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Title: FIRE BEHAVIOR ACROSS A VEGETATION GRADIENT AND PEAT COMBUSTION VULNERABILITY IN SOUTH FLORIDA.
Creator: Jensen, Kevin, Benscoter, Brian, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Fire is a tool to reduce fuel and restore ecosystems but poses a risk of peat combustion that temporally restricts managers. Studies indicate that fires may be prescribed with a water table lower than the peat surface, but are based on locations with different peat properties or assumed heat inputs. The goal of this research is to quantify peat surface heating during a passing fire and the heat required to ignite peat under lowered water tables. This study used temperature probes at two...
Show moreFire is a tool to reduce fuel and restore ecosystems but poses a risk of peat combustion that temporally restricts managers. Studies indicate that fires may be prescribed with a water table lower than the peat surface, but are based on locations with different peat properties or assumed heat inputs. The goal of this research is to quantify peat surface heating during a passing fire and the heat required to ignite peat under lowered water tables. This study used temperature probes at two heights to quantify peat surface heating during a prescribed fire and a manipulative experiment to quantify the effects of water table recession on peat properties important for predicting ignition. The soil surface experienced 87% of the flaming heat in sawgrass dominated areas. The heat required to ignite the peat surface was significantly correlated with the water table depth. This provides managers greater opportunity for prescribing fire.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013780
Subject Headings: Fires, Fire ecology, Peat--Combustion, Prescribed burning
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.
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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: Ecology of the barracudinas (Aulopiformes: Paralepididae), a ubiquitous but understudied mesopelagic predatory fish family, in the Gulf of Mexico.
Creator: Jones, Richard, Moore, Jon, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 prompted an enormous survey effort to assess the under-studied, deep-ocean ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico. The resulting samples and datasets afforded a unique opportunity to study the ecology of a poorly known group of mesopelagic fishes, the barracudinas (Aulopiformes: Paralepididae). Here we address several important data gaps regarding the ecology of the Paralepididae. Our results indicate that a majority of barracudina species are efficient at...
Show moreThe Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 prompted an enormous survey effort to assess the under-studied, deep-ocean ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico. The resulting samples and datasets afforded a unique opportunity to study the ecology of a poorly known group of mesopelagic fishes, the barracudinas (Aulopiformes: Paralepididae). Here we address several important data gaps regarding the ecology of the Paralepididae. Our results indicate that a majority of barracudina species are efficient at avoiding research-sized nets, suggesting that their overall abundance has been historically underestimated. Notable differences in vertical distribution, seasonal abundances of sizes classes, and diets were observed among the three major sub-groups of the family, with potential implications to ecosystem-based management of deep-pelagic fisheries. This thesis is dedicated to all the fish, squids, and shrimps that gave their lives to make these data and to those that endured the hardship of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013075
Subject Headings: Barracudinas., Paralepididae., Fishes--Mexico, Gulf of., Fishes--Ecology.
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: Tropical crustose coralline algal community and individual growth responses to light and elevated pCO2.
Creator: Dutra, Elizabeth A., Koch, Marguerite, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Crustose coralline algae (CCA) are important reef stabilizers and their susceptibility to anthropogenic climate change and ocean acidification (OA) is of concern. Ocean acidification effects on benthic algal communities were determined by the response of CCA, fleshy macroalgae and microalgae to the interaction of pCO2 and light. I examined if elevated pCO2 and light influences CCA dominance by assessing their growth, recruitment and calcification. Elevated pCO2 under natural reef diurnal CO2...
Show moreCrustose coralline algae (CCA) are important reef stabilizers and their susceptibility to anthropogenic climate change and ocean acidification (OA) is of concern. Ocean acidification effects on benthic algal communities were determined by the response of CCA, fleshy macroalgae and microalgae to the interaction of pCO2 and light. I examined if elevated pCO2 and light influences CCA dominance by assessing their growth, recruitment and calcification. Elevated pCO2 under natural reef diurnal CO2 cycles did not significantly affect CCA percent cover, calcification rates or survival of adult CCA lobes. No significant community pCO2 effects were observed, rather light controlled dominance. The percent cover of microalgae increased in highlight, while CCA increased in the shade. My results indicate that algal response to irradiance is a more significant driver of reef benthic algal change than pCO2 levels predicted for 2100; however, this conclusion should be corroborated in longer-term and in field experiments.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004365, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004365
Subject Headings: Marine algae, Algal communities--Monitoring, Coral reef ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Wading bird use of geographically isolated wetlands in the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain.
Creator: Herteux, Camille E., Gawlik, Dale E., Smith, Lora L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Geographically isolated wetlands (GIWs) within the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain have been increasingly recognized for their importance in providing ecosystem services. These wetlands serve as valuable foraging and breeding habitat for wetland-dependent species, including wading birds. I quantified wading bird presence in GIWs in southwestern Georgia and determined the relative importance of factors influencing their use of these wetlands. I also examined the diet of a nesting colony of...
Show moreGeographically isolated wetlands (GIWs) within the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain have been increasingly recognized for their importance in providing ecosystem services. These wetlands serve as valuable foraging and breeding habitat for wetland-dependent species, including wading birds. I quantified wading bird presence in GIWs in southwestern Georgia and determined the relative importance of factors influencing their use of these wetlands. I also examined the diet of a nesting colony of Little Blue Herons; a species experiencing population declines throughout most of the Southeast. I found that wetland-specific parameters were important factors in predicting wading bird use of GIWs, and wading birds utilized agricultural and natural wetlands differently depending on hydrological seasonality. Little Blue Herons were primarily consuming large anurans and anuran larvae, which are characteristic of agriculturally modified wetlands. The seasonal process of receding water levels in GIWs and subsequent concentration of
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013012
Subject Headings: Wetlands--Georgia, Wading birds, Herons--Ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The impact of willow encroachment on water and carbon exchange in the vegetation of a subtropical wetland.
Creator: Budny, Michelle L., Benscoter, Brian, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Shortened periods of inundation due to water management have led to the encroachment and expansion of Carolina willow (Salix caroliniana) in sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) marsh communities. Morphologic and physiologic differences between sawgrass and willow have potential consequences for microhabitat conditions and ecosystem function such as a reduction in temperatures and light availability and changes in primary productivity. Since it is a woody shrub, willow is often assumed to exhibit...
Show moreShortened periods of inundation due to water management have led to the encroachment and expansion of Carolina willow (Salix caroliniana) in sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) marsh communities. Morphologic and physiologic differences between sawgrass and willow have potential consequences for microhabitat conditions and ecosystem function such as a reduction in temperatures and light availability and changes in primary productivity. Since it is a woody shrub, willow is often assumed to exhibit higher rates of transpiration than non woody plants, which in turn can affect photosynthesis and carbon exchange and ultimately wetland water management. In this study willow was found to have higher rates of stomatal conductance (gs) and photosynthesis (Anet) than sawgrass. However, sawgrass had greater intrinsic water use efficiency (WUE) than willow. This suggests that willow is capable of greater gas exchange and carbon assimilation than sawgrass but requires more water. Understanding the implications of willow expansion will improve landscape models of wetland water and carbon exchange and inform water management decisions.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004350, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004350
Subject Headings: Biogeochemistry, Ecosystem management, Surfaces (Technology) -- Measurement, Vegetation dynamics, Wetland 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.
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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: REPRODUCTIVE RESPONSES OF THREE HERON SPECIES TO VARIABLE FORAGING CONDITIONS AND NESTING ISLAND TYPE IN A MANAGED LAKE ECOSYSTEM.
Creator: Evans, Jacquelyn D., Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The relationship between water-level fluctuations and wading bird nest numbers and nesting location is well documented, yet species-specific reproductive responses of wading birds to environmental drivers and nesting habitat type is poorly understood. Here, I compared the reproductive responses of two ecologically similar species, Snowy Egret and Tricolored Heron, to foraging conditions influenced by water management and examined the effect of nestling island type on the reproductive success...
Show moreThe relationship between water-level fluctuations and wading bird nest numbers and nesting location is well documented, yet species-specific reproductive responses of wading birds to environmental drivers and nesting habitat type is poorly understood. Here, I compared the reproductive responses of two ecologically similar species, Snowy Egret and Tricolored Heron, to foraging conditions influenced by water management and examined the effect of nestling island type on the reproductive success of three wading bird species. Reproductive responses to foraging conditions were broadly similar between Snowy Egrets and Tricolored Herons, however this study revealed specific-specific differences that could lead to different population dynamics in response to management over the long-term. I also found that these two species had lower productivity at spoil islands than marsh colonies, whereas Great Egret productivity did not vary by colony type. This study demonstrates the importance of establishing species-species relationships between productivity and environmental conditions
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013550
Subject Headings: Herons--Ecology, Reproduction, Nesting behavior, Okeechobee, Lake (Fla), Species
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Identifiying cost savings through energy conservation measures in mechanically aerated activated sludge treatment processes in southeast Florida.
Creator: Stanley, Eric., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: This thesis presents a model which estimates energy and cost savings that can be realized by implementing Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) at mechanically aerated wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in southeast Florida. Historical plant monitoring data is used to estimate savings achieved by implementing innovative aeration technologies which include : 1) Fine Bubble DIffusers ; 2) Single-Stage Turbo Blowers ; 3) Automatic Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Control. Key assumptions for modeling...
Show moreThis thesis presents a model which estimates energy and cost savings that can be realized by implementing Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) at mechanically aerated wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in southeast Florida. Historical plant monitoring data is used to estimate savings achieved by implementing innovative aeration technologies which include : 1) Fine Bubble DIffusers ; 2) Single-Stage Turbo Blowers ; 3) Automatic Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Control. Key assumptions for modeling performance of each technology are researched and discussed, such as trends in the future cost of electricity, efficiency of blowers, and practical average DO levels for each scenario. Capital cost estimates and operation maintenance (O&M) costs are estimated to complete life-cycle cost and payback analyses. The benefits are quantified on an individual and cumulative basis, to identify which technologies are cost-beneficial. The results demonstrate that levels of payback of 20 years or less are available at the three WWTPs studied.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3352885
Subject Headings: Ecological engineering, Sewage, Purification, Sewage disposal plants, Energy conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: THREE-DIMENSIONAL MOVEMENT AND HABITAT USE OF YOUNG WHITE SHARKS (CARCHARODON CARCHARIAS) IN THE NORTHWEST ATLANTIC OCEAN.
Creator: Shaw, Rachel Lynn, Ajemian, Matthew, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Recent research confirmed white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) nursery habitat off Long Island, New York; however, additional research is required to determine the habitat use and fine-scale movements of young-of-the-year and juvenile white sharks within this nursery. Between 2016 and 2019, twenty-five white sharks were fitted with satellite and acoustic tags to better define habitat use. Individuals exhibited horizontal movements parallel to Long Island’s southern shoreline and coastal New...
Show moreRecent research confirmed white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) nursery habitat off Long Island, New York; however, additional research is required to determine the habitat use and fine-scale movements of young-of-the-year and juvenile white sharks within this nursery. Between 2016 and 2019, twenty-five white sharks were fitted with satellite and acoustic tags to better define habitat use. Individuals exhibited horizontal movements parallel to Long Island’s southern shoreline and coastal New Jersey. Log-likelihood chi-square analyses determined preference for water column depth, SSTs, sea surface salinities, and chlorophyll a concentration. Vertical analysis of diving behavior revealed swimming behavior primarily in the upper 20 m of the water column, in temperatures between 18°C and 20°C. Generalized additive mixed modeling suggested SSTs above 20.5°C affected dive depth. These results can help improve characterization of essential fish habitat for young white sharks and provide data to determine the species’ susceptibility to anthropogenic activities.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013440
Subject Headings: Carcharodon carcharias, White shark, Marine nurseries, Sharks--Ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Terpene Biosynthesis in the Octocorals Erythropodium caribaeorum and Plexaurella spp.
Creator: Frenz, Jamie L., Kerr, Russell G., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The marine environment is a prolific source of novel compounds for therapeutic use due to the complex biological and chemical diversity. Throughout the past 30-40 years, over 15,000 natural products have been discovered from the oceans, many of which display a broad range of potential clinical and commercial applications. Many marine invertebrates are sessile organisms that lack physical protection, and which chemical defense may be a possible explanation for these secondary metabolites....
Show moreThe marine environment is a prolific source of novel compounds for therapeutic use due to the complex biological and chemical diversity. Throughout the past 30-40 years, over 15,000 natural products have been discovered from the oceans, many of which display a broad range of potential clinical and commercial applications. Many marine invertebrates are sessile organisms that lack physical protection, and which chemical defense may be a possible explanation for these secondary metabolites. Despite the promise marine natural products have as potent pharmaceutical agents, one of the major factors delaying clinical use is the supply issue. These bioactive compounds are often found in trace amounts in the host organism, which makes harvesting from the reefs unfeasible. A general goal in our lab was to investigate the biosynthesis of secondary metabolite terpenes to ultimately provide a production method of these potent marine derived compounds. Eleutherobin and desmethyleleutherobin are diterpenes isolated from the Caribbean soft coral Erythropodium caribaeorum. These extremely valuable anticancer agents disrupt cell division by polymerizing and stabilizing microtubules, and have demonstrated tumor tissue selectivity toward selected breast, renal, ovarian and lung cancer cell lines. Determining the first intermediate in terpene biosynthesis is the initial step in developing a biotechnological production method of these cytotoxic agents. We investigated the complex chemistry of this coral using a radioactivity-guided isolation procedure, and isolated and partially characterized a diterpene hydrocarbon from E. caribaeorum. The close association between marine invertebrates, zooxanthellae and numerous bacteria gives rise to the question of the identity of the producer of secondary metabolites in marine organisms. If the symbiont produces these therapeutic agents, cell culture methods could be employed to supply the compounds rather than obtaining them from coral reefs. Sesquiterpenes have been isolated from the gorgonian Plexaurella spp., however, no investigations concerning host/symbiont contribution of the sesquiterpenes have been reported. We investigated the biosynthetic source of terpenes in this coral, and experimental evidence indicates that bacteria are responsible for sesquiterpene production. We also examined sesquiterpene variation of Plexaurella spp. from various locations, and found sesquiterpene content to vary within and between species, identifying Plexaurella as a chemically indistinguishable genus.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000853
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Terpenes--Synthesis, Marine pharmacology, Pharmacognosy
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effects of fire on the demographics of Neyraudia reynaudiana in the pine rocklands.
Creator: Rasha, Renee L'Hoste, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: This study is to further understand the effects of fire on the invasive Asian grass, Neyraudia reynaudiana in the south Florida pine rocklands, at Larry and Penny Thompson Park in Miami-Dade County. Urban surroundings, fire suppression, and Hurricane Andrew in 1992 required prescribed fire in the pine rocklands to prevent wildfires and succession into hardwood habitat. Neyraudia reynaudiana's rapid spread caused concern due to its resistance to herbicide. A main concern was that fire, which...
Show moreThis study is to further understand the effects of fire on the invasive Asian grass, Neyraudia reynaudiana in the south Florida pine rocklands, at Larry and Penny Thompson Park in Miami-Dade County. Urban surroundings, fire suppression, and Hurricane Andrew in 1992 required prescribed fire in the pine rocklands to prevent wildfires and succession into hardwood habitat. Neyraudia reynaudiana's rapid spread caused concern due to its resistance to herbicide. A main concern was that fire, which is a natural component of the pine rockland community, could enhance Neyraudia reynaudiana's spread. This study observed and measured Neyraudia reynaudiana regrowth in two plant communities at five times over one year after one treatment of prescribed fire. Two herbaceous plant inventories were taken one year apart. The study's results show that Neyraudia reynaudiana was enhanced by fire.
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Date Issued: 2000
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12696
Subject Headings: Biology, Botany, Biology, Ecology, Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Habitat suitability and population demographics of the seagrass, Thalassia testudinum, in the northeast salt ponds of Key West, Florida.
Creator: Miller, Cheryl L., Florida Atlantic University, Austin, Daniel F.
Abstract/Description: Reconstructive aging techniques were used to construct the age frequency distributions of T. testudinum short shoots in the Salt Ponds of Key West, FL. Median short shoot age was approximately two years. No evidence of sexual reproductive effort was found. A site-specific leaf emergence rate was not used, which may have contributed error in the reconstructive technique. Gradients in salinity, phosphorous availability, community composition, and leaf width were observed along the water flow...
Show moreReconstructive aging techniques were used to construct the age frequency distributions of T. testudinum short shoots in the Salt Ponds of Key West, FL. Median short shoot age was approximately two years. No evidence of sexual reproductive effort was found. A site-specific leaf emergence rate was not used, which may have contributed error in the reconstructive technique. Gradients in salinity, phosphorous availability, community composition, and leaf width were observed along the water flow pathway through the ponds. Populations of short shoots more distal from the tidal source exhibited an older age structure reflecting higher salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen stresses. Populations closest to apparent sources of nutrient enrichment were skewed toward young individuals. A significant positive relationship between increasing short shoot mortality and recruitment was identified. A significant correlation between low phosphorous availability and narrow leaf width was observed, and a positive relationship between phosphorous availability and recruitment was suggested.
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Date Issued: 2000
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12730
Subject Headings: Seagrasses--Florida--Key West, Thalassia, Marine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Exploration of Methods to Identify Biosynthetic Genes and the Origin of Biosynthesis in Marine Octocorals.
Creator: Ranzer, Llanie Karen, Florida Atlantic University, Kerr, Russell G., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract/Description: The overall goal of this research was to isolate key genes involved in the diterpene biosynthesis from Euniceafusca and Erythropodium caribaeorum using molecular biology techniques. The initial goal was to use fuscol induced cell cultures of Symbiodinium sp. isolated from E. fusca and to develop an approach based on differential display of mRNA-reverse transcription-PeR. Together with inverse PCR, these techniques ultimately provided a full-length farnesyl diphosphate synthase sequence....
Show moreThe overall goal of this research was to isolate key genes involved in the diterpene biosynthesis from Euniceafusca and Erythropodium caribaeorum using molecular biology techniques. The initial goal was to use fuscol induced cell cultures of Symbiodinium sp. isolated from E. fusca and to develop an approach based on differential display of mRNA-reverse transcription-PeR. Together with inverse PCR, these techniques ultimately provided a full-length farnesyl diphosphate synthase sequence. Functional expression of this enzyme was demonstrated with the addition of appropriate substrates and confirmed by chromatography. From this data, degenerate primer based PCR was used to isolate putative geranylgeranyl diphosphate biosynthetic genes from E. caribaeorum. Both chemical and genetic examinations of Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae eggs and their associated Symbiodinium sp. were employed to identify the biosynthetic origin of their diterpenes. Terpene content and biosynthetic capabilities of azooxanthellae eggs demonstrated the presence of pseudopterosins but also indicated that the eggs were not capable of producing these compounds. Likewise, no correlation could be observed for the phylogenetic relationships inferred for the Symbiodinium sp., with that of the terpene chemistry present in P. elisabethae. This finding leads us to speculate about an additional source of terpene production within this coral. Based on these and other recent findings suggesting symbiotic bacteria as the source of secondary metabolites from marine invertebrates, bacterial assemblages from E. caribaeorum were examined. This study revealed considerable phylogenetic bacterial diversity within this coral and the identification of several bacteria known to produce terpenes in other organisms.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000874
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Diterpenes, Biosynthesis, Terpenes--Synthesis
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: FLOATING ISLANDS--BIOGEOMORPHIC FEATURES OF HILLSBORO MARSH, NORTHEASTERNEVERGLADES, FLORIDA.
Creator: STONE, PETER ALAN., Florida Atlantic University, Craig, Alan K., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Floating islands are common natural features in modern Hillsboro Marsh. Most floating islands: 1) occur as detached, free-floating batteries (raft-like peaty masses that rise from substrate), and 2) form in habitats containing abundant waterlilies. New batteries are quickly colonized by marsh, and often terrestrial, plants. Differences in species diversity and early succession occur between two ecologically different subareas. In one subarea many batteries succeed quickly to mixed graminoid...
Show moreFloating islands are common natural features in modern Hillsboro Marsh. Most floating islands: 1) occur as detached, free-floating batteries (raft-like peaty masses that rise from substrate), and 2) form in habitats containing abundant waterlilies. New batteries are quickly colonized by marsh, and often terrestrial, plants. Differences in species diversity and early succession occur between two ecologically different subareas. In one subarea many batteries succeed quickly to mixed graminoid-arborescent vegetation. Floating batteries form hydrologically unusual Everglades habitats and support some locally rare plants. Battery formation produces local topographic elevations and depressions. Apparent size-successional vegetational and landform continuumns seem to link batteries with small extant tree-islands. Radiometric evidence suggests presence of batteries in peat profiles of two tree-islands. Everglades floating islands most resemble others reported in southeastern United States and appear dissimilar morphologically and in mode of origin to those reported from elsewhere worldwide.
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Date Issued: 1978
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13940
Subject Headings: Islands--Florida--Everglades, Botany--Florida--Ecology, Everglades (Fla)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The social ecology of growth management: An analysis of Florida's urban communities.
Creator: Watson, Robert P., Florida Atlantic University, DeGrove, John M.
Abstract/Description: That growth management as a field of study is relatively young is observable in the lack of theory about the phenomenon. Not surprisingly, the literature contains numerous criticisms of the inadequacy of existing research and calls for the development of empirically-based decision-making models and theory in the field. This paper studies cities and counties in Florida with the objective of analyzing the "social ecology" of urban growth-managing communities. Here, the term social ecology is...
Show moreThat growth management as a field of study is relatively young is observable in the lack of theory about the phenomenon. Not surprisingly, the literature contains numerous criticisms of the inadequacy of existing research and calls for the development of empirically-based decision-making models and theory in the field. This paper studies cities and counties in Florida with the objective of analyzing the "social ecology" of urban growth-managing communities. Here, the term social ecology is used to represent social forces in the policy macroenvironment. At present there is no clear answer as to what community characteristics are associated with growth management policy and what are the social pressures underlying community growth-managing policy orientations. A dynamic and complex policy issue, growth management is conceptualized in this study both broadly and operationally in terms of five major policy issues pertaining to growth management: Economic development/redevelopment; housing; infrastructure; environmental protection; and urban design/community character. Governments of the 36 counties and 28 cities in Florida with populations of at least 50,000 were surveyed to obtain information on their growth management policy priorities. Of the approximately one dozen states currently employing statewide, comprehensive systems to manage growth, Florida is considered a national leader. Furthermore, as it has been experiencing one of the nation's highest growth rates over the past two decades, Florida is an important growth management data source to study. The research involved two stages. The first stage used bivariate statistical analyses and tests of association to identify those variables in the urban social ecology related to each of the growth management policy issues studied, from which descriptive models of association were constructed. The second stage used factor analysis to identify and analyze the principal factors characterizing the growth management policies, from which broad theory about the social ecology of growth management was developed. In summary, this study analyzes and explains growth management policy in terms of three principal factors characterizing the urban community. The study offers descriptive models and theory analyzing the forces that shape growth management policy and thus provides a conceptual framework for policy analysis to assist policy makers with decision making. Equally important, the findings provide direction for further study in the field.
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Date Issued: 1991
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12286
Subject Headings: Urban Ecology (Sociology)--Florida, Community Development, Urban--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The role of symbiotic dinoflagellates in the temperature-induced bleaching response of Aiptasia pallida.
Creator: Perez, Santiago F., Florida Atlantic University, Marsh, G. Alex, Cook, Clayton B., Brooks, W. Randy, Koch, Marguerite
Abstract/Description: Bleaching of reef corals and other cnidarians symbiotic with zooxanthellae can be attributed to the stress response of the host, algae or both. To determine if zooxanthellae are involved in the bleaching process, I infected a single strain of sea anemone, Aiptasia pallida with zooxanthellae from different hosts. I measured expulsion of the algae from the host during 24-hour incubations at 25, 32 and 34C, as well as photosynthetic rates at these temperatures. Photosynthesis and expulsion of...
Show moreBleaching of reef corals and other cnidarians symbiotic with zooxanthellae can be attributed to the stress response of the host, algae or both. To determine if zooxanthellae are involved in the bleaching process, I infected a single strain of sea anemone, Aiptasia pallida with zooxanthellae from different hosts. I measured expulsion of the algae from the host during 24-hour incubations at 25, 32 and 34C, as well as photosynthetic rates at these temperatures. Photosynthesis and expulsion of zooxanthellae were inversely and directly proportional to elevated temperatures, respectively. Photosynthesis and expulsion of zooxanthellae isolated from Condylactis gigantea showed the greatest sensitivity to elevated temperature when compared to other zooxanthellae tested. These results suggest that zooxanthellae have a function in the bleaching process and that this function may be related to their photosynthetic response. Thus, the differential tolerance of zooxanthellae to stress could partly explain the spatial variability characteristic of coral-bleaching episodes.
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Date Issued: 1999
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15698
Subject Headings: Dinoflagellates, Sea anemones, Coral reef ecology, Seawater--Thermal properties
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: SALT MARSH SPECIES CLASSIFICATION AND SOIL PROPERTY MODELING USING MULTIPLE REMOTE SENSORS.
Creator: Nicholson, Heather M., Zhang, Caiyun, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Salt marshes are highly dynamic ecosystems that rely on multiple environmental and physical drivers that determine species distribution and soil property distribution. However, climate change and human interference are threatening the delicate ecosystem. One of the easiest ways to monitor marsh dynamics is through remote sensing. Traditional methods may not handle the large, non-parametric datasets well and often do not spatially determine areas of uncertainty. This dissertation research...
Show moreSalt marshes are highly dynamic ecosystems that rely on multiple environmental and physical drivers that determine species distribution and soil property distribution. However, climate change and human interference are threatening the delicate ecosystem. One of the easiest ways to monitor marsh dynamics is through remote sensing. Traditional methods may not handle the large, non-parametric datasets well and often do not spatially determine areas of uncertainty. This dissertation research developed a framework to map marsh species and predict ground soil properties using multiple remote sensing data sources by integrating modern Object-based Image Analysis (OBIA), machine learning, data fusion, and band indices techniques. It also sought to determine areas of uncertainty in the final outputs and differences between different spectral resolutions. Five machine learning classifiers were examined including Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) to map marsh species. Overall results illustrated that RF and SVM typically performed best, especially when using hyperspectral data combined with DEM information. Seven regressors were assessed to map three different soil properties. Again, RF and SVM performed the best no matter the dataset used, or soil property mapped. Soil salinity had r as high as 0.93, soil moisture had r as high as 0.91, and soil organic an r as high as 0.74 when using hyperspectral data.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014000
Subject Headings: Salt marshes, Salt marsh ecology, Species, Remote sensing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: VEGETATION DYNAMICS AT DIFFERENT SPATIO-TEMPORAL SCALES IN FREQUENTLY BURNED MIXED CONIFER FORESTS, NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA RANGE, CALIFORNIA.
Creator: Paudel, Asha, Markwith, Scott H., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Mixed conifer forests in the Sierra Nevada, California, face threats from frequent highseverity fire associated with climate change and fuel accumulation leading to vegetation shifts at local and landscape scales. Under rapid climate change, a clear understanding of how vegetation responds to single and/or repeated wildfires is still lacking and needs to be investigated. Using field and satellite data, the effects of wildfire on vegetation dynamics were explored at the plot and landscape...
Show moreMixed conifer forests in the Sierra Nevada, California, face threats from frequent highseverity fire associated with climate change and fuel accumulation leading to vegetation shifts at local and landscape scales. Under rapid climate change, a clear understanding of how vegetation responds to single and/or repeated wildfires is still lacking and needs to be investigated. Using field and satellite data, the effects of wildfire on vegetation dynamics were explored at the plot and landscape levels in this dissertation project. Results from the field data suggest that management activities may be required in high-severity burned areas to restore dominance of mixed conifer forests and regain historical species composition in areas where live trees persist. Results from satellite data suggested that large shrub patches, created after mixed severity fire, fragment the homogenous mixed conifer dominated forest of the Sierra Nevada to create a more heterogeneous landscape, however the extent of diversity and fragmentation were dependent on fire severity and scales. Natural wildfires may restore landscape heterogeneity to conditions equivalent to the pre-Columbian era, but effects under the projected climate change scenario for 21st century remain uncertain. Mixed conifer dominated forests are predicted to be the dominant component of the Sierra Nevada landscape under historical fire probabilities and excluding higher probability of high-severity fire over the next 100 years.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013966
Subject Headings: Vegetation dynamics, Climate change, Fire ecology, Wildfires--Management
Format: Document (PDF)

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