Current Search: Wetterer, James K. (x)
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- Title
- Boom and bust of the tawny Crazy Ant, Nylanderia fulva (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), on St. Croix, US Virgin Islands.
- Creator
- Wetterer, James K., Davis, Olasee, Williamson, Joe R.
- Date Issued
- 2014-09
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000208
- Format
- Citation
- Title
- Changes in Ant Species Distribution on Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches in St Croix, US Virgin Islands.
- Creator
- Balkaran, Kavita, Wetterer, James K., Graduate College, Romais, Danielle K., Balkaran, Michael, Balkaran, Deavica
- Abstract/Description
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Invasive predaceous ants can cause chaos in their new habitats by competing for resources, increasing or decreasing preys or predators, and even threatening the next generation of offsprings. The red imported fire ant RIFA, Solenopsis invicta is a generalist, omnivorous exotic ant from South America. It has been causing ecological, agricultural, and economical havoc in the USA and other parts of the world. Solenopsis invicta preys on pipped eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and...
Show moreInvasive predaceous ants can cause chaos in their new habitats by competing for resources, increasing or decreasing preys or predators, and even threatening the next generation of offsprings. The red imported fire ant RIFA, Solenopsis invicta is a generalist, omnivorous exotic ant from South America. It has been causing ecological, agricultural, and economical havoc in the USA and other parts of the world. Solenopsis invicta preys on pipped eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and reptiles and they are also found on sea turtle nesting beaches. We hypothesized that there will be a change in the fire ant species distribution at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge SPNWR after the first follow-up survey done in 2010, and at Jack Bay after the baseline study in 2011; both nesting beaches are in St Croix, US Virgin Islands. Baited index cards with tuna were set out for approximately two hours then ants were collected in separate marked bags. They were frozen then preserved in ethanol and finally identified. Solenopsis invicta was the most common exotic species at SPNWR. It was significantly more abundant p0.02 than the other fire ant species, Solenopsis geminata which was more abundant in both the 2010 survey and the baseline survey in 2006 at SPNWR. Neither of the fire ant species was found at Jack Bay. This increase in RIFA can become a serious threat to the next generation of sea turtles if its abundance continues to increase at SPNWR.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005135
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- DECISION-MAKING GAMES: EFFECTS ON FUTURE DECISIONS OF ADOLESCENTS.
- Creator
- Rivera, Dalian K., Wetterer, James K., Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
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I propose research that examines whether decision making video games have positive effects on the everyday decision of adolescents. The research will be conducted on 30 adolescents/young adults, ages 18-24, who have very little gaming experience. Subjects will complete a survey examining their decision-making capabilities, problem-solving ability, and their mental speed. They will be randomly placed into two groups of 15, the experimental and the control. The experimental group will...
Show moreI propose research that examines whether decision making video games have positive effects on the everyday decision of adolescents. The research will be conducted on 30 adolescents/young adults, ages 18-24, who have very little gaming experience. Subjects will complete a survey examining their decision-making capabilities, problem-solving ability, and their mental speed. They will be randomly placed into two groups of 15, the experimental and the control. The experimental group will participate in an online decision-making game, Imprisoned and Alter Ego, for a total of five hours over a three-week period. The control group will not play any online games. I will then retest all the subjects. I hypothesize that moderate play of decision-making games by adolescents and young adults can improve the decision-making abilities in their everyday lives as well as enhance their problem-solving skills, and increase the speed of their thought processing capabilities.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00045
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Behavioral Enrichment of Captive Black Bears (Ursus americanus).
- Creator
- Gonzalez, Jasmine, Allard, Stephanie, Earles, Julie, Wetterer, James K.
- Date Issued
- 2012-04-06
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3348822
- Subject Headings
- Bears, Captive wild animals, Animal welfare, Environmental enrichment, Ursus americanus
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Fluoride accumulation in aquatic snail species.
- Creator
- Sollins, Benjamin H., Ivey, Michelle M., Wetterer, James K., Graduate College
- Date Issued
- 2013-04-12
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361962
- Subject Headings
- Snails, Fluorides, Anthropogenic compounds
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Geographic distribution of Labidus coecus (Latr.) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae), a subterranean army ant.
- Creator
- Wetterer, James K., Snelling, Gordon C.
- Date Issued
- 2015-06-11
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000214
- Format
- Citation
- Title
- EXAMINATION OF NATURAL AND CAPTIVE BEHAVIORS AND THEIRIMPLICATIONS ON MENTAL HEALTH IN OCTOPUS VULGARIS.
- Creator
- Odom, Justin, Moore, Jon, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
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In an attempt to better understand the effects of environmental enrichments on captive octopods, specifically Octopus vulgaris, as conducted by aquariums, attempts have been made to collect wild octopus from various sites in the Indian River Lagoon. Collected specimen would have been observed in captivity in order to compare their behavior with that of their wild counterparts based on the data collected by Kayes in 1973. The research conducted would serve to investigate if the environmental...
Show moreIn an attempt to better understand the effects of environmental enrichments on captive octopods, specifically Octopus vulgaris, as conducted by aquariums, attempts have been made to collect wild octopus from various sites in the Indian River Lagoon. Collected specimen would have been observed in captivity in order to compare their behavior with that of their wild counterparts based on the data collected by Kayes in 1973. The research conducted would serve to investigate if the environmental enrichments, institutionalized by aquariums, encourage octopods to behave more closely to the natural or wild type behaviors or if the enrichments encourage less natural behavior. Due to complications in the collection process, the nature of research conducted was changed to look at behavior of 0. vulgaris in the wild at Blue Heron Bridge, while examining literature on implications of octopi behavior in captivity. Enrichment is used to guarantee the mental wellbeing and health of animals in captivity in the interests of maintaining a good quality of living. This thesis looks at whether the quality for life achieved by enrichment impacts behavior by either encouraging natural or unnatural behavior in octopi.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003620
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Bio-active organic compounds in the venom of an Endemic Jamaican Ant, Crematogaster vicina.
- Creator
- Burnett, Brian M, Wetterer, James K., Dragojlovic, Veljko, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
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Bioprospecting, the search for useful compounds found in nature, has led to the discovery of novel drugs and pharmaceuticals. For my thesis research, I analyzed the organic compounds in the venom of Crematogaster vicina Andre, an endemic Jamaican ant. Prior chemical analysis of Crematogaster species revealed diverse, bio-active organic compounds, which included long chained conjugated dienones, furanocembranoid, and diterpenes. I postulated that these types of compounds are characteristic of...
Show moreBioprospecting, the search for useful compounds found in nature, has led to the discovery of novel drugs and pharmaceuticals. For my thesis research, I analyzed the organic compounds in the venom of Crematogaster vicina Andre, an endemic Jamaican ant. Prior chemical analysis of Crematogaster species revealed diverse, bio-active organic compounds, which included long chained conjugated dienones, furanocembranoid, and diterpenes. I postulated that these types of compounds are characteristic of the Crematogaster venom. I used Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Sci-Finder database and SDBS database to test my hypothesis with C.vicina venom. I identified one bio-active organic compound of high abundance and similar characteristics of the organic compounds found in venom of the Crematogaster species from Europe: 1, 2 –Dihydro-4-ethylamino-1-methylpyrimidin-2-one, which I isolated as di (phosphate methyl ester).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003508
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Impact of reduction mowing on fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formiciade) at Gopher tortoise (Testudines: Testudinidae) burrows.
- Creator
- Jones, Richard, Wetterer, James K., Moore, Jon, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
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Many species prey upon the threatened gopher tortoises, including the Red Imported Fir Ants Solenopsis invicta. While human alterations to native habitat have led to a decline in gopher tortoises, “disturbance specialists” like S. invicta often thrive on such changes. This study examines three ant surveys at gopher tortoise burrows within a section of residential “greenway” in southeastern Florida before and after “reduction mowing”. While the presence of S. invicta did decrease aftrer the...
Show moreMany species prey upon the threatened gopher tortoises, including the Red Imported Fir Ants Solenopsis invicta. While human alterations to native habitat have led to a decline in gopher tortoises, “disturbance specialists” like S. invicta often thrive on such changes. This study examines three ant surveys at gopher tortoise burrows within a section of residential “greenway” in southeastern Florida before and after “reduction mowing”. While the presence of S. invicta did decrease aftrer the reduction mowing, the numbers of native ants and ant species richness in general showed a significant decline. Another invasive ant, the Little Fire Ant, Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger, 1863), showed a significant increase after the mowing. While not as destructive as S. invicta, W.auropunctata has been documented to be a significant pest to many terrestrial vertebrates and should be considered a potential threat in future gopher tortoise and land management schemes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003519
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Demographic Survey of Gopherus polyphemus (Gopher Tortoise) at the Abacoa Greenway.
- Creator
- Sano, Tokio, Moore, Jon, Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
-
The Abacoa Greenway reserve is a 105 ha preserve in Jupiter, Florida. We investigated the demographics of the gopher tortoise population and their burrow distributions in a 9 ha portion of the greenway (Range VIa) used for the relocation of gopher tortoises. Range VIa currently houses at least 90 tortoises. According to state guidelines this reserve is considered to be a “support population” with ≤250 individuals living in an area ≤100 ha. We found that the tortoises in the reserve are...
Show moreThe Abacoa Greenway reserve is a 105 ha preserve in Jupiter, Florida. We investigated the demographics of the gopher tortoise population and their burrow distributions in a 9 ha portion of the greenway (Range VIa) used for the relocation of gopher tortoises. Range VIa currently houses at least 90 tortoises. According to state guidelines this reserve is considered to be a “support population” with ≤250 individuals living in an area ≤100 ha. We found that the tortoises in the reserve are showing signs of maturity at a younger age (7-10 years) and a larger size (25-35 cm carapace length) compared to more northern populations. We hypothesize that this is due to the latitudinal climate effects and warm winters allowing year-round foraging. For the gopher tortoise burrow distribution, we found that many tortoises are creating new burrows on the periphery due to the overgrowth of the vegetation in the interior of the reserve and a reduction mowing is needed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003625
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF PRE-NATAL OXYCODONE EXPOSURE IN MICE.
- Creator
- Skaf, Daniel, Wetterer, James K., Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
-
Prescription drug abuse is a rapidly emerging epidemic. One serious consequence of this abuse is increased incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS results from a pregnant mother abusing opiates during her gestation period. The short-term effects of in utero opiate exposure on newborns are well documented, but the long-term impacts are poorly known. Our project in the Miller Lab aimed to characterize the impacts of prenatal opiate exposure on the behavior of mice. Our data...
Show morePrescription drug abuse is a rapidly emerging epidemic. One serious consequence of this abuse is increased incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS results from a pregnant mother abusing opiates during her gestation period. The short-term effects of in utero opiate exposure on newborns are well documented, but the long-term impacts are poorly known. Our project in the Miller Lab aimed to characterize the impacts of prenatal opiate exposure on the behavior of mice. Our data indicates that mice exposed to oxycodone in utero show abnormal, impulsive-like behavior and had a lower seizure threshold compared to control mice. We can now work towards identifying possible underlying brain structural abnormalities producing this phenotype, and we are now more prepared to deal with the lifelong impact of this exposure.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00012638
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- CELLULAR SENESCENCE INCREASES IN THE ERCC1-/Δ MOUSE MODEL OF ACCELERATED AGING.
- Creator
- Bukata, Christina, Wetterer, James K., Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
-
Aging is the result of the progressive and intrinsic accumulation of detrimental changes in an organism over time. Understanding the molecular pathways that contribute to aging is critical for the development of therapeutic agents to treat age-related disorders. As an animal ages, it accumulates senescent cells, cells that are unable to grow or divide but remain metabolically active. They secrete Senescence Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) factors, which can disrupt tissue and cause age...
Show moreAging is the result of the progressive and intrinsic accumulation of detrimental changes in an organism over time. Understanding the molecular pathways that contribute to aging is critical for the development of therapeutic agents to treat age-related disorders. As an animal ages, it accumulates senescent cells, cells that are unable to grow or divide but remain metabolically active. They secrete Senescence Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) factors, which can disrupt tissue and cause age related diseases. The Ercc1-/Δ mice are an accelerated aging, progeriod model, and thus it was hypothesized that cellular senescence would increase in the Ercc1-/Δ mice. Through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis, the expression of senescence biomarkers p16INK4a, p21, IL-6 and TNF-α were measured to confirm that Ercc1-/Δ mice do experience an increase in cellular senescence. Additionally, we were able to determine that there are gender differences regarding the accumulation of senescent cells in various body parts.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00012609
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- HOW TO IMPROVE THE DIETS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS.
- Creator
- Capi, Donald, Wetterer, James K., Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
-
Numerous studies have found a significant correlation between diet and brain function in humans and other animals, indicating that a healthy diet can greatly enhance cognition and reduce oxidative stress, which impairs brain health. My thesis examines the policies of ten successful university nutrition programs in the United States, with the aim of improving nutrition for students at the Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University (FAU). I proposed that FAU should establish an on-...
Show moreNumerous studies have found a significant correlation between diet and brain function in humans and other animals, indicating that a healthy diet can greatly enhance cognition and reduce oxidative stress, which impairs brain health. My thesis examines the policies of ten successful university nutrition programs in the United States, with the aim of improving nutrition for students at the Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University (FAU). I proposed that FAU should establish an on- campus vegetable garden, partner with local fisheries to provide fresh fish to the campus dining room, and mandate that all freshman complete a course in “nutrition for cognition.”
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00012601
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Anti-Bacterial Properties in Venom of Albanian Acrobat Ants, Crematogaster schmidti.
- Creator
- Sawai, Guillermo G., Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
-
Bioprospecting’s main goal is to discover natural compounds with beneficial properties. Previous studies have shown diverse, bio-active organic compounds found in the venom of different species of ants. In my research, I tested the venom of an acrobat ant from Albania, Crematogaster schmidti, for anti-bacterial properties by using the disc diffusion method. I found a decrease in bacterial colony growth where the venom was applied onto the agar plate.
- Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003692
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- AUTOPHAGY IN DNA DAMAGE INDUCED ACCELERATED AGING.
- Creator
- Muravia, Mariya, Wetterer, James K., Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
-
Autophagy, the cellular “recycling system” of unnecessary components, is a crucial mechanism for maintaining homeostasis inside the cell. Whereas impaired DNA repair function leads to accelerated aging and an early onset of several age-related diseases, it is not known whether autophagy plays a mediating role in this process. Here, we examined changes in autophagy in cells with progeria due to a disabled ERCC1-XPF, a nuclear DNA repair enzyme. We found that loss of ERCC1 function leads to DNA...
Show moreAutophagy, the cellular “recycling system” of unnecessary components, is a crucial mechanism for maintaining homeostasis inside the cell. Whereas impaired DNA repair function leads to accelerated aging and an early onset of several age-related diseases, it is not known whether autophagy plays a mediating role in this process. Here, we examined changes in autophagy in cells with progeria due to a disabled ERCC1-XPF, a nuclear DNA repair enzyme. We found that loss of ERCC1 function leads to DNA damage and a decrease in autophagic flux in cells. Low dose treatment with Rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, improved proliferation and delayed aging, or cellular senescence, in the cells. These data suggest that persistent DNA damage suppresses autophagic flux, thus contributing to early senescence and accelerated onset of age-related diseases. Therefore, therapeutics that improve autophagic flux, may prove beneficial for progeroid patients.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00012630
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Cetacean Mortality Along the US East Coast Attributed to Morbillivirus.
- Creator
- Feliciano, Lyly, Wetterer, James K., Arrieta, Diane, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
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In 2013-2014, bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) experienced unusually high mortality along the East Coast of the US. Many deaths were attributed to Cetacean Morbillivirus (CeMV). My thesis research examined whether this high mortality could be attributed to the virus spreading more easily due to pollution, being picked up from a specific location, or unusual weather events. I found no evidence that pollutants or location corresponded with CeMV. There was the expected percentage of...
Show moreIn 2013-2014, bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) experienced unusually high mortality along the East Coast of the US. Many deaths were attributed to Cetacean Morbillivirus (CeMV). My thesis research examined whether this high mortality could be attributed to the virus spreading more easily due to pollution, being picked up from a specific location, or unusual weather events. I found no evidence that pollutants or location corresponded with CeMV. There was the expected percentage of strandings based on the percentage of coastline therefore ruling out any linkage to location. Weather patterns appeared to have an effect on CeMV. When the temperatures were low, there were minimal strandings due to CeMV. Whereas, when temperatures were at their highest, there were also record numbers of CeMV. Thus, I concluded that high temperatures may have allowed increased spread of CeMV, which was compounded by increased movement of dolphins when waters are warmer.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003672
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Using C. elegans as a Model System to Discover Antiepileptic Drugs.
- Creator
- Merritt, Mckenzie D., Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
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Novel antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are commonly tested using rats and mice as model systems. These animals, however, require a great deal of time, money, and lab space to maintain. In contrast, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) potentially can provide a faster, and less expensive model system for testing AEDs. C. elegans are simple to maintain and have a very short generation time, allowing high throughput assays to screen for new AEDs. For my thesis research, I used C. elegans...
Show moreNovel antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are commonly tested using rats and mice as model systems. These animals, however, require a great deal of time, money, and lab space to maintain. In contrast, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) potentially can provide a faster, and less expensive model system for testing AEDs. C. elegans are simple to maintain and have a very short generation time, allowing high throughput assays to screen for new AEDs. For my thesis research, I used C. elegans to test FDA approved AEDs. My tests support the contention that C. elegans can be a useful model system for AED discovery.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003682
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) Population Changes at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
- Creator
- Morton, Emily M.N., Wetterer, James K., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
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Each June, surveys are conducted at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in order to monitor the population status of the Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), the only avian species endemic to the state of Florida. These birds are limited to the rare oak scrub community, a habitat that is under constant threat due to human development. Florida Scrub-Jays are listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act and all of Florida’s populations are in decline. Jonathan Dickinson...
Show moreEach June, surveys are conducted at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in order to monitor the population status of the Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), the only avian species endemic to the state of Florida. These birds are limited to the rare oak scrub community, a habitat that is under constant threat due to human development. Florida Scrub-Jays are listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act and all of Florida’s populations are in decline. Jonathan Dickinson State Park organizes surveys that collect vital information about the species to better understand how to conserve the fire-dependent oak scrub that they inhabit. The results of this study indicate that efforts to restore the scrub habitat through prescribed burning have been successful at JDSP since the population of Florida Scrub-Jays has stabilized and the birds have dispersed into new areas of the park.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003683
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Impact of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta ) on two species of sea turtle hatchlings.
- Creator
- Krahe, Holly B., Florida Atlantic University, Wetterer, James K.
- Abstract/Description
-
Although the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta ) is known to kill sea turtle hatchlings, little research has focused on sub-lethal effects of ant attacks on hatchlings emerging from nests. Sea turtle hatchlings of two species (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas) exposed to fire ants during incubation and emergence were collected on Juno Beach, Florida. Hatchlings were maintained for ten days in a common saltwater outdoor pool at the Marinelife Center, Juno Beach. Hatchlings showing...
Show moreAlthough the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta ) is known to kill sea turtle hatchlings, little research has focused on sub-lethal effects of ant attacks on hatchlings emerging from nests. Sea turtle hatchlings of two species (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas) exposed to fire ants during incubation and emergence were collected on Juno Beach, Florida. Hatchlings were maintained for ten days in a common saltwater outdoor pool at the Marinelife Center, Juno Beach. Hatchlings showing pustules diagnostic of S. invicta stings were compared to non-stung controls in terms of survival, growth (mass and SCL) and initial crawling strength. Loggerhead hatchlings showed a significant decrease in survival, growth, and crawling strength when stung by fire ants. In contrast, no significant differences were seen in the survival, growth, and crawling strength of green turtle hatchlings when stung by fire ants.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13252
- Subject Headings
- Fire ants--Venom--Physiological effect, Loggerhead turtle--Mortality, Green turtle--Mortality, Sea turtles--Florida
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Fire ants on sea turtle nesting beaches in South Florida, USA, and ST. Croix, USVI.
- Creator
- Romais, Danielle K., Wetterer, James K., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is a South American native introduced in Alabama in the early 20th century. This predatory species has rapidly spread throughout the southeastern US and parts of the West Indies, inflicting great ecological and economic damage. For example, Solenopsis invicta is known to attack the eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and reptiles. The ants swarm into the nests attacking hatchlings and diminishing their chance for survival. My thesis...
Show moreThe red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is a South American native introduced in Alabama in the early 20th century. This predatory species has rapidly spread throughout the southeastern US and parts of the West Indies, inflicting great ecological and economic damage. For example, Solenopsis invicta is known to attack the eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and reptiles. The ants swarm into the nests attacking hatchlings and diminishing their chance for survival. My thesis research aimed to survey the distribution of ants on sea turtle nesting beaches in South Florida and St. Croix, USVI, and to evaluate the possible threat of Solenopsis invicta and other predatory ants to sea turtle hatchlings.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004052
- Subject Headings
- Biological invasions, Fire ants -- Venom -- Physiological effect, Predation (Biology), Sea turtles -- Florida -- Mortality, Sea turtles -- St. Croix -- Mortality, Wildlife conservation -- Florida, Wildlife conservation -- St. Croix
- Format
- Document (PDF)