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- Title
- A comparison of the ontogeny of energy consumption in leatherback, Dermochelys coriacea and olive ridley, Lepidochelys olivacea sea turtle hatchlings.
- Creator
- Jones, T. Todd, Florida Atlantic University, Lutz, Peter L., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Changes in activity related oxygen consumption and energy partitioning were measured in leatherback and olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings over their first month after nest emergence. Leatherbacks emerge with about 75--90 KJ of energy in the residual yolk at their disposal for growth and movement. In comparison, the residual yolk energy reserves for the olive ridley are estimated to be much less (45 KJ). In leatherbacks resting specific oxygen consumption rates decreased by 53% over the first...
Show moreChanges in activity related oxygen consumption and energy partitioning were measured in leatherback and olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings over their first month after nest emergence. Leatherbacks emerge with about 75--90 KJ of energy in the residual yolk at their disposal for growth and movement. In comparison, the residual yolk energy reserves for the olive ridley are estimated to be much less (45 KJ). In leatherbacks resting specific oxygen consumption rates decreased by 53% over the first post-hatching month (0.0065 ml O2 min-1 g-1--0.0031 ml O2 min-1 g-1), while for ridleys the fall was 32% (0.0038 ml O2 min-1 g-1--0.0026 ml O2 min-1 g-1). Greater differences were seen in aerobic scope. For olive ridleys the factorial aerobic scope doubled over the first month but there was no significant increase in the leatherback's factorial aerobic scope. Leatherback hatchlings gained on average 33% body mass (10 g) over the first week however 70 to 80% of this increase was due to water accumulation. The differences in aerobic scope and energy reserves are related to differences in early life ecological stratagems of these species.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13139
- Subject Headings
- Sea turtles--Ecology, Animal behavior, Ontogeny, Developmental biology, Adaptation (Physiology), Ecophysiology
- 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
- Habitat location and selection by the Sargassum crab Portunus sayi: the role of sensory cues.
- Creator
- West, Lorin E., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The Sargassum community consists of a unique and idverse assemblage of fauna critical to pelagic food chains. Associated organisms presumably have adaptations to assist in finding Sargassum. This study investigated cues used for habitat location and selection by the Sargassum crab, Portunus sayi. Chemical detection trials were conducted with a two-chamber choice apparatus with Sargassum spp. and Thalassia testudinum as source odors. Visual detection trials (devoid of chemical cues) and...
Show moreThe Sargassum community consists of a unique and idverse assemblage of fauna critical to pelagic food chains. Associated organisms presumably have adaptations to assist in finding Sargassum. This study investigated cues used for habitat location and selection by the Sargassum crab, Portunus sayi. Chemical detection trials were conducted with a two-chamber choice apparatus with Sargassum spp. and Thalassia testudinum as source odors. Visual detection trials (devoid of chemical cues) and habitat selection trials were conducted in which crabs were given a choice of habitats. Results showed that P. sayi respoded to chemical odors from Sargassum spp. Crabs visually located habitats but did not visually distinguish between different habitats. In habitat selection trials, crabs selected Sargassum spp. over artificial Sargassum and T. testudinum. These results suggest that crabs isolated from Sargassum likely use chemoreception from longer distances ; within visual proximity of a potential patch, crabs use both chemical and visual information.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3356901
- Subject Headings
- Habitat (Ecology), Sargassum, Ecology, Marine chemical ecology, Chemoreceptors, Animal behavior, Animal communication, Portunus sayi, Ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Habitat selection among fishes and shrimp in the pelagic Sargassum community: the role of habitat architecture.
- Creator
- Bennice, Chelsea, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Pelagic Sargassum was used to determine the effects of habitat architecture for one species of shrimp (Leander tenuicornis) and two species of fish (Stephanolepis hispidus and Histrio histrio). Inter-thallus spacing (low, medium, and high) and depth (shallow versus deep) were manipulated independently to test whether the spatial components of habitat architecture. Two differing habitats (Sargassum versus seagrass species) were tested for the structural component of habitat architecture. There...
Show morePelagic Sargassum was used to determine the effects of habitat architecture for one species of shrimp (Leander tenuicornis) and two species of fish (Stephanolepis hispidus and Histrio histrio). Inter-thallus spacing (low, medium, and high) and depth (shallow versus deep) were manipulated independently to test whether the spatial components of habitat architecture. Two differing habitats (Sargassum versus seagrass species) were tested for the structural component of habitat architecture. There were no significant results for inter-thallus spacing experiments for L. tenuicornis and S. hispidus. H histrio selected habitats with medium inter-thallus spacing in two treatments. Large individual H. histrio contributed mostly to the significant effects. All three species selected habitats with a greater depth aspect. Finally, L. tenuicornis and H. histrio selected habitats with greater structural complexity (i.e., Sargassum). These results demonstrate clearly that habitat architecture of Sargassum influences habitat selection by these shrimp and fishes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358284
- Subject Headings
- Habitat (Ecology), Sargassum, Ecology, Animal behavior, Predation (Biology)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Maternal and alloparental discipline in Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas.
- Creator
- Weinpress, Meghan., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Discipline was implemented by mothers and alloparent spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) mothers and alloparents on Little Bahama Bank, Bahamas. Disciplinarians were significantly more likely to be adults than juveniles. Although most disciplinarians were female, males were also observed to perform discipline. The recipients of discipline were male and female, and significantly more likely to be calves than juveniles. Pursuit, contact, and display behaviors were used in discipline, however...
Show moreDiscipline was implemented by mothers and alloparent spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) mothers and alloparents on Little Bahama Bank, Bahamas. Disciplinarians were significantly more likely to be adults than juveniles. Although most disciplinarians were female, males were also observed to perform discipline. The recipients of discipline were male and female, and significantly more likely to be calves than juveniles. Pursuit, contact, and display behaviors were used in discipline, however pursuit behaviors were most often observed. Variables such as age class, sex, and parity were not found to influence how discipline was implemented. The durations of all disciplinary pursuits were under thirty seconds, and successful pursuits had slightly shorter duration than unsuccessful pursuits. Disciplinarian success was not significantly influenced by age class, sex, parity, or behavior used.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361254
- Subject Headings
- Animal behavior, Behavior evolution, Atlantic mammals, Behavior, Parent-child relationships, Social behavior in animals, Discipline of children, Atlantic spotted dolphin
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Origins, movements, and foraging behavior of Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in Palm Beach County waters, Florida, USA.
- Creator
- Wood, Lawrence D., Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
This dissertation examined the natal origins, home-range, and in-situ foraging behavior of an aggregation of sub-adult hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) found off the coast of Palm Beach County, Florida. Surveys were conducted on approximately 30 linear km of reef between 15 and 30 m in depth. Tissue samples were retrieved from 112 turtles for mtDNA haplotype determination. GPS-linked satellite transmitters were deployed on six resident sub-adults, resulting in both minimum convex...
Show moreThis dissertation examined the natal origins, home-range, and in-situ foraging behavior of an aggregation of sub-adult hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) found off the coast of Palm Beach County, Florida. Surveys were conducted on approximately 30 linear km of reef between 15 and 30 m in depth. Tissue samples were retrieved from 112 turtles for mtDNA haplotype determination. GPS-linked satellite transmitters were deployed on six resident sub-adults, resulting in both minimum convex polygon (MCP) and 95%, 50%, and 25% kernel density estimates (KDE) of home-range size. A foraging ethogram was developed, and sequential analysis performed on thirty videos (141 total minutes) of in-situ foraging behavior. Seventeen total haplotypes were identified in this aggregation, the majority (75%) of which represented rookeries on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Other sources, from most to least important, include Barbados, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Antigua, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004339
- Subject Headings
- Animal behavior, Animal orientation, Hawksbill turtle -- Ecology, Predation (Biology), Sea turtles -- Habitat, Wildlife conservation, Wildlife management
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Personality Traits in Atlantic Spotted Dolphins (Stenella Frontalis): Syndromes and Predictors of Neophilia.
- Creator
- Skrzypczak, Nathan, Herzing, Denise L., Detwiler, Kate M., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Personality is defined as inter-individual variation of behavioral traits while maintaining intra-individual stability. The focus of this study was to observe distinct personality trait categories, establish baseline personality trait phenotypes for the juvenile population, and compare the personality phenotypes between different categories, such as sex or generation. Three personality traits were studied—sociability, curiousity, and boldness—based on the percentage of time individuals spent...
Show morePersonality is defined as inter-individual variation of behavioral traits while maintaining intra-individual stability. The focus of this study was to observe distinct personality trait categories, establish baseline personality trait phenotypes for the juvenile population, and compare the personality phenotypes between different categories, such as sex or generation. Three personality traits were studied—sociability, curiousity, and boldness—based on the percentage of time individuals spent with conspecifics, human researchers, and their mothers, respectively. The surveyed individuals significantly varied positively and negatively from the means of each trait, and no significant difference for any trait was found between males and females, or across time periods. A moderately strong correlation was discovered between two personality traits, boldness and curiousity, suggesting a personality syndrome. The second primary goal was to use the aforementioned baseline to determine if personality traits can be used to predict neophilic behavior specific to human-dolphin communication research. Six of the study subjects were more prone than their peers to engage with the two-way work, and these individuals were more bold—spent less time with their mothers—than the other subjects. This suggests that boldness has some predictive capabilities towards this type of neophilia.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004680, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004680
- Subject Headings
- Animal behavior, Animal societies, Atlantic spotted dolphin -- Behavior -- Research, Cognition in animals, Social behavior in animals
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Quantifying the energetic cost of disorientation in loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtle hatchlings.
- Creator
- Williams, Sean., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The photopollution of beaches caused by artificial light sources can interfere with sea turtle hatchlings' ability to orient properly towards the sea. Exhaustion due to extended disorientation crawling may then increase hatchling mortality. This study evaluated the energetic consequences of long-distance crawls in green and loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings. Turtles crawled for 200 m or 500 m on a treadmill, followed by a 30 minute evaluation of swim performance. Metabolic activity was...
Show moreThe photopollution of beaches caused by artificial light sources can interfere with sea turtle hatchlings' ability to orient properly towards the sea. Exhaustion due to extended disorientation crawling may then increase hatchling mortality. This study evaluated the energetic consequences of long-distance crawls in green and loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings. Turtles crawled for 200 m or 500 m on a treadmill, followed by a 30 minute evaluation of swim performance. Metabolic activity was quantified via measures of blood glucose, blood lactate, and oxygen consumption. No significant changes in metabolism resulted from long-distance crawling activity in loggerheads ; however, loggerheads rested for extended periods of time during the crawl trials, often unresponsive to stimuli. This behavior implies that loggerhead hatchlings would be vulnerable to predation or temperature stress due to exhaustion from extended periods of crawling. Further data is required to draw any significant conclusions about long-term disorientatin crawling in green hatchlings.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3356891
- Subject Headings
- Sea turtles, Nests, Protection, Sea turtles, Life cycles, Animal behavior, Predation (Biology)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The role of chemical and visual cues by two Sargassum shrimps in locating and selecting habitats.
- Creator
- Jobe, Corrine F., Florida Atlantic University, Brooks, W. Randy, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The Sargassum community is comprised of a unique and diverse assemblage of organisms. Habitat detection by two of the most common invertebrates, Latreutes fucorum and Leander tenuicornis , was investigated. Results of this study do not support that either L. fucorum or L. tenuicornis respond to chemical cues released by the Sargassum habitat in the absence of other information. Habitat selection of both shrimp species was examined as well. Both L. fucorum and L. tenuicornis selected live...
Show moreThe Sargassum community is comprised of a unique and diverse assemblage of organisms. Habitat detection by two of the most common invertebrates, Latreutes fucorum and Leander tenuicornis , was investigated. Results of this study do not support that either L. fucorum or L. tenuicornis respond to chemical cues released by the Sargassum habitat in the absence of other information. Habitat selection of both shrimp species was examined as well. Both L. fucorum and L. tenuicornis selected live Sargassum over artificial Sargassum . Moreover, L. fucorum selected Sargassum natans over Sargassum fluitans when only visual cues were available, whereas large-sized L. tenuicornis selected S. fluitans under the same conditions. Conversely, habitat selection trials combining both chemical and visual cues resulted in no preference between the two Sargassum species by either shrimp species. Additional ecological factors that possibly influence habitat location and selection are discussed as well as the importance of Sargassum in terms of pelagic fisheries management.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13381
- Subject Headings
- Habitat (Ecology), Sargassum, Marine chemical ecology, Animal behavior
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Selection of canals and ditches as foraging habitat by wood s7374torks (Mycteria americana).
- Creator
- Van Os, Eleanor K., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
A challenge to ensure the health of wading bird populations is to have a better understanding of the altered habitats that we must now consider part of their natural history. Throughout their range endangered Wood Storks (Mycteria americana) have been reported to forage in ditches, a disparate category of linear man-made waterways. In a 52-kmP 2 P study area on the east coast of central Florida, the characteristics of hydrologically diverse ditches were quantified, and their use by Wood...
Show moreA challenge to ensure the health of wading bird populations is to have a better understanding of the altered habitats that we must now consider part of their natural history. Throughout their range endangered Wood Storks (Mycteria americana) have been reported to forage in ditches, a disparate category of linear man-made waterways. In a 52-kmP 2 P study area on the east coast of central Florida, the characteristics of hydrologically diverse ditches were quantified, and their use by Wood Storks documented during their non-breeding season. Logistic regression analyses were carried out using the ditch characteristics as independent variables and Wood Stork presence/absence as the dependent variable. This study confirms the use of these marginal wetlands, and identifies the significance of emergent vegetation on the foraging habitat selection of Wood Storks in the dry season.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/166457
- Subject Headings
- Water birds, Habitat, Florida, Habitat selection, Animal behavior, Wetland ecology
- 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
- The role of air and waterborne odors in orientation and food detection in three species of marine turtles.
- Creator
- Kedzuf, Stephanie C., Salmon, Michael, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The cues used by marine turtles to locate foraging areas in the open ocean are largely unknown though some species (especially the green turtle [Chelonia mydas], the loggerhead [Caretta caretta], and the leatherback [Dermochelys coriacea]) somehow locate areas of high productivity. Loggerheads can detect airborne odors, but a capacity to orient has not yet been investigated. In this comparative study, tethered loggerheads and leatherbacks were exposed to dimethyl sulfide (DMS) or food odors...
Show moreThe cues used by marine turtles to locate foraging areas in the open ocean are largely unknown though some species (especially the green turtle [Chelonia mydas], the loggerhead [Caretta caretta], and the leatherback [Dermochelys coriacea]) somehow locate areas of high productivity. Loggerheads can detect airborne odors, but a capacity to orient has not yet been investigated. In this comparative study, tethered loggerheads and leatherbacks were exposed to dimethyl sulfide (DMS) or food odors in a laminar flow of air. Turtles did not orient into the air current. Free-swimming loggerheads and green turtles were also exposed to air- or waterborne food (squid) odor plus a neutral visual stimulus. Both species showed increases in swimming activity and biting behavior to both stimuli. These results suggest that airborne odors are likely not used to locate distant areas, but that they are used in localized food searching efforts.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004296
- Subject Headings
- Animal behavior, Animal orientation, Population genetics, Predation (Biology), Sea turtles -- Habitat, Sea turtles -- Life cycles, Wildlife conservation
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The Role of Chemical Cues in Locating Pelagic Sargassum by the Associated Fish Stephanolepis hispidus.
- Creator
- Cox, Derek, Brooks, W. Randy, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The ecosystem created by pelagic Sargassum is important in the life histories of a number of economically and ecologically important associated organisms. Fishes play a vital role in this food web and nutrient flow within these systems, but it is unknown how they locate these floating habitats. This study examined the role of natural chemical cues from Sargassum patches and the synthetic chemical Dimethylsulfonionpropionate (DMSP) for an associated fish, the planehead filefish (Stephanolepis...
Show moreThe ecosystem created by pelagic Sargassum is important in the life histories of a number of economically and ecologically important associated organisms. Fishes play a vital role in this food web and nutrient flow within these systems, but it is unknown how they locate these floating habitats. This study examined the role of natural chemical cues from Sargassum patches and the synthetic chemical Dimethylsulfonionpropionate (DMSP) for an associated fish, the planehead filefish (Stephanolepis hispidus) and a control fish species not associated with Sargassum, the masked goby (Coryphopterus personatus). Choice trials with a Y-maze apparatus determined that S. hispidus responded significantly to chemical cues from Sargassum while C. personatus did not. DMSP cues did not result in any significant behavioral responses for either fish. Demonstrating that S. hispidus can respond to chemical cues from Sargassum helps further our understanding of this unique floating algal reef and how fishes may locate it.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004684, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004684
- Subject Headings
- Animal behavior, Habitat (Ecology), Marine algae, Marine chemical ecology, Predation (Biology), Sargassum -- Ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)