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“The Neurological Effects of Domoic Acid Toxicosis on Marine Mammals and Its Implications on Florida Wildlife”

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Date Issued:
2022
Abstract/Description:
The dwindling population of the Florida manatee faces greater threats every year. With the addition of a domoic acid (DA) producing algal bloom of Pseudo-nitzschia, in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), they may have yet another threat. This study uses prior literature to compare and contrast the neuroanatomy of the California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus, and the Florida Manatee, Trichechus manatus, to predict the effects of DA toxicosis in manatees. It also investigates the possible effects of this kind of harmful algal bloom (HAB) in the IRL and for the people living near it. This study demonstrates, based on DA research in sea lions, that manatees could have decreased survivability due to DA induced hippocampal lesion development causing perseveration behaviors and loss of memory and goal directed behaviors. As well as decreased survivability to cold stress syndrome due to increased levels of gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) .
Title: “The Neurological Effects of Domoic Acid Toxicosis on Marine Mammals and Its Implications on Florida Wildlife”.
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Name(s): Grace Putnam, Grace , author
Mincer, Tracy, Thesis advisor
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Thesis
Date Created: 2022
Date Issued: 2022
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Jupiter, Florida
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 31 p.
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: The dwindling population of the Florida manatee faces greater threats every year. With the addition of a domoic acid (DA) producing algal bloom of Pseudo-nitzschia, in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), they may have yet another threat. This study uses prior literature to compare and contrast the neuroanatomy of the California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus, and the Florida Manatee, Trichechus manatus, to predict the effects of DA toxicosis in manatees. It also investigates the possible effects of this kind of harmful algal bloom (HAB) in the IRL and for the people living near it. This study demonstrates, based on DA research in sea lions, that manatees could have decreased survivability due to DA induced hippocampal lesion development causing perseveration behaviors and loss of memory and goal directed behaviors. As well as decreased survivability to cold stress syndrome due to increased levels of gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) .
Identifier: FAUHT00211 (IID)
Degree granted: Thesis (B.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, 2022
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00211
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
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Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.

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