conditions. We established plots of E. virginicus with known endophyte frequencies in the spring of 2023 at five sites across a precipitation gradient in Texas and Louisiana. We collected E. virginicus recruits in June and July 2024 at all field sites. To determine recruits’ …
The Evolution Of The Stress Response In The Trinidadian Killifish: Ecological Drivers And Maternal Mediation,
2025
University of Texas at Arlington
The Evolution Of The Stress Response In The Trinidadian Killifish: Ecological Drivers And Maternal Mediation, Mikaela E. Feder
Biology Dissertations - Archive
Ecological variables can induce the stress response in organisms. Yet, few studies have tested for evolutionary shifts in stress responses across ecological gradients. In these studies, we used Trinidadian killifish found in sites with predators (high predation, HP) and sites where they are the only fish present (killifish only, KO). HP and KO populations differ in a suite of behavioral and life-history traits, making the Trinidadian killifish an excellent model to examine evolutionary physiology. My dissertation addresses the knowledge gap by examining: (1) how baseline cortisol differs in wild-caught Trinidadian killifish found in HP and KO sites, (2) the influence …
Assessing Understory Along The Elk River (Hikshari') In Headwaters Forest Reserve, Humboldt County, California,
2025
Cal Poly Humboldt
Assessing Understory Along The Elk River (Hikshari') In Headwaters Forest Reserve, Humboldt County, California, Julie R. Meyers, Aliyah M. Ingram, Caleb N. Larkin, Joshua L. Carpenter
Environmental Science & Management Senior Capstones
Northern California’s extensive logging history and lack of forest management has altered old-growth coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forests, leaving dense, homogenous second and third-growth forest stands. This has led to the use of modern restoration techniques such as variable density thinning (VDT) which aims to rehabilitate old-growth forest conditions by improving stand heterogeneity and light availability for understory species. Our study was done in Headwaters Forest Reserve (HFR) along the Elk River (Hikshari’) Trail in Humboldt County, California. Initially, the project was supervised by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arcata Field Office. However, the 2025 U.S. government …
Unveiling The Bacterial Communities Of Aphaenogaster: Taxonomic Composition, Developmental And Species Influences, And The Impact Of Climate Change,
2025
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Unveiling The Bacterial Communities Of Aphaenogaster: Taxonomic Composition, Developmental And Species Influences, And The Impact Of Climate Change, Lily Kelleher
West Chester University Master’s Theses
Ants are vital keystone species in many ecosystems because they provide ecosystem services such as: seed dispersal, soil bioturbation, and pest control. However, ant bacterial symbioses remain largely unstudied, but these interactions are crucial because microbes play a vital role in the ants’ overall health. Today, global climate change is impacting our biodiversity, and we can use information about how changing temperatures impact the symbiotic bacterial communities associated with ants to predict future impact. Aphaenogaster rudis and A. fulva remain understudied in terms of their bacterial community and are important North American species. For this study, ants from several colonies …
Exploring The Reproductive Phenology Of Feral Horses In North America,
2025
University of Montana
Exploring The Reproductive Phenology Of Feral Horses In North America, Mattie Budine
Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts
Feral horses (Equus ferus caballus) are a prolific species in western North America. Due to their life history traits and history of domestication, they have a longer foaling period compared to native ungulates, such as elk (Cervus canadensis) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). I examined the observed foaling seasons of different regional herds throughout North America to identify if foaling seasons are uniform across latitudes or if they present a latitudinal shift similar to ungulates. My dataset (n=523 foals) consisted of various research studies and unpublished observations of different feral horse herds throughout North America. The results are graphs comparing …
Physiological Responses And Plant Trait Interactions With Coastal Dune And Swale Development,
2025
Virginia Commonwealth University
Physiological Responses And Plant Trait Interactions With Coastal Dune And Swale Development, Emily C. Riffe
Theses and Dissertations
Vegetation is crucial to coastal ecosystems experiencing climate change and storm-induced disturbance. Plant species interact with the physical environment and are considered “ecosystem engineers.” Sand dunes and barrier islands are at the forefront of climate change impacts as they are barriers that protect landward habitat and communities. Nature based solutions are utilized to protect infrastructure on developed coastlines. Understanding how dominant plant species interact with and alter the physical environment enhances our understanding of the mechanisms of change and consequences to the system. The goal of this research was to quantify physiological and functional trait differences in dominant species found …
Is Mortality Of A Common Shrub A Heritable Trait? An Experimental Evaluation Of Senescence Using The Coast Willow, Salix Hookeriana.,
2025
Cal Poly Humboldt
Is Mortality Of A Common Shrub A Heritable Trait? An Experimental Evaluation Of Senescence Using The Coast Willow, Salix Hookeriana., Maylin A. On, Rj Polyack, Sarah Galloway, Erik Jules
Undergraduate Scholarship
In 2009, a common garden study involving Salix hookeriana (called “willows” from hereon) was initiated in which multiple clonal replicates were created and propagated for a total of 675 trees. Since 2009, numerous experiments and observations have been completed using the willows at the study site of Humboldt Bay Wildlife Refuge demonstrating that growth, phenology, and insect communities are influenced by genotype. Our study was aimed at understanding if senescence and mortality are correlated with both plant sex and genotype. In August of 2024, seven replicates from each of the ten genotypes in the experimental array were selected and the …
