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Title: Diversification for the hard clam aquaculture industry through investigation of the blood ark, Anadara ovalis, and ponderous ark, Noetia ponderosa, reproduction and development.
Creator: Nissman, Larry D., Florida Atlantic University, Baldwin, John D.
Abstract/Description: The hard clam aquaculture industry has largely been limited to the cultivation of the species Mercenaria mercenaria. Two Florida native species of clam, Noetia ponderosa and Anadara ovalis, commonly known as "Ark clams" are being studied for their viability as potential aquaculture species. Early development of the blood ark, Anadara ovalis (Bruguiere, 1789), and the ponderous ark, Noetia ponderosa (Say, 1822) was analyzed with an emphasis on the processes of meiotic maturation and early...
Show moreThe hard clam aquaculture industry has largely been limited to the cultivation of the species Mercenaria mercenaria. Two Florida native species of clam, Noetia ponderosa and Anadara ovalis, commonly known as "Ark clams" are being studied for their viability as potential aquaculture species. Early development of the blood ark, Anadara ovalis (Bruguiere, 1789), and the ponderous ark, Noetia ponderosa (Say, 1822) was analyzed with an emphasis on the processes of meiotic maturation and early embryogenesis through gastrulation, using light and fluorescence microscopy. Both A. ovalis and N. ponderosa oocytes were released at the metaphase I stage of meiosis and shared similar schedules of early development through initial veliger stage. Differences in the timing of development between species were negligible. In addition, the behavior and developmental timeline of the ark clams was very similar to that of Mercenaria mercenaria , which also reaches the D-shaped veliger stage in less than 24 hours.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13194
Subject Headings: Evolution (Biology), Shellfish culture--Florida, Meiosis, Clams--Florida--Reproduction
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effects of fragment salvage size and light intensity in closed system culture of the Atlantic ocean coral species, Acropora cervicornis.
Creator: West, Christopher John., Florida Atlantic University, Baldwin, John D.
Abstract/Description: Acropora cervicornis is an important Caribbean shallow water reef building coral species which is currently federally protected, and a candidate for the U.S. endangered species list. A. cervicornis is an excellent candidate for fragment salvage or reef transplantation because it exhibits rapid growth rates, can be successfully fragmented, and is tolerant to a wide range of light intensities. The success of restoration efforts for A. cervicornis is dependent upon the complete understanding of...
Show moreAcropora cervicornis is an important Caribbean shallow water reef building coral species which is currently federally protected, and a candidate for the U.S. endangered species list. A. cervicornis is an excellent candidate for fragment salvage or reef transplantation because it exhibits rapid growth rates, can be successfully fragmented, and is tolerant to a wide range of light intensities. The success of restoration efforts for A. cervicornis is dependent upon the complete understanding of its growth parameters. This study documents the culture conditions for growing A. cervicornis in a closed system, and the effects of fragment size and light intensity on growth and survivorship. A. cervicornis was successfully fragmented and grown under aquaculture conditions. Fragment size significantly effected percent weight gain growth rates, but did not significantly effect absolute weight gain growth rates. Light intensity significantly effected absolute weight gain growth rates, but did not significantly effect percent weight gain growth rates.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12805
Subject Headings: Acropora cervicornis, Corals, Coral reefs and islands
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Diet and foraging ecology of diamondback terrapins (malaclemys terrapin) in Everglades National Park, FL.
Creator: Denton, Mathew, Demopoulos, Amanda W. J., Hart, Kristen, Oleinik, Anton E., Baldwin, John D., Graduate College
Date Issued: 2013-04-12
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361924
Subject Headings: Diamondback terrapin--Ecology--United States, Malaclemys terrapin, Everglades National Park (Fla.)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Molecular Assessment of Mating Strategies in a Population of Atlantic Spotted Dolphins.
Creator: Green, Michelle L., Herzing, Denise L., Baldwin, John D., Wang, Hanping
Abstract/Description: Similar to other small cetacean species, Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) have been the object of concentrated behavioral study. Although mating and courtship behaviors occur often and the social structure of the population is well-studied, the genetic mating system of the species is unknown. To assess the genetic mating system, we genotyped females and their progeny at ten microsatellite loci. Genotype analysis provided estimates of the minimum number of male sires necessary to...
Show moreSimilar to other small cetacean species, Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) have been the object of concentrated behavioral study. Although mating and courtship behaviors occur often and the social structure of the population is well-studied, the genetic mating system of the species is unknown. To assess the genetic mating system, we genotyped females and their progeny at ten microsatellite loci. Genotype analysis provided estimates of the minimum number of male sires necessary to account for the allelic diversity observed among the progeny. Using the estimates of male sires, we determined whether females mated with the same or different males during independent estrus events. Using GERUD2.0, a minimum of two males was necessary to account for the genetic variation seen among progeny arrays of all tested females. ML-RELATE assigned the most likely relationship between offspring pairs; half or full sibling. Relationship analysis supported the conservative male estimates of GERUD2.0 but in some cases, half or full sibling relationships between offspring could not be fully resolved. Integrating the results from GERUD2.0, ML-RELATE with previous observational and paternity data, we constructed two-, three-, and four-male pedigree models for each genotyped female. Because increased genetic diversity of offspring may explain multi-male mating, we assessed the internal genetic relatedness of each offspring’s genotype to determine whether parent pairs of offspring were closely related. We found varying levels of internal relatedness ranging from unrelated to closely related (range -0.136–0.321). Because there are several hypothesized explanations for multi-male mating, we assessed our data to determine the most plausible explanation for multi-male mating in our study system. Our study indicated females may benefit from mating with multiple males by passing genes for long-term viability to their young.
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Date Issued: 2015-02-18
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000070
Format: Citation

Title: Population status and potential storm dispersal events of Malaclemys terrapin in Florida Bay, Florida.
Creator: Miller, Lindsay Anastasia, Florida Atlantic University, Baldwin, John D.
Abstract/Description: Mitochondrial DNA and nuclear microsatellite analyses were performed on Malaclemys terrapin data. These analyses investigated the genetic variation among subspecies of M. terrapin throughout their range and sought to determine if hurricane mitigated dispersal occurs among populations of a single subspecies, M.t. rhizophorarum. The 700bp mtDNA fragment, ND4-Leu, provided only 1bp transition, and the 421bp D-loop, DES1-DES2, revealed no genetic variation between the seven subspecies. Four...
Show moreMitochondrial DNA and nuclear microsatellite analyses were performed on Malaclemys terrapin data. These analyses investigated the genetic variation among subspecies of M. terrapin throughout their range and sought to determine if hurricane mitigated dispersal occurs among populations of a single subspecies, M.t. rhizophorarum. The 700bp mtDNA fragment, ND4-Leu, provided only 1bp transition, and the 421bp D-loop, DES1-DES2, revealed no genetic variation between the seven subspecies. Four polymorphic loci were examined for the microsatellite analyses. These analyses revealed an average pairwise RST of 0.018. This indicates very close genetic identities between the two temporally sampled populations before and after Hurricane Georges. The average FST and GST values were 0.101 and 0.216 respectively. It can be noted that the RST values were able to correct for microsatellite mutation mechanisms. The results indicate that significant storm dispersal did not occur.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12798
Subject Headings: Diamondback terrapin--Florida--Florida Bay, Turtles--Effect of storms on
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effect of water conditions on larval development of Nematostella vectensis.
Creator: Guidry, Alix Marie, Florida Atlantic University, Baldwin, John D.
Abstract/Description: This project tested the effects of water conditions on developmental rates of larvae of the estuarine sea anemone Nematostella vectensis . Egg masses were collected immediately following fertilization and placed in solutions with different salinities and maintained in a temperature-controlled water bath. Every twelve hours, embryonic development was checked for progression through different morphological stages of development. Comparison of regression analyses of larval development at each...
Show moreThis project tested the effects of water conditions on developmental rates of larvae of the estuarine sea anemone Nematostella vectensis . Egg masses were collected immediately following fertilization and placed in solutions with different salinities and maintained in a temperature-controlled water bath. Every twelve hours, embryonic development was checked for progression through different morphological stages of development. Comparison of regression analyses of larval development at each temperature increment indicated that both temperature and salinity affected the rate of development; development was slower in lower conditions and faster at higher salinities and temperatures, with extreme conditions inducing deleterious effects. The suggested ideal conditions for these larvae are a salinity range of 12.5--20% and a temperature range of 22--24C. These parameters provide a foundation from which a standardized testing method may be established, using N. vectensis larval development.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13169
Subject Headings: Marine animals--Larvae--Effect of temperature on, Sea anemones--Larvae--Effect of temperature on, Marine ecology, Water temperature, Estuarine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The social structure of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in the Bahamas.
Creator: Rogers, Cindy A., Florida Atlantic University, Baldwin, John D.
Abstract/Description: This study reports on a community of bottlenose dolphins found >27 km from Grand Bahama Island. Observations were conducted from May--September, 1993--2002. The half weight index determined coefficients of association (COA) between dolphins for each year and from pooled data over the 10-year period. Long-term site fidelity of up to 17 years occurred. Resident and non-resident dolphins occurred in the area. Some dolphins traveled 333 km between communities. Average group size was 3--5, and...
Show moreThis study reports on a community of bottlenose dolphins found >27 km from Grand Bahama Island. Observations were conducted from May--September, 1993--2002. The half weight index determined coefficients of association (COA) between dolphins for each year and from pooled data over the 10-year period. Long-term site fidelity of up to 17 years occurred. Resident and non-resident dolphins occurred in the area. Some dolphins traveled 333 km between communities. Average group size was 3--5, and significantly larger with calves. Traveling groups were significantly smaller than feeding or socializing. Mother-calf associations were the strongest. Male-male COAs were low (x = .34), however, some individuals formed strong associations. Female-female COAs were low (x = .35), and affected by female reproductive status. Mixed-gender COAs were significantly lower (x = .31) than same sex associations. Pooled data revealed lower COA values, however, the same trends were evident. The long-term associations revealed from yearly COAs were not seen when data were pooled.
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Date Issued: 2003
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13007
Subject Headings: Bottlenose dolphin--Bahamas, Social behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Food habits of breeding bald eagles (Haliaeetus Leucocephalus) in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park.
Creator: Hanson, Matthew, Baldwin, John D., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The population of Bald Eagles in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park has declined over the past few decades. It is hypothesized that changes in prey availabilities from alterations to ecosystem conditions have contributed to this decline. Our goals were to document diet and explore how prey availabilities may affect the Bald Eagle. For the 2009 and 2010 breeding seasons we collected prey remains from nest sites and video monitored provisioning of prey. Prey remains consisted of 33 species...
Show moreThe population of Bald Eagles in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park has declined over the past few decades. It is hypothesized that changes in prey availabilities from alterations to ecosystem conditions have contributed to this decline. Our goals were to document diet and explore how prey availabilities may affect the Bald Eagle. For the 2009 and 2010 breeding seasons we collected prey remains from nest sites and video monitored provisioning of prey. Prey remains consisted of 33 species and were compositionally different than prey remains collected prior to ecological changes, suggesting changes in prey availabilities. Also, provisioning rates were significantly lower than Bald Eagles in other North American regions and declined throughout the breeding season. Our results suggest that prey availabilities has affected the food habits of breeding Bald Eagles in Florida Bay, which may be contributing to their decline.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004249
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Genetic Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA In Cercopithecus Mitis Populations from Kibale National Park, Uganda.
Creator: Smith, Narcissus D., Baldwin, John D., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Past sightings of red-tailed (Cercopithecus ascanius) x blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis) hybrids in Uganda indicates the potential for hybridization between C. Ascanius and C. mitis individuals. Apart from Gombe Stream National Park, there is no of evidence suggestive of C. ascanius x C. mitis monkey hybridization at investigated East African locations. Phylogenetic analysis was examined using Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence data of twelve C. mitis stuhlmanni samples (from two populations...
Show morePast sightings of red-tailed (Cercopithecus ascanius) x blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis) hybrids in Uganda indicates the potential for hybridization between C. Ascanius and C. mitis individuals. Apart from Gombe Stream National Park, there is no of evidence suggestive of C. ascanius x C. mitis monkey hybridization at investigated East African locations. Phylogenetic analysis was examined using Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence data of twelve C. mitis stuhlmanni samples (from two populations) in Kibale National Park (KNP), Uganda to test for any evidence of hybridization. Strict mono- phylogeny among two new C. mitis haplotypes were detected. Genetic diversity measurements support neither interspecific or intraspecific hybridization among C. mitis individuals from populations within Kibale National Park. To intensify the implications of this study further examination should include an increase in sample size(s), mtDNA comparison of C. mitis subspecies from additional populations at East African locations, and assessment of nuclear and genomic DNA.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013176
Subject Headings: Cercopithecus mitis, Kibale National Park (Uganda), Blue monkey, Mitochondrial DNA--Analysis
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Diet and foraging ecology of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys Terrapin) in south Florida.
Creator: Denton, Mathew, Baldwin, John D., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: Dietary resource use for diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapins) in subtropical mangrove habitats in south Florida creeks and islands was examined to elucidate long-term individual foraging strategies. Fecal analysis revealed seven categories of food items with gastropods, crabs, and bivalves being the most dominant food items respectively. Non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed differences in habitat, but not terrapin size class. Stable isotope analysis confirmed the findings,...
Show moreDietary resource use for diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapins) in subtropical mangrove habitats in south Florida creeks and islands was examined to elucidate long-term individual foraging strategies. Fecal analysis revealed seven categories of food items with gastropods, crabs, and bivalves being the most dominant food items respectively. Non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed differences in habitat, but not terrapin size class. Stable isotope analysis confirmed the findings, identifying habitat and site differences in δ13C and δ15N values for both terrapins and their prey. Bi-plots of terrapin and potential prey δ 13C and δ 15N values revealed potential dietary sources previously undetermined by fecal analysis. Comparisons of scute and blood isotope data revealed significant differences in δ13C indicating potential shifts in either food resources and/or habitat use through the time period recorded in the scute tissue. These tissue comparisons represent a powerful tool for estimating long term foraging strategies for a key estuarine species.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004101
Subject Headings: Diamondback terrapin -- Habitat -- Florida., Diamondback terrapin -- Ecology -- Florida., Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of a Disturbance Event on a Local Recreational Fishery on the East Coast of Florida.
Creator: Noble, Jessica, Baldwin, John D., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Disturbance events occur outside the normal disturbance regime of a system and can cause changes in behavior of some organisms. The 2010 cold event is an example of a disturbance event that influenced the behavior of Common Snook (Centropomus undecimalis). Common snook are euryhaline sportfish native to Florida, Texas, and the Caribbean. Florida is the northern most part of their distribution, based on the 15o C winter isotherm. They move between offshore areas during spawning season and...
Show moreDisturbance events occur outside the normal disturbance regime of a system and can cause changes in behavior of some organisms. The 2010 cold event is an example of a disturbance event that influenced the behavior of Common Snook (Centropomus undecimalis). Common snook are euryhaline sportfish native to Florida, Texas, and the Caribbean. Florida is the northern most part of their distribution, based on the 15o C winter isotherm. They move between offshore areas during spawning season and freshwater coastal rivers during non-spawning season. With the use of previously collected acoustic telemetry and biological data this project identifies the impact on population dynamics and movement near the time of the event. The goal is to understand fine scale movements and physiological conditions under normal and abnormal conditions to further inform management of the species.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013040
Subject Headings: Fishing--Florida, Snook, Centropomus undecimalis, Environmental disturbances
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Growth rates and body condition of juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Dry Tortugas National Park and Marine Protected Area.
Creator: Reintsma, Nicole, Baldwin, John D., Hart, Kristen, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Dry Tortugas National Park (DRTO) consists of 261.8 km2 in the Gulf of Mexico and provides protection to marine species facing a multitude of threats. Among the many species that utilize DRTO is the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). I examined seven years of capture-recapture data to determine how the body condition (using Fulton’s equation, K = M/L3) and growth rate for juvenile green turtles vary within, and among size classes in DRTO, and how those rates compare to similar populations in...
Show moreDry Tortugas National Park (DRTO) consists of 261.8 km2 in the Gulf of Mexico and provides protection to marine species facing a multitude of threats. Among the many species that utilize DRTO is the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). I examined seven years of capture-recapture data to determine how the body condition (using Fulton’s equation, K = M/L3) and growth rate for juvenile green turtles vary within, and among size classes in DRTO, and how those rates compare to similar populations in other locations. Body conditions ranged from 0.77 to 1.71 (mean 1.3 SD ± 0.16). Growth rates ranged from 2.5 to 9.9cm/yr (mean 5.5 cm/yr SD ± 1.25), which is a high growth rate for green turtles. Establishing growth rates and body condition for a specific population can provide insight into life history and health of that population, as well as important data for comparison to populations in other areas.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004462, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004462
Subject Headings: Dry Tortugas National Park (Fla.), Green turtle -- Florida, Sea turtles -- Florida -- Dry Tortugas National Park, Wildlife conservation -- Research
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Movement, dispersal and interpreting health assessment parameters for free-ranging raptors and a reptile in a compromised estuarine ecosystem.
Creator: Mealey, Brian K., Baldwin, John D., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: This investigation compared statistical parameters for the blood serum chemistries of free ranging Osprey nestlings from Florida Bay and an Osprey population from Lake Istokpoga, in Central Florida (Chapter 1). Florida Bay Ospreys showed higher mean rank values for alanine aminotransferase (H=6.79, P=.009), alkaline phosphatase (H=6.48, P=.011), and sodium (H=5.7, P=.017), and Central Florida had higher mean rank values potassium (H=13.19, P=.000) and carbon dioxide (H=6.23, P=.013). Serum...
Show moreThis investigation compared statistical parameters for the blood serum chemistries of free ranging Osprey nestlings from Florida Bay and an Osprey population from Lake Istokpoga, in Central Florida (Chapter 1). Florida Bay Ospreys showed higher mean rank values for alanine aminotransferase (H=6.79, P=.009), alkaline phosphatase (H=6.48, P=.011), and sodium (H=5.7, P=.017), and Central Florida had higher mean rank values potassium (H=13.19, P=.000) and carbon dioxide (H=6.23, P=.013). Serum chemistries values were also compared between free-ranging Bald Eagle and Osprey nestling in Florida Bay estuary in southern Florida (Chapter 2). There were significant differences between serum values of Bald Eagle and Osprey nestlings. Bald Eagle serum values were higher for total protein (H=17.833, P=.00002), Albumin (H=7.449, P=.006), Aspartate aminotransferase (H=113.153, P =.0001), and Calcium (H=7.148, P = 008). Osprey serum values were higher for alanine aminotransferase (H=11.824, P = 0.0005), alkaline phosphatase (H=105.5, P =.0001), creatine kinase (H=13.465, P = 0.0002), carbon dioxide (H=4.443, P = 0.035) and cholinesterase (H=99.3, P=.0001). Sixteen nestling Bald Eagles were fitted with satellite platform transmitter terminal (PTT) or VHF radio transmitter package for a duration of six years (Chapter 3)= to identify their movement and dispersal. One of the 15 eagles migrated to North Carolina, whereas the other 14 (93%) confined their movements to Florida. Tracking duration per individual ranged from 82 to 1,531 days. We estimated first-year survival as 52% and 67% for the period from 1.5 to 3 years. Diamondback Terrapins (Chapter 4) were evaluated by an integrated assessment of physical, chemical, and physiological parameters. Extreme site fidelity of the turtles to mangrove habitat was evident along with a strong female biased sex ratio. There was a significant difference in the total number of individuals collected at the two sites (P =. 01) despite the total size and shorelines of the two sites being very nearly the same. Total recapture rate was 70% for combined population (TLK = 80% and CKW = 48%). We provide blood serum values and microbial cultures as baselines from these turtles in the wild.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004217
Subject Headings: Bald eagle -- Habitat -- Conservation, Biogeography, Habitat (Ecology), Wildlife conservation -- Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Acute toxicity of the agricultural chemicals endosulfan and copper sulfate to a freshwater shrimp, Palaemonetes paludosus.
Creator: Kamthe, Prajakta Netaji, Florida Atlantic University, Baldwin, John D., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The toxicity of endosulfan, a restricted use pesticida, and copper sulfate, an anti-algal agent, ranks among the highest in all insecticidas. Both chemicals, used in agricultura fields of southern Florida, are known to be highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates. Since Palaemonetes pugio, an extensively studied brackish water shrimp species, has proven to be excellent for toxicological analysis, a closely related freshwater shrimp species, Palaemonetes paludosus, was used as the test species in...
Show moreThe toxicity of endosulfan, a restricted use pesticida, and copper sulfate, an anti-algal agent, ranks among the highest in all insecticidas. Both chemicals, used in agricultura fields of southern Florida, are known to be highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates. Since Palaemonetes pugio, an extensively studied brackish water shrimp species, has proven to be excellent for toxicological analysis, a closely related freshwater shrimp species, Palaemonetes paludosus, was used as the test species in this study to determine the toxicity of endosulfan and copper sulfate in freshwater. A series of static renewal 96 h bioassays (renewed every 24 h) performed on juvenile P. paludosus resulted in the 96 h lethal concentration (LC50) estimates of 0.24 mug/L (0.24 ppb) for endosulfan and 0.79 mg/L (0.79 ppm) for copper sulfate. The results of this study, when compared to other studies, indicate that P. paludosus is more sensitive to endosulfan and copper sulfate than other similar aquatic invertebrate species and is therefore an excellent toxicological indicator.
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Date Issued: 2002
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12919
Subject Headings: Endosulfan--Toxicology, Palaemonetes, Copper sulfate--Toxicology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Interpreting the Pre-Nesting Foraging Ecology of Florida’s Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea).
Creator: Coppenrath, Christina, Baldwin, John D., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The migratory behavior of North Atlantic leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) has been documented in the Wider Caribbean, but the migratory movements of leatherbacks nesting in South Florida are relatively understudied. Our knowledge of their migrations is currently limited to ten nesting females tracked from the east coast of Florida that either moved north to the Northern Atlantic or east to the coast of Western Africa. These results bring to light the need for further investigation...
Show moreThe migratory behavior of North Atlantic leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) has been documented in the Wider Caribbean, but the migratory movements of leatherbacks nesting in South Florida are relatively understudied. Our knowledge of their migrations is currently limited to ten nesting females tracked from the east coast of Florida that either moved north to the Northern Atlantic or east to the coast of Western Africa. These results bring to light the need for further investigation and larger sample sizes to identify and determine the relative importance of the different foraging areas for the leatherbacks nesting in South Florida. Here, I analyzed stable carbon (δ13C) and stable nitrogen (δ15N) values in whole blood and skin of leatherbacks nesting in South Florida between 2014 and 2017 to estimate the putative foraging origins of these nesters prior to coming to South Florida to nest. This study provides some of the first stable isotope inferences and insights into the variable pre-nesting foraging habitat locations of Florida’s leatherback population.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013014
Subject Headings: Leatherback turtle--Florida, Dermochelys coriacea, Foraging behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Body Condition of Juvenile Hoplosternum littorale (Hancock, 1828) in Anthropogenic Refuges on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation during the 2006 Dry Season.
Creator: Ramdin, Gianna, Baldwin, John D., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: This study investigated variations m body condition of brown hoplos (Hoplosternum littorale) refuging in ponds in the Big Cypress region of southern Florida. During the dry season environmental parameters fluctuated, water depth and dissolved oxygen decreased, while temperature and conductivity increased. Standard lengths and wet weights of 675 juvenile brown hoplos were measured from seven populations. Body condition was compared between populations and through time (early vs. late dry...
Show moreThis study investigated variations m body condition of brown hoplos (Hoplosternum littorale) refuging in ponds in the Big Cypress region of southern Florida. During the dry season environmental parameters fluctuated, water depth and dissolved oxygen decreased, while temperature and conductivity increased. Standard lengths and wet weights of 675 juvenile brown hoplos were measured from seven populations. Body condition was compared between populations and through time (early vs. late dry season) using length-weight relationship and Fulton's condition factor. The only significant spatia-temporal variations in body condition occurred in the deepest refuges. One population demonstrated an unexpected positive change in body condition, while another (a deep culvert pond) showed negative changes in body condition over time. Smaller fish (≤S65mmSL) found in these deep-water refuges demonstrated the most change in body condition. Almost all populations exhibited isometric growth but the culvert pond population had variable regression slopes (slopes ≠ 3 for both samples).
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000817
Subject Headings: Seminole Tribe of Florida, Big Cypress Swamp (Fla )--Environmental aspects, Wetland ecology--Florida--Big Cypress Swamp (Fla ), Ecosystem management--Florida--Big Cypress Swamp (Fla)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Population Genetic Structure, Movement Patterns, and Environmental Preferences of the Pelagic Wahoo, Acanthocyhium solandri.
Creator: Theisen, Timothy Charles, Florida Atlantic University, Baldwin, John D., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The wahoo, Acanthocyhium solandri, is a pelagic marine fish which inhabits tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate waters worldwide. Despite being highly mobile and economically important over most of their range, there is little scientific data concerning population structure, movement patterns, or environmental preferences of wahoo. In this study I investigate wahoo genetic population structure and phytogeography on a global scale, and deploy pop-up satellite archival tags (PSA T's) in...
Show moreThe wahoo, Acanthocyhium solandri, is a pelagic marine fish which inhabits tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate waters worldwide. Despite being highly mobile and economically important over most of their range, there is little scientific data concerning population structure, movement patterns, or environmental preferences of wahoo. In this study I investigate wahoo genetic population structure and phytogeography on a global scale, and deploy pop-up satellite archival tags (PSA T's) in the western Atlantic Ocean to determine movement patterns and environmental preferences of wahoo. Wahoo population genetic structure was examined across their entire global range with intron six of lactate dehydrogenase-A (ldhA6, 10 locations, N = 213) and mtDNA cytochrome h (Cyth, 13 locations, N = 322). Results show extensive sharing ofhaplotypes and no significant structure between all locations (mtDNA ~ST < 0.0001, P = 0.634; nuclear FsT = 0.0125, P = 0.1 06). Overall nuclear heterozygosity (H = 0.714) and mtDNA haplotype diversity (h = 0.918) are both high, while overall mtDNA nucleotide diversity (n = 0.006) and nuclear nucleotide diversity (n = 0.004) are uniformly low. Coalescence indicates an effective female population size CNeF) at - 816,000, and a population bottleneck - 690,000 years ago. Movement patterns and environmental preferences were investigated by deploying PSA T's onto four individual wahoo in the western Atlantic Ocean. Tagging success rate (75%) validates the deployment protocol developed for this project. Results indicate that wahoo in the western Atlantic ocean spend the greatest portion of their time between 0 and 20 meters of depth, and between temperatures of 20oC and 26°C. More time was spent near the deeper extremes of their range during the nocturnal period, and daily visits to the surface were observed. Wahoo were observed traveling north in Fall and Winter, contrary to previous notions concerning the migratory movements of this species. The genetic results indicate a worldwide stock for wahoo, which reinforces the mandate for international cooperation on fisheries issues. The PSA T results demonstrate the value of the acquired data to the investigation of important life history parameters in pelagic species. The information generated from this project will benefit fisheries managers, marine biologists, evolutionary biologists, and both commercial and recreational fishing interests.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000880
Subject Headings: Population genetics, Marine biology, Biological diversity, Fish populations--Conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Reproductive success of male Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) revealed by noninvasive genetic analysis of paternity.
Creator: Green, Michelle L., Herzing, Denise L., Baldwin, John D.
Date Issued: 2011-03
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/flvc_fau_islandoraimporter_10.1139_Z10-111_1631733445
Format: Citation

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