View All Items

Title: Biomonitoring of hypoxia and sulfide stress in three sub-tropical seagrasses.
Creator: Irwin, Connor., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Hypoxia and sulfide exposure, increased using glucose, are considered major environmental stressors in seagrass communities. Quantum efficiency, total soluble protein and catalase activity were quantified to evaluate the applicability of each of these bioindicators to detect environmental stress in three tropical seagrass species, Thalassia testudinum (Banks ex Kèoenig), Halodule wrightii (Ascherson) and Syringodium filiforme (Kuetz). Hypoxia + sulfide treatments significantly decreased the...
Show moreHypoxia and sulfide exposure, increased using glucose, are considered major environmental stressors in seagrass communities. Quantum efficiency, total soluble protein and catalase activity were quantified to evaluate the applicability of each of these bioindicators to detect environmental stress in three tropical seagrass species, Thalassia testudinum (Banks ex Kèoenig), Halodule wrightii (Ascherson) and Syringodium filiforme (Kuetz). Hypoxia + sulfide treatments significantly decreased the quantum efficiency of all three species, but showed no response in protein and catalase activity. Although no treatment effect was found, catalase activity was enhanced in T. testudinum leaves and H. wrightii roots relative to other tissues, while S. filiforme showed no location-specific catalase activity. These results indicate that quantum efficiency is a more sensitive indicator than protein and catalase activity to hypoxia and sulfide stress in seagrasses.
Show less
Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2976445
Subject Headings: Plant physiology, Environmental management, Seagrasses, Habitat, Environmental aspects, Sulfites, Physiological effect, Marine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A comparison of stability in swimming loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtle posthatchlings.
Creator: Dougherty, Erin., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Posthatchling green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles overlap ecologically but differ morphologically. This study compared hydrodynamic stability between the two species during swimming to test for functional differences in body shape. Flipper movement paths, four stability measures (yaw, pitch, heave, and sideslip), and the relative positions of the centers of buoyancy and gravity were compared between species. Both centers of buoyancy and gravity lie in the anterior...
Show morePosthatchling green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles overlap ecologically but differ morphologically. This study compared hydrodynamic stability between the two species during swimming to test for functional differences in body shape. Flipper movement paths, four stability measures (yaw, pitch, heave, and sideslip), and the relative positions of the centers of buoyancy and gravity were compared between species. Both centers of buoyancy and gravity lie in the anterior body; their positions relative to one another differed with species, but showed no functional consequences. Neither species demonstrated substantial yaw, sideslip, or pitch. Both experienced upward heave with the flippers' downstroke and downward heave with the upstroke; however phase relationships differed between these limb and body motions. No differences were found between the two species. Despite obvious morphological differences, loggerheads and green turtles were similarly stable during swimming, suggesting that the species use different mechanisms to achieve stability.
Show less
Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186689
Subject Headings: Sea turtles, Morphology, Sea turtles, Physiology, Animal locomotion, Marine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Developmental Morphology of Flippers in Sea Turtles and Penguins.
Creator: Kwong, Grace W., Wyneken, Jeanette, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: There are no modem anatomical studies of flipper development or particularly any examining limb formation across distantly related taxa converging on similar flipper morphology. This study compares and contrasts the development of flippers in sea turtle (Caretta caretta) and penguin (Spheniscus demersus , Eudyptula minor) embryos. Embryos were fixed, cleared and stained for cartilage anlagen, and prepared as whole mounts. Skeletal elements forming the flipper and changes in their growth rates...
Show moreThere are no modem anatomical studies of flipper development or particularly any examining limb formation across distantly related taxa converging on similar flipper morphology. This study compares and contrasts the development of flippers in sea turtle (Caretta caretta) and penguin (Spheniscus demersus , Eudyptula minor) embryos. Embryos were fixed, cleared and stained for cartilage anlagen, and prepared as whole mounts. Skeletal elements forming the flipper and changes in their growth rates were described across developmental stages. Results suggest skeletal elements contribute differently to sea turtle and penguin flipper blades and there are significant differences in bone shape and growth patterns. Greater proportional increases in lengths and areas were found in sea turtles elements compared to penguins. Sea turtles appear to depend on a pathway resulting in elongation of distal elements to build a flipper, whereas penguin limbs undergo flattening and expansion of fewer elements to meet a similar structural goal.
Show less
Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000784
Subject Headings: Sea turtles--Physiology, Sea turtles--Morphology, Penguins--Morphology, Animal locomotion, Marine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Functional aspects of behavior and morphology in the decorator crab Microphrys Bicornutus (Latreille, 1825) (Crustacea: Brachyura: Mithracidae).
Creator: Salazar, Monique Alexandra, Brooks, W. Randy, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Masking or decorator crabs, conceal themselves partially through camouflage, by selecting or indiscriminately attaching materials from their environment to their exoskeleton. Functional aspects of decorating behavior and morphology in this group have not been documented. Using Microphrys bicornutus as a model species, this dissertation demonstrates clearly that decorating is an advantageous phenotype that has evolved to serve several functions. Decorating is a complex behavior that begins...
Show moreMasking or decorator crabs, conceal themselves partially through camouflage, by selecting or indiscriminately attaching materials from their environment to their exoskeleton. Functional aspects of decorating behavior and morphology in this group have not been documented. Using Microphrys bicornutus as a model species, this dissertation demonstrates clearly that decorating is an advantageous phenotype that has evolved to serve several functions. Decorating is a complex behavior that begins when a crab approaches an algal substrate and results in the attachment of algae to hooked setae on the exoskeleton. Once decorated, crabs remain motionless on the substrate until disturbed or until another behavior is initiated. This was confirmed for M. bicornutus, as crabs spent a significant amount of time feeding, remaining motionless, picking, and walking when compared to decorating. Crabs displayed agonistic behaviors during encounters with conspecifics conspecifics. These included both active aggressive behavior and display behavior. Crabs showed a decrease in motility during these encounters, helping maintain dispersed distributions, thereby decreasing intrsapecific encounters in the field. Trials were done to determine the effect of conspecifics, predators and feeding preferences on algal utilization. M. bicornutus showed a significant decrease in the amount of algae used for decoration in the highest density trials (i.e., 4 and 8 crabs). Agonistic displays and aggressive behavior between these crabs likely affected the time available for decorating. Decorated crabs isolated from an algal substrate were more likely to survive in the presence of either of two sympatric fish predators. Thus, being protected by the algal decoration on their exoskeletons. Trials also showed a parallel between algal consumption and algal materials used for decoration. In addition to its protective function, algae used by M. bicornutus for decoration simultaneously serve as short term food supplies for the crabs. Eleven morphologically complex structures were identified and mapped on the exoskeleton. Hooked setae were the primary structures used to attach algae to the crab’s body. Ten additional setal structures were present, including two novel types of setae. On the basis of location and morphological variation exhibited among these latter structures, a primary sensory function may be inferred.
Show less
Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004056
Subject Headings: Animal behavior, Camouflage (Biology), Crabs -- Behavior, Marine ecology, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mathematical modeling of plankton patchiness.
Creator: Ather, Simantha S., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: In natural systems, it has been observed that plankton exist in patches rather than in an even distribution across a body of water. However, the mechanisms behind this patchiness are not fully understood. Several previous modeling studies have examined the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on patch structure. Yet these models ignore a key point: zooplankton often undergo diel vertical migration. I have formulated a model that incorporates vertical movement into the Rosezweig-MacArthur (R...
Show moreIn natural systems, it has been observed that plankton exist in patches rather than in an even distribution across a body of water. However, the mechanisms behind this patchiness are not fully understood. Several previous modeling studies have examined the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on patch structure. Yet these models ignore a key point: zooplankton often undergo diel vertical migration. I have formulated a model that incorporates vertical movement into the Rosezweig-MacArthur (R-M) predator-prey model. The R-M model is stable only at a carrying capacity below a critical value. I found that adding vertical movement stabilizes the system even at a high carrying capacity. By analyzing temporal stability and spatial structure, my results show that vertical movement interacts with carrying capacity to determine patch structure.
Show less
Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/368615
Subject Headings: Marine plankton, Vertical distribution, Marine ecology, Mathematical models, Macroecology, Mathematical models
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Monitoring seasonal and annual changes in the mesozooplankton community of the Indian River Lagoon, Florida.
Creator: Kerr, Miranda Hoover., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: In estuaries, like the Indian River Lagoon, mesozooplankton have a vital role in the food web by connecting trophic levels. In this study, mesozooplankton abundance and species composition were monitored weekly on the incoming and outgoing tides from September 2006 to May 2009. For the incoming tide, the mean abundance was 2298.2 mesozooplankton/m3 (+/-325.2), and for the outgoing tide the mean abundance was 1180.0 mesozooplankton/m3 (+/-153.1). The mesozooplankton abundance on the incoming...
Show moreIn estuaries, like the Indian River Lagoon, mesozooplankton have a vital role in the food web by connecting trophic levels. In this study, mesozooplankton abundance and species composition were monitored weekly on the incoming and outgoing tides from September 2006 to May 2009. For the incoming tide, the mean abundance was 2298.2 mesozooplankton/m3 (+/-325.2), and for the outgoing tide the mean abundance was 1180.0 mesozooplankton/m3 (+/-153.1). The mesozooplankton abundance on the incoming tide was significantly greater than on the outgoing tide. The most abundant type of mesozooplankton was the copepod Acartia tonsa, representing 35.0% and 52.1% of the individuals on the incoming and outgoing tides respectively. Mesozooplankton abundance values were compared with environmental data obtained from the South Florida Water Management District. The strongest positive correlation was found between chlorophyll a concentrations and A. tonsa abundance, likely due to phytoplankton being the primary food source for A. tonsa.
Show less
Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2783241
Subject Headings: Marine zooplankton, Ecology, Marine ecology, Marine ecosystem management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Nematocyst replacement in the sea anemone Aiptasia Pallida following predation by Lysmata Wurdemanni: an inducible defense?.
Creator: Jennings, Lucas, Laramore, Susan E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The sea anemone Aiptasia pallida is a biological model for anthozoan research. Like all cnidarians, A. pallida possesses nematocysts for food capture and defense. Studies have shown that anthozoans, such as corals, can rapidly increase nematocyst concentration when faced with competition or predation, suggesting that nematocyst production may be an induced trait. The potential effects of two types of tissue damage, predator induced (Lysmata wurdemanni) and artificial (forceps), on nematocyst...
Show moreThe sea anemone Aiptasia pallida is a biological model for anthozoan research. Like all cnidarians, A. pallida possesses nematocysts for food capture and defense. Studies have shown that anthozoans, such as corals, can rapidly increase nematocyst concentration when faced with competition or predation, suggesting that nematocyst production may be an induced trait. The potential effects of two types of tissue damage, predator induced (Lysmata wurdemanni) and artificial (forceps), on nematocyst concentration was assessed. Nematocysts were identified by type and size to examine the potential plasticity associated with nematocyst production. While no significant differences were found in defensive nematocyst concentration between shrimp predation treatments versus controls, there was a significant difference in small-sized nematocyst in anemones damaged with forceps. The proportions of the different types of nematocysts between treatment types were also found to be different suggesting that nematocyst production in A. pallida is a plastic trait.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004204, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004204
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Marine ecology, Nematocysts, Predation (Biology), Sea anemones
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Snapping shrimp protect host anemones from predators.
Creator: McCammon, Amber., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The sea anemone Bartholomea annulata, is an ecologically important member of Caribbean coral reefs. This anemone serves as symbiotic host to crustacean associates, some of which may control parasite loads by "cleaning" reef fishes. Associates may gain protection from predation by dwelling with anemones. B. annulata was the most abundant anemone documented on three reefs, with 52% host to crustacean symbionts. Of those occupied by multi-species groups, 92% included Alpheus armatus shrimp. A....
Show moreThe sea anemone Bartholomea annulata, is an ecologically important member of Caribbean coral reefs. This anemone serves as symbiotic host to crustacean associates, some of which may control parasite loads by "cleaning" reef fishes. Associates may gain protection from predation by dwelling with anemones. B. annulata was the most abundant anemone documented on three reefs, with 52% host to crustacean symbionts. Of those occupied by multi-species groups, 92% included Alpheus armatus shrimp. A. armatus is an important anemone associate providing protection to the anemone from predators such as Hermodice carunculata, in laboratory and field trials. H. carunculata can completely devour or severely damage prey anemones. Here I show that anemones hosting symbiotic alpheid shrimp are extremely less likely to sustain damage by predators than solitary anemones. The role of protector may be reciprocally provided by anemone and decapod associates.
Show less
Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1930494
Subject Headings: Predation (Biology), Animal behavior, Coral reef ecology, Sea anemones, Marine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Taxonomy and ecology of the deep-pelagic fish family Melamphaidae, with emphasis on interactions with a mid-ocean ridge system.
Creator: Bartow, Kyle Allen., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Much of the world's oceans lie below a depth of 200 meters, but very little is known about the creatures that inhabit these deep-sea environments. The deep-sea fish family Melamphaidae (Stephanoberyciformes) is one such example of an understudied group of fishes. Samples from the MAR-ECO (www.mar-eco.no) project represent one of the largest melamphaid collections, providing an ideal opportunity to gain information on this important, but understudied, family of fishes. The key to the family...
Show moreMuch of the world's oceans lie below a depth of 200 meters, but very little is known about the creatures that inhabit these deep-sea environments. The deep-sea fish family Melamphaidae (Stephanoberyciformes) is one such example of an understudied group of fishes. Samples from the MAR-ECO (www.mar-eco.no) project represent one of the largest melamphaid collections, providing an ideal opportunity to gain information on this important, but understudied, family of fishes. The key to the family presented here is the first updated, comprehensive key since those produced by Ebeling and Weed (1963) and Keene (1987). Samples from the 2004 MAR-ECO cruise and the U.S. National Museum of Natural History provided an opportunity to review two possible new species, the Scopelogadus mizolepis subspecies, and a Poromitra crassiceps species complex. Results show that Scopeloberyx americanus and Melamphaes indicoides are new species, while the two subspecies of Scopelogadus mizolepis are most likely o nly one species and the Poromitra crassiceps complex is actually several different species of Poromitra. Data collected from the MAR-ECO cruise provided an opportunity to study the distribution, reproductive characteristics and trophic ecology of the family Melamphaidae along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR). Cluster analysis showed that there are five distinct groups of melamphaid fishes along the MAR. This analysis also supported the initial observation that the melamphaid assemblage changes between the northern and southern edges of an anti-cyclonic anomaly that could be indicative of a warm-core ring. Analysis of the reproductive characteristics of the melamphaid assemblage revealed that many of the female fishes have a high gonadosomatic index (GSI) consistent with values found for other species of deep-sea fishes during their spawning seasons., This may indicate that melamphaids use this ridge as a spawning ground. Diets of the melamphaid fishes were composed primarily of ostracods, a mphipods, copepods and euphausiids. Scopelogadus was the only genus shown to have a high percent of gelatinous prey in their digestive system, while Melamphaes had the highest concentration of chaetognaths. This work presents data on the ecology and taxonomy of the family Melamphaidae and provides a strong base for any future work on this biomass-dominant family of fishes.
Show less
Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2867331
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Marine biology, Marine ecology, Deep-sea biology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Ascidian Styela plicata As a Potential Bioremediator of the Brown Tide Pelagophytes Aureoumbra lagunensis and Aureococcus anophagefferens.
Creator: Klarmann, Phyllis A., Hartmann, James X., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: A brown tide bloom of the pelagophyte Aureoumbra lagunensis caused significant impacts to north Indian River Lagoon (IRL) in 2012-2013, including seagrass die-offs, fish kills, and reduced growth and grazing of ecologically important bivalves. There is potential for another pelagophyte, Aureococcus anophagefferens, to expand into this system. Filtration rates (FR) of the pleated tunicate Styela plicata exposed to Aureoumbra lagunensis and Aureococcus anophagefferens were measured against...
Show moreA brown tide bloom of the pelagophyte Aureoumbra lagunensis caused significant impacts to north Indian River Lagoon (IRL) in 2012-2013, including seagrass die-offs, fish kills, and reduced growth and grazing of ecologically important bivalves. There is potential for another pelagophyte, Aureococcus anophagefferens, to expand into this system. Filtration rates (FR) of the pleated tunicate Styela plicata exposed to Aureoumbra lagunensis and Aureococcus anophagefferens were measured against exposure to a control alga (Tisochrysis lutea) in order to determine its potential use as a bioremediator against these harmful algal blooms (HABs). In addition, whether S. plicata might serve as a vector of HABs was studied by culturing fecal deposits. Short-term exposure to HABs significantly reduced FR, whereas long-term exposure indicates comparable cell removal compared to the control. Vector potential of S. plicata was inconclusive. Results warrant further research to determine whether S. plicata can acclimate or respond to HAB conditions over time.
Show less
Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004513
Subject Headings: Algal blooms -- Florida -- Indian River Lagoon, Cyanobacterial blooms -- Toxicology, Estuarine ecology, Indian River Lagoon (Fla.) -- Environmental aspects, Marine bioremediation, Marine ecology, Marine pollution, Water quality biological assessment
Format: Document (PDF)

Coral reef ecology (3)	+ -
Predation (Biology) (3)	+ -
Animal behavior (2)	+ -
Animal locomotion (2)	+ -
Sea anemones (2)	+ -

Algal blooms -- Florida -- Indian River Lagoon (1)	+ -
Camouflage (Biology) (1)	+ -
Crabs -- Behavior (1)	+ -
Cyanobacterial blooms -- Toxicology (1)	+ -
Deep-sea biology (1)	+ -
Ecology (1)	+ -
Environmental aspects (1)	+ -
Environmental management (1)	+ -
Estuarine ecology (1)	+ -
Habitat (1)	+ -
Indian River Lagoon (Fla.) -- Environmental aspects (1)	+ -
Macroecology (1)	+ -
Marine biology (1)	+ -
Marine bioremediation (1)	+ -
Marine ecosystem management (1)	+ -
Marine plankton (1)	+ -
Marine pollution (1)	+ -
Marine zooplankton (1)	+ -
Mathematical models (1)	+ -
Morphology (1)	+ -
Nematocysts (1)	+ -
Penguins--Morphology (1)	+ -
Physiological effect (1)	+ -
Physiology (1)	+ -

Florida (1)	+ -
Indian River (Lagoon) (1)	+ -

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science (10)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University (3)	+ -
Ather, Simantha S. (1)	+ -
Bartow, Kyle Allen. (1)	+ -
Brooks, W. Randy (1)	+ -

Dougherty, Erin. (1)	+ -
Hartmann, James X. (1)	+ -
Irwin, Connor. (1)	+ -
Jennings, Lucas (1)	+ -
Kerr, Miranda Hoover. (1)	+ -
Klarmann, Phyllis A. (1)	+ -
Kwong, Grace W. (1)	+ -
Laramore, Susan E. (1)	+ -
McCammon, Amber. (1)	+ -
Salazar, Monique Alexandra (1)	+ -
Wyneken, Jeanette (1)	+ -

Search In

Sort Results By:

Narrow results by:

Collection

Topical Subject

Geographic Subject

Genre

Type of Resource

Language

Creator

Format

Owner