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- Title
- Influence of Soil Disturbance and Fire on the Distribution of Caesar’s Weed (Urena Lobata) in Pine Flatwoods.
- Creator
- Hagood, Daniel Harrison, Benscoter, Brian, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Novel disturbances can increase the vulnerability of pine flatwoods to exotic species such as Caesar’s weed (Urena lobata), a plant that has invaded many ecosystems. To understand Caesar’s weed response to disturbance, a factorial field manipulation was used to quantify invasion success. Influence of feral swine (Sus scrofa) on the presence of seeds in the area was analyzed. The effect of heat on Caesar’s weed germination was also quantified. A winter fire and mechanical soil disturbance had...
Show moreNovel disturbances can increase the vulnerability of pine flatwoods to exotic species such as Caesar’s weed (Urena lobata), a plant that has invaded many ecosystems. To understand Caesar’s weed response to disturbance, a factorial field manipulation was used to quantify invasion success. Influence of feral swine (Sus scrofa) on the presence of seeds in the area was analyzed. The effect of heat on Caesar’s weed germination was also quantified. A winter fire and mechanical soil disturbance had no statistical effect on the spread of Caesar’s weed. However, in feral swine disturbed soils Caesar’s weed was more likely to be husked and experience less competition from seeds of other species. Low levels of seed heating increased germination. This data can provide information about the influences of fire and soil disturbances on the spread of Caesar’s weed, as well as how fire intensity levels can affect the spread of invasive Caesar’s weed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004928
- Subject Headings
- Ecology -- Florida, Urena lobata, Invasive plants--Ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE CRITICAL ROLE OF INTERACTIONS BETWEEN ECOLOGICAL FOUNDATION SPECIES IN STRUCTURING A MANGROVE COMMUNITY.
- Creator
- Aquino-Thomas, Jessene, Brooks, W. Randy, Proffitt, C. Edward, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
The main objective of this research was to analyze how well my proposed Foundation Species Interaction model explained the benthic communities found on red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) prop roots. This research investigated the connections between the primary foundation species (mangroves), the dominant secondary foundations species (oysters, sponges, and barnacles), and the resulting biodiversity in order to understand the temporal and spatial variability of the ecosystems at different...
Show moreThe main objective of this research was to analyze how well my proposed Foundation Species Interaction model explained the benthic communities found on red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) prop roots. This research investigated the connections between the primary foundation species (mangroves), the dominant secondary foundations species (oysters, sponges, and barnacles), and the resulting biodiversity in order to understand the temporal and spatial variability of the ecosystems at different community levels. Chapter 1 was dedicated to explaining my change in ecological theory, the Foundation Species Interaction model. The interactions included in the model between the foundations species that were examined were the mutualistic (+, +), commensal (+, 0), and parasitic (+, -) interactions. Chapter 2 focused on exploration of the mangrove ecosystem in Southeast Florida and establishing where the secondary foundation species and prop root epibionts where found along the latitudinal gradient. The survey investigated the connections between mangroves, the dominant secondary foundations species (e.g. oysters, sponges, and barnacles), and the resulting biodiversity to understand the temporal and spatial variability of the ecosystems at different community levels. Chapter 3 was dedicated to testing the Foundation Species Interaction model’s ability to predict the biodiversity along the latitudinal gradient of the survey. The difference in mangrove prop root communities were largely explained by where the communities laid along the latitudinal gradient and by secondary foundation species presence. The shift from one foundation species to another had sizable effects on biodiversity. Chapter 4 combined the Foundation Species Interaction model with the established predation hypothesis and tested their abilities to explain biodiversity along the latitudinal gradient. This allowed for shifts in community structure to be examined for top-down and bottom-up influences. Predation effects changed along the latitudinal gradient, as the predation effects changed so did the effects of each of the individual foundation species.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013561
- Subject Headings
- Mangrove ecology--Florida, Rhizophora mangle, Red mangrove--Ecology, Biodiversity & ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- INFLUENCE OF HYDROLOGICAL VARIATION ON WADING BIRD DIETS AND REPRODUCTION IN A LACUSTRINE WETLAND.
- Creator
- Essian, David A., Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Wetlandscape topography creates spatial variation in hydroperiod, which in turn creates spatial variation in biotic communities. Such spatiotemporal variation occurs on a large scale in some of the most productive wetlands in the world, including those of south Florida, U.S.A. Wading birds (Pelicaniformes and Ciconiiformes) are iconic, top-level consumers of such ecosystems. Infrequent drying is necessary to maintain the primary nest substrate (Salix caroliniana), and prey availability is...
Show moreWetlandscape topography creates spatial variation in hydroperiod, which in turn creates spatial variation in biotic communities. Such spatiotemporal variation occurs on a large scale in some of the most productive wetlands in the world, including those of south Florida, U.S.A. Wading birds (Pelicaniformes and Ciconiiformes) are iconic, top-level consumers of such ecosystems. Infrequent drying is necessary to maintain the primary nest substrate (Salix caroliniana), and prey availability is regulated by production of prey biomass in the wet season and the subsequent concentration of prey biomass into shallow pools during the dry season. The goal of this dissertation was to explicitly model wading bird nest abundance and survival as functions of water-level fluctuations, which were spatially nested (i.e., the effects of water-level fluctuations that occurred over a large scale were measured separately from the effects of water-level fluctuations that occurred over a small scale). In Chapter 2, I modeled colony-specific effects of wetlandscape water level fluctuations on wading bird nest abundance. Modeling the response at the colony level allowed the inclusion of important parameters that cannot be measured at the wetlandscape scale. For instance, each colony had its own optimal range of lake stage, which depended on local topography. I used the models to predict cumulative nest abundance under six hydrologic scenarios that were based on potential water management actions at Lake Okeechobee. I found that increasing water levels at the lake would marginally benefit the Great Egret but would substantially reduce long-term Snowy Egret and White Ibis populations. In Chapter 3, I modelled spatiotemporal distributions of fish biomass density in Lake Okeechobee’s littoral zone as a function of hierarchically nested hydrological variables. These models were consistent with the dynamic landscape connectivity model previously described in the literature. I modified the models to predict a binomial response which could then be linked to wading bird foraging threshold. The model predictions were used to estimate the number of available patch days during the breeding season, which was highly correlated with the number of nests for the great egret (Ardea alba), the snowy egret (Egretta thula), and the white ibis (Eudocimus albus). In Chapter 4, I used spatial statistics to better understand how interannual variability in resource wave patterns in the littoral zone influenced wading bird nest abundance. I found that more birds nested in years when the drying edge of the marsh moved further across the landscape. Great egret nest survival increased also, but small heron nest survival decreased. This decrease was likely because small herons continued to nest late into the season in years with longer waves, and, as with most bird species, nests that are initiated later in the season. In Chapter 5, I compiled conventional nestling diet data from 5 wading bird species sampled in 4 wetland types from 2010 to 2020 (not every wetland type was sampled in every year). This chapter provides a comprehensive, broad description of wading bird diets in south Florida, and quantifies interspecies, spatial, and interannual variation in nestling diets. By using a model-based approach to quantify the relative biomass of prey species and prey traits in nestling diets, I provide the first diet analysis that is fully reproducible across the large sympatric range of the wading bird species in the study (great egret, snowy egret, tricolored heron [Egretta tricolor], little blue heron [Egretta caerulea], and wood stork [Mycteria americana]).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013908
- Subject Headings
- Wading birds, Wetland ecology, Okeechobee, Lake (Fla.), Lacustrine ecology, Lake ecology--Florida.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The avian community characteristics of constructed treatment wetlands of South Florida.
- Creator
- Beck, Tyler J., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
This study compared the avian communities of treatment wetlands in South Florida called Stormwater Treatment Wetlands (STAs) to those in natural marshes and crop lands, and examined factors that influenced the size and structure of the avian communities within the STAs. The STAs contained a more abundant, rich and distinct avian community compared to reference land types. The STAs were dominated by wintering waterfowl, and therefore community patterns fluctuated more seasonally other land...
Show moreThis study compared the avian communities of treatment wetlands in South Florida called Stormwater Treatment Wetlands (STAs) to those in natural marshes and crop lands, and examined factors that influenced the size and structure of the avian communities within the STAs. The STAs contained a more abundant, rich and distinct avian community compared to reference land types. The STAs were dominated by wintering waterfowl, and therefore community patterns fluctuated more seasonally other land types. Within the STAs, density and richness in the fall and winter were much greater in the submerged aquatic vegetation than in the mixed emergent vegetation when waterfowl were present. The STAs maintain two vegetation treatments which enhanced their biodiversity value by supporting distinct avian communities with different migratory strategies This suggests the increase in treatment wetlands could partially offset the loss of natural wetlands, but avian communities in treatment wetlands are not surrogates for natural wetlands.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3362327
- Subject Headings
- Constructed wetlands, Wetland hydrology, Watershed management, Habitat (Ecology), Birds, Ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Abundance, reproductive seasonality and habitat preferences of amphipod crustaceans in seagrass meadows of Apalachee Bay, Florida.
- Creator
- Stoner, Allan W., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
- Date Issued
- 1980
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007068
- Subject Headings
- Amphipoda--Florida, Seagrasses, Reproduction, Habitat (Ecology)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A tidal inundation model of shallow-water availability (TiMSA).
- Creator
- Calle, Leonardo, Gawlik, Dale E., Xie, Zhixiao, Johnson, Brian, Graduate College
- Date Issued
- 2013-04-12
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361914
- Subject Headings
- Ecology, Wading birds, Florida Keys (Fla.)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A preliminary biological study of the link port canal.
- Creator
- Mook, David H.
- Date Issued
- 1974
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3358469
- Subject Headings
- Canals, Canals Florida, Eutrophication, Canal ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Metamorphic response of queen conch (Strombus gigas) larvae exposed to sediment and water from nearshore and offshore sites in the Florida Keys.
- Creator
- Kowalik, Gretchen A., Davis, Megan, Shawl, Amber L., Glazer, Robert A., Delgado, Gabriel A., Evans, Chris
- Date Issued
- 2006
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2147048
- Subject Headings
- Queen conch, Aquaculture, Marine ecology --Florida
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Effect of diet differences and non-native prey consumption on the productivity of small herons.
- Creator
- Jackson, Ashley Elizabeth, Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
- Abstract/Description
-
Little Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, and Tricolored Herons that nest in the Everglades have declined sharply over the past decade, due in part to food resource limitations. Here, I examined the diet of small herons to determine how prey characteristics affected the fitness of small herons in the highly modified Florida Everglades. Analysis of these diet differences showed birds nesting in 2017, a hydrologically dryer-than average year, and a more taxonomically varied diet were associated with...
Show moreLittle Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, and Tricolored Herons that nest in the Everglades have declined sharply over the past decade, due in part to food resource limitations. Here, I examined the diet of small herons to determine how prey characteristics affected the fitness of small herons in the highly modified Florida Everglades. Analysis of these diet differences showed birds nesting in 2017, a hydrologically dryer-than average year, and a more taxonomically varied diet were associated with nest success and improved body condition of nestlings. Over half (51%) of the fish biomass Little Blue Herons consumed were non-native species, compared to 14% and 19% non-native fish biomass consumed by Snowy Egrets and Tricolored Herons, respectively. Surprisingly, <7% of fish biomass available in the Everglades were comprised of non-native fish species, suggesting that small herons, and Little Blue Herons in particular, may be using alternative foraging habitats, to supplement their dietary needs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013072
- Subject Headings
- Herons, Florida--Everglades., Herons--Ecology.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE 1980S, AFTER A CENTURY OF ABUSE, A DECADE OF PROTECTION AND RESTORATION OF THE EVERGLADES (FLORIDA).
- Creator
- NICKELS, SARA R., Florida Atlantic University, Curl, Donald W.
- Abstract/Description
-
In the 1980s, confronted by severe problems created by one hundred years of drainage and flood control in Florida, public officials realized a new policy, while continuing to provide flood protection, must protect the environment and wildlife. This involved restoring the natural water flows to wildlife refuges, Everglades National Park, and other wetland areas. New legislation controlling the water supply, water quality, and the wetlands was passed. The Save Our Everglades program proposed to...
Show moreIn the 1980s, confronted by severe problems created by one hundred years of drainage and flood control in Florida, public officials realized a new policy, while continuing to provide flood protection, must protect the environment and wildlife. This involved restoring the natural water flows to wildlife refuges, Everglades National Park, and other wetland areas. New legislation controlling the water supply, water quality, and the wetlands was passed. The Save Our Everglades program proposed to restore the Everglades (the Kissimmee River Basin, Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades) to look and function more as it did in 1900 than in 1983 when the program was initiated. Problems, primarily caused by increasing population and agriculture, continued to thwart restoration efforts.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1987
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14411
- Subject Headings
- Everglades (Fla), Swamp ecology--Florida
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- SPATIOTEMPORAL DYNAMICS OF THE FLORIDA BAY ECOSYSTEM IN RELATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND EVERGLADES RESTORATION.
- Creator
- Smith, Mason J., Markwith, Scott H., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
One of the largest restoration programs in the world, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) aims to restore freshwater flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay estuary. Coupled with climate change, future changes from restoration highlight the need to implement an ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) approach in Florida Bay. The Ecopath framework was used to develop and apply a mass-balanced food web model to the spatiotemporal dynamics of hydrological restoration and...
Show moreOne of the largest restoration programs in the world, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) aims to restore freshwater flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay estuary. Coupled with climate change, future changes from restoration highlight the need to implement an ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) approach in Florida Bay. The Ecopath framework was used to develop and apply a mass-balanced food web model to the spatiotemporal dynamics of hydrological restoration and climate change through time. Results suggest Florida Bay is stabilized through large detrital energy pathways and low nutrient inputs, but subject to species distribution shifts due primarily to sea-level rise and salinity variation. A suite of winners and losers predicted provide an opportunity to ensure management strategies are designed appropriately to best achieve desired results for the future of the Florida Bay ecosystem.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013913
- Subject Headings
- Florida Bay (Fla.), Restoration ecology, Climate change
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- POPULATION ECOLOGY AND VITAL RATES OF APPLE SNAILS (POMACEA SPP.) IN WETLANDS.
- Creator
- Barrus, Nathan T., Dorn, Nathan J., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
In this thesis, I explored the abiotic and biotic factors that explain the variation in reproduction, survival, and individual growth of the Florida Apple Snail (Pomacea paludosa), and I combined reproduction, survival, and individual growth to determine the factors limiting Florida Apple Snail populations. First, I examined how the variation in reproduction of the Florida Apple Snail and another non-native congener (P. maculata) can be explained by depth, temperature, photoperiod, and adult...
Show moreIn this thesis, I explored the abiotic and biotic factors that explain the variation in reproduction, survival, and individual growth of the Florida Apple Snail (Pomacea paludosa), and I combined reproduction, survival, and individual growth to determine the factors limiting Florida Apple Snail populations. First, I examined how the variation in reproduction of the Florida Apple Snail and another non-native congener (P. maculata) can be explained by depth, temperature, photoperiod, and adult densities. I also examined how metaphyton total phosphorus (TP) influenced individual growth rates of both species. I found that P. paludosa optimally reproduce in shallower water than P. maculata, that both species respond positively to increased metaphyton TP, and that P. paludosa respond weaker to variation in metaphtyon TP than P. maculata. Then, I examined individual growth across seasons, and examined how size-dependent survival varied across seasons in and out of the presence predators. I also investigated predators that strongly influence survival rates. I found that individual growth was slower in the dry season than the wet season, that survival was not size-dependent nor seasonal when predators were excluded from cages, and that survival was size-dependent in the dry season but not the wet season when in the presence of predators. Greater Sirens and Giant Water Bugs were found to be strong predators of P. paludosa < 10 mm Shell Length (SL), Greater Siren and Giant Water Bugs seasonal abundances were responsible for the differences in size-dependent survival across seasons. Finally, I incorporated differences in ideal hydrological and temperature conditions for reproduction, seasonal differences in individual growth, and changes in survival in and out of the presence of predators onto a zero-population growth isocline. I found that optimal hydrological and temperature conditions, and increased growth in the dry season, could not make up for losses of snails < 10 mm SL by predators which suggested that predators are limiting P. paludosa populations in our study area.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013919
- Subject Headings
- Florida applesnail, Population ecology, Everglades (Fla.)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- MOLLUSCAN BIODIVERSITY OF THE NEARSHORE RIDGE COMPLEX OFF POMPANO BEACH, FLORIDA.
- Creator
- Opitz, Dylan G., Oleinik, Anton, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
A nearshore ridge complex (NRC) sits less than 250 m from the coast of Pompano Beach in Southeast Florida, and the varied bottom types within this complex may represent critical habitat for benthic mollusks. In order to document the diversity of mollusks within the NRC, SCUBA-based roving surveys were conducted between 2011 and 2019. Between 2021 and 2022, sediment samples were also collected from each of the bottom types to study mollusk diversity patterns. This combination of survey methods...
Show moreA nearshore ridge complex (NRC) sits less than 250 m from the coast of Pompano Beach in Southeast Florida, and the varied bottom types within this complex may represent critical habitat for benthic mollusks. In order to document the diversity of mollusks within the NRC, SCUBA-based roving surveys were conducted between 2011 and 2019. Between 2021 and 2022, sediment samples were also collected from each of the bottom types to study mollusk diversity patterns. This combination of survey methods resulted in the identification of 325 species of hard-shelled mollusks, representing 103 families and 4 classes. To test for differences in community structure between bottom types, relative abundance data from the sediment samples was used for multivariate analyses including NMDS ordination, ANOSIM, and hierarchical cluster analysis. Results indicated statistically significant differences in mollusk species composition between NRC bottom types.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2024
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014372
- Subject Headings
- Mollusks, Mollusks--Florida, Mollusks--Ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Allelopathy at the land/sea interface: microalgae and Brazilian pepper.
- Creator
- Hargraves, Paul E.
- Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/1925502
- Subject Headings
- Algae --Biotechnology, Coastal ecology --Florida, Allelopathy, Plant invasions --Florida, Mangrove ecology --Florida, Algae --Growth
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Ecological correlates of the abundance of juvenile green sea turtles (Chelonia Mydas) on nearshore reefs in southeast Florida.
- Creator
- Stadler, Melanie, Salmon, Michael, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Juvenile green turtle (Chelonia mydas) abundance differs among nearshore reefs, but why some sites are preferred over others is unknown. My study had two objectives: to quantify differences in abundance over time (one year) and to determine what ecological factors were correlated with those differences. I conducted quarterly surveys on reefs in Palm Beach and Broward Counties and compared reef sites with respect to (i) water depth, (ii) algal abundance and composition, and (iii) changes in...
Show moreJuvenile green turtle (Chelonia mydas) abundance differs among nearshore reefs, but why some sites are preferred over others is unknown. My study had two objectives: to quantify differences in abundance over time (one year) and to determine what ecological factors were correlated with those differences. I conducted quarterly surveys on reefs in Palm Beach and Broward Counties and compared reef sites with respect to (i) water depth, (ii) algal abundance and composition, and (iii) changes in reef area (caused by sand covering) through time (11 years). Turtles were most abundant on shallow reefs exposed to high light levels that remained stable (uncovered by sand) for long periods of time. These reefs had the highest diversity of algal species, in part because cropping by the turtles prevented any one species from becoming dominant. My results suggest that both physical and biological factors make some reefs more attractive to turtles than others
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004064
- Subject Headings
- Conservation biology -- Florida, Ecology -- Statistical methods, Sea turtles -- Ecology -- Florida, Wildlife conservation -- Florida
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Limitations on macroinvertebrate populations in South Florida weltands.
- Creator
- Knorp, Natalie E., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
It can be difficult to disentangle the factors that determine population success in freshwater systems, particularly for organisms with disturbance-resistant life stages like aquatic invertebrates. Nevertheless, the effects of environmental variation and habitat structure on animal population success in wetlands are important for understanding both trophic interactions and biodiversity. I performed two experiments to determine the factors limiting crayfish (Procambarus fallax) and dragonfly ...
Show moreIt can be difficult to disentangle the factors that determine population success in freshwater systems, particularly for organisms with disturbance-resistant life stages like aquatic invertebrates. Nevertheless, the effects of environmental variation and habitat structure on animal population success in wetlands are important for understanding both trophic interactions and biodiversity. I performed two experiments to determine the factors limiting crayfish (Procambarus fallax) and dragonfly (Family: Libellulidae) populations in wetland environments. A simulation of a dry-disturbance and subsequent sunfish (Family: Centrarchidae) re-colonization revealed that crayfish populations are sensitive to sunfish, while dragonfly naiads seemed to be limited by other drying-related factors. A second manipulation revealed that small-bodied fishes and habitat structure (submerged vegetation) shaped dragonfly communities primarily through postcolonization processes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3362485
- Subject Headings
- Wetland ecology, Wildlife conservation, Freshwater invertebrates, Ecology, Predation (Biology), Marine ecosystem management
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Postglacial expansion of Rhizophora Mangle l. In the Caribbean Sea and Florida.
- Creator
- Kennedy, John Paul, Devlin, Donna, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) was a period of massive range contraction for numerous taxa, including the water-dispersed mangrove species, Rhizophora mangle L. Following the LGM, R. mangle expanded poleward via propagule transport by ocean currents. In this study, we use microsatellite loci to characterize the genetic structure of nine R. mangle populations and compare potential expansion pathways that resulted in the colonization of the Florida peninsula and Caribbean islands. Results show...
Show moreThe Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) was a period of massive range contraction for numerous taxa, including the water-dispersed mangrove species, Rhizophora mangle L. Following the LGM, R. mangle expanded poleward via propagule transport by ocean currents. In this study, we use microsatellite loci to characterize the genetic structure of nine R. mangle populations and compare potential expansion pathways that resulted in the colonization of the Florida peninsula and Caribbean islands. Results show comparatively greater genetic connectivity between the Caribbean mainland and Florida, a similar pattern between West Africa and Caribbean islands, and substantial admixture on the island of San Salvador, the Bahamas. We conclude that Florida and Caribbean island R. mangle populations were likely recolonized via different expansion pathways. Estimates of recent migration rates are low and populations are structured into three regions (Caribbean mainland, Caribbean islands, Florida). These findings provide insight for future management and conservation initiatives.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004206, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004206
- Subject Headings
- Mangrove ecology -- Caribbean Sea, Mangrove ecology -- Florida, Marine ecology -- Caribbean Sea, Marine ecology -- Florida., Red mangrove, Shore protection -- Florida, Wetland conservation
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Temporal analysis of gene expression in a field population of the Scleractinian coral Montastraea faveolata.
- Creator
- Edge,Sara E., Morgan, Michael B., Snell, Terry W., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
- Date Issued
- 2008-02-22
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/1745597
- Subject Headings
- Coral reef biology, Coral reef ecology, Coral reef ecology --Florida --Florida Keys, Gene Expression
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Ecology and nutrition of invasive Caulerpa brachypus f. parvifolia blooms on coral reefs off southeast Florida, U.S.A.
- Creator
- Lapointe, Brian E., Bedford, Bradley J.
- Date Issued
- 2010-01
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/1925499
- Subject Headings
- Coral reef ecology --Florida --Florida Keys, Coral reef ecology, Coral reef biology, Algal blooms, Algae Toxicology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Diatoms as a food source for Sorites dominicensis.
- Creator
- Gaston, Tiffany., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
-
Sorites dominicensis is a common Foraminifera living on Thalassia testudinum seagrass blades in the Indian River Lagoon. This locality is unique because epiphytic diatoms, characteristic of Caribbean and temperate environments, are expected to make up the biofilm community. Diatoms compose a large part of the Foraminiferan diet. It is important to understand the cause and effect relationship of population variation between S. dominicensis and its preferred food source, since both are valuable...
Show moreSorites dominicensis is a common Foraminifera living on Thalassia testudinum seagrass blades in the Indian River Lagoon. This locality is unique because epiphytic diatoms, characteristic of Caribbean and temperate environments, are expected to make up the biofilm community. Diatoms compose a large part of the Foraminiferan diet. It is important to understand the cause and effect relationship of population variation between S. dominicensis and its preferred food source, since both are valuable bioindicators. We examined the selective feeding of S. dominicensis by first, identifying the diatom assemblage. Second, we utilized scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in order to identifying the remains of diatoms entrapped in pseudopodial nets and in debris piles. We found that Mastogloia and Cocconeis were the most prominent genera in the overall diatom assemblage. The food preference of S. dominicensis included Amphora, Berkeleya rutilans,Cocconeis, Licmophora dalmatica, Mastogloia, Odontella rhombus, Plagiogramma pulchellum var. pygmaeum, and Skeletonema.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/77667
- Subject Headings
- Diatoms, Identification, Wetland ecology, Stream ecology, Methodology
- Format
- Document (PDF)