View All Items

Title: Nutrition and habitat driven foraging of wild dolphins in the Bahamas: a recipe for prey.
Creator: Malinowski, Christopher R., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Two sympatric dolphin species, Stenella frontalis and Tursiops truncatus, resident to Little Bahama Bank, Bahamas were found to mostly forage independent of one another, but occasionally foraged in mixed groups. Analysis of over 20 years of data revealed the degree of overlap to be minimal with spatially distinct regions identified for both species, environmental segregation based on depth, bottom type, temperature, and time of day. Results based on observational data indicated significant...
Show moreTwo sympatric dolphin species, Stenella frontalis and Tursiops truncatus, resident to Little Bahama Bank, Bahamas were found to mostly forage independent of one another, but occasionally foraged in mixed groups. Analysis of over 20 years of data revealed the degree of overlap to be minimal with spatially distinct regions identified for both species, environmental segregation based on depth, bottom type, temperature, and time of day. Results based on observational data indicated significant differences in group size and selected prey. For S. frontalis, lactating females had the most distinct diet, which differed from that of non-reproductively active (NRA) females. Pregnant females had ambiguous prey use results, but diet differences were revealed through nutritional analysis. Lactating females had a higher intake of all nutrients (% moisture, % lipid, % protein, and calories) than pregnant females but lower than NRA females. Mother and calf pairs selected prey for caloric and moisture values. The influence of calves on foraging groups was reflected through discrete differences in all nutrients. Males and females appeared to select the same major prey, but female prey use was much more diverse.
Show less
Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3318668
Subject Headings: Dolphins, Habitat, Predatory marine animals, Ecology, Marine ecosystem management, Predation (Biology), Aquatic mammals, Behavior
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Coral-Algal Symbioses in Mesophotic Montastraea cavernosa in the Gulf of Mexico.
Creator: Polinski, Jennifer, Voss, Joshua, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Mesophotic reefs represent biodiverse ecosystems that may act as a refuge for depth-generalist coral species threatened in shallow habitats. Despite the importance of coral-algal symbioses, few studies focus on mesophotic zooxanthellae assemblages and their influence on connectivity. This study compared zooxanthellae in Montastraea cavernosa at shallow and mesophotic depths at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and McGrail Bank. Mesophotic corals contained more zooxanthellae and...
Show moreMesophotic reefs represent biodiverse ecosystems that may act as a refuge for depth-generalist coral species threatened in shallow habitats. Despite the importance of coral-algal symbioses, few studies focus on mesophotic zooxanthellae assemblages and their influence on connectivity. This study compared zooxanthellae in Montastraea cavernosa at shallow and mesophotic depths at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and McGrail Bank. Mesophotic corals contained more zooxanthellae and more chlorophyll a and c2 per unit area coral. Increased zooxanthellae within mesophotic corals may represent an adaptive strategy to optimize light capture in low-light environments. Genetic profiles for zooxanthellae assemblages from shallow and mesophotic corals showed similar diversity across banks and between depths. The dominant sequence making up assemblages was identified as Symbiodinium type C1. Similar assemblage diversity suggests that zooxanthellae assemblages will not limit connectivity potential between shallow and mesophotic corals at these reefs.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004665, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004665
Subject Headings: Adaptation (Biology), Coral reef biology, Coral reef ecology -- Research, Coral reefs and islands -- Monitoring, Corals -- Habitat, Marine biodiversity, Marine resources conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

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

Title: Solitary ascidians as predators of invertebrate larvae: evidence from gut analyses and plankton samples.
Creator: Bingham, Brian L., Walters, L. J., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1989
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3353840
Subject Headings: Sea squirts, Ascidians, Invertebrates--Larvae, Predation (Biology), Marine invertebrates--Ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The physical basis of transparency in biological tissue: Ultrastructure and the minimization of light scattering.
Creator: Johnsen, Sonke, Widder, Edith A., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1999
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3174496
Subject Headings: Marine zooplankton, Transparency, Camouflage (Biology), Light--Transmission, Light--Scattering
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The role of density dependence in a marine infaunal community.
Creator: Wilson, W. Herbert, Jr., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1983
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3172803
Subject Headings: Benthic animals, Polychaeta, Spionidae, Pseudopolydora kempi, Reproduction, Asexual, Population biology, Marine sediments
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Future studies of zooplankton behavior: questions and technological developments.
Creator: Price, H. J., Paffenhöfer, G.-A., Boyd, C. M., Cowles, T. J., Donaghay, P. L., Hamner, W. M., Lampert, W., Quetin, L.B., Ross, R. M., Strickler, J. R., Youngbluth, Marsh J.
Date Issued: 1988
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3172784
Subject Headings: Marine zooplankton --Behavior --Congresses, Phytoplankton, Predation (Biology), Plankton --Ecology, Remote submersibles
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of stressors on differential gene expression and secondary metabolites by Axinella corrugata.
Creator: Grima, Jennifer., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Sponges are an important source of bioactive marine natural products, or secondary metabolites. The common Caribbean reef sponge, Axinella corrugata, produces an antitumor and antibacterial chemical, stevensine. This study determined whether environmental stressors, such as elevated temperature and exposure to Amphibalanus amphitrite larvae, affect the production of stevensine by A.corrugata and if the stressors caused A.corrugata to exhibit differential gene expression. Temperature stress...
Show moreSponges are an important source of bioactive marine natural products, or secondary metabolites. The common Caribbean reef sponge, Axinella corrugata, produces an antitumor and antibacterial chemical, stevensine. This study determined whether environmental stressors, such as elevated temperature and exposure to Amphibalanus amphitrite larvae, affect the production of stevensine by A.corrugata and if the stressors caused A.corrugata to exhibit differential gene expression. Temperature stress resulted in no significant change in the production of stevensine; only two genes were significantly differentially expressed, including hsp70. Larval stressed resulted in increased production of stevensine and significant differential gene expression (more than seventy genes). This study suggests that A.corrugata may be resilient to elevations in temperature and that one of stevensine's roles in nature is as an antifoulant.
Show less
Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3360781
Subject Headings: Axinellida, Sponges, Marine pharmacology, Adaptation (Biology), Gene expression, Genetic regulation, Stress (Physiology), Ecophysiology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Ecosystem health and environmental influences on innate immune function in the loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtle.
Creator: Sposato, Patricia L., Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtles recruit to nearshore environments as juveniles. These often degraded habitats are associated with emerging diseases such as green turtle fibropapillomatosis (GTFP), however there are few studies on immune function in sea turtles. The objective of this research was to quantify phagocytosis of the innate immune system by flow cytometry and compare levels between animals from a degraded habitat (the Indian River Lagoon, FL) to a...
Show moreLoggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtles recruit to nearshore environments as juveniles. These often degraded habitats are associated with emerging diseases such as green turtle fibropapillomatosis (GTFP), however there are few studies on immune function in sea turtles. The objective of this research was to quantify phagocytosis of the innate immune system by flow cytometry and compare levels between animals from a degraded habitat (the Indian River Lagoon, FL) to a more pristine environment (the Trident Basin, Port Canaveral, FL), and across a range of temperatures. While in vitro temperatures did not alter rates of phagocytosis, it was higher in samples obtained in the summer than winter. Rates of phagocytosis in sea turtles with GTFP and from degraded environments with increased prevalence of GTFP were low compared to animals from the more pristine environment, suggesting that the environment can alter innate immunological function and thus contribute to the development of disease.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004333, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004333
Subject Headings: Developmental biology, Ecosystem management -- Florida, Loggerhead turtle -- Habitat -- Environmental aspects, Marine biodiversity conservation, Sea turtles -- Immunology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Jaws of significance: the conservationist's perception of the shark in South Florida.
Creator: Nason, Patrick., Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Anthropology
Abstract/Description: In examining the intentional relationship between the conservationist and the shark in South Florida, this thesis considers the latter as both a scarce natural resource - caught up in what Clifford Geertz citing Weber referred to as "webs of significance" (Geertz 1973:5) - and as a reflection of dynamic human conceptions of nature : a meta shark. This complex relationship is described by interpretations of conservation discourse recorded through ethnographic interviews that demonstrate how...
Show moreIn examining the intentional relationship between the conservationist and the shark in South Florida, this thesis considers the latter as both a scarce natural resource - caught up in what Clifford Geertz citing Weber referred to as "webs of significance" (Geertz 1973:5) - and as a reflection of dynamic human conceptions of nature : a meta shark. This complex relationship is described by interpretations of conservation discourse recorded through ethnographic interviews that demonstrate how these perceptions have been influenced by factors such as personal experiences, film and text, and broad changes in the relationship between humans and nature since the early days of the environmental movement. By linking these perceptual changes with changes in American shark conservation policy, this work not only explains a relationship between culture, perception, and policy, but also celebrates the emergence of a multispecies marine community.
Show less
Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358755
Subject Headings: Sharks, Conservation, Predation (Biology), Wildlife conservation, Aquatic resources conservation, Marine animals, Ecology, Human-animal relationships
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Limitations on macroinvertebrate populations in South Florida weltands.
Creator: Knorp, Natalie E., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: It can be difficult to disentangle the factors that determine population success in freshwater systems, particularly for organisms with disturbance-resistant life stages like aquatic invertebrates. Nevertheless, the effects of environmental variation and habitat structure on animal population success in wetlands are important for understanding both trophic interactions and biodiversity. I performed two experiments to determine the factors limiting crayfish (Procambarus fallax) and dragonfly ...
Show moreIt can be difficult to disentangle the factors that determine population success in freshwater systems, particularly for organisms with disturbance-resistant life stages like aquatic invertebrates. Nevertheless, the effects of environmental variation and habitat structure on animal population success in wetlands are important for understanding both trophic interactions and biodiversity. I performed two experiments to determine the factors limiting crayfish (Procambarus fallax) and dragonfly (Family: Libellulidae) populations in wetland environments. A simulation of a dry-disturbance and subsequent sunfish (Family: Centrarchidae) re-colonization revealed that crayfish populations are sensitive to sunfish, while dragonfly naiads seemed to be limited by other drying-related factors. A second manipulation revealed that small-bodied fishes and habitat structure (submerged vegetation) shaped dragonfly communities primarily through postcolonization processes.
Show less
Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3362485
Subject Headings: Wetland ecology, Wildlife conservation, Freshwater invertebrates, Ecology, Predation (Biology), Marine ecosystem management
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: Development of Methods for Separation and Characterization of Proteins from Gorgonian Sources.
Creator: Jett, Steven W., Florida Atlantic University, Kerr, Russell G., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract/Description: Research into the chemical constituents of marine organisms is a relatively new and growing field, given that much of the marine environment has only in the last half century become accessible. Despite the strides that have been made in ocean exploration, the marine biome has still been only barely explored. Much of the impetus for the isolation and identification of chemical entities from marine organisms has been related to their potential as medicines. For a number of reasons, including...
Show moreResearch into the chemical constituents of marine organisms is a relatively new and growing field, given that much of the marine environment has only in the last half century become accessible. Despite the strides that have been made in ocean exploration, the marine biome has still been only barely explored. Much of the impetus for the isolation and identification of chemical entities from marine organisms has been related to their potential as medicines. For a number of reasons, including synthetic efficiency, this has meant that many marine compounds isolated and studied have been small molecules. In recent years, large strides have been made in techniques for the isolation and identification of biological macromolecules, especially proteins. The understanding of these molecules, and their relationship to the biochemical processes of the marine organisms from which they have been isolated, is important not only because of the potential for this information to help in the synthesis of medicines, but because it may help in the recognition of processes that affect the very viability of marine organisms increasingly exposed to anthropogenic threats to their environment. This work consists of four related studies involving the development of methods for the separation and identification of proteins from a number or gorgon ian species. Chromatographic and gel based methods were used to isolate an elisabethatriene synthase (ELS) which shows promise as a biotechnological tool for the production or pseudopterosins. A number of gorgonians were screened for the presence of proteins that might have antimicrobial properties, and several organisms were identified that might be of interest in this context. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis methods were then developed to allow the construction of gel maps for the azooxanthellate gorgonian Leptogorgia minimata and the xoozanthellae gorgonian Pseudopterogorgia e/isahethae, the separated proteins were digested and analyzed by LC/MSMS. and the information generated was used to examine the proteome of the organism for functional and phylogenetic relationships. Finally, the gorgonian EuniceafiShow less
Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000862
Subject Headings: Marine biology, Pharmaceutical biotechnology, Proteins--Analysis, Gene expression--Research--Methodology, Biomolecules--Analysis
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Characterization of symbiotic algae, genus Symbiodinium, in corals at St. Lucie reef, Florida.
Creator: Klepac, Courtney, Voss, Joshua, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The unique coral reef at St. Lucie Reef (Stuart, FL) persists despite environmental variability from extensive freshwater discharges, summer upwelling, and thermal instability. By examining the symbiotic zooxanthellae, or Symbiodinium, that reside in corals, we can gain insight to coral physiology impacted by local stressors. Two scleractinian corals, Montastraea cavernosa and Pseudodiploria clivosa were sampled over 1.5 years, including both wet and dry seasons. Zooxanthellae were isolated...
Show moreThe unique coral reef at St. Lucie Reef (Stuart, FL) persists despite environmental variability from extensive freshwater discharges, summer upwelling, and thermal instability. By examining the symbiotic zooxanthellae, or Symbiodinium, that reside in corals, we can gain insight to coral physiology impacted by local stressors. Two scleractinian corals, Montastraea cavernosa and Pseudodiploria clivosa were sampled over 1.5 years, including both wet and dry seasons. Zooxanthellae were isolated and quantitatively characterized using standard measurements and molecular techniques. Both coral species varied in zooxanthellae biomass, where Pseudodiploria clivosa had Higher cell densities and chlorophyll concentrations than Montastraea cavernosa. Over time, these parameters varied, but were not significantly altered by fresh water discharge events. Symbiodinium diversity and abundance were identified by ITS2 region amplification and next-generation sequencing .Novel associations between Symbiodinium and each coral explained the observed physiological differences. The symbioses remained stable throughout and could indicate local adaptation for St. Lucie Reef corals.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004211
Subject Headings: Adaptation (Biology), Coral reef biology, Coral reef ecology, Marine chemical ecology, St. Lucie Reef (Stuart, Fla.) -- Environmental aspects, St. Lucie River Estuary (Fla.) -- Environmental aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Phosphorus limitation in reef macroalgae of South Florida.
Creator: Kehler, Courtney., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: Nitrogen (N) has traditionally been regarded as the primary limiting nutrient to algal growth in marine coastal waters, but recent studies suggest that phosphorus (P) can be limiting in carbonate-rich environments. To better understand the importance of P. alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) was measured in reef macroalgae in seven counties of south Florida ; several significant trends emerged : 1) APA decreased geographically from the highest values in Dada>Monroe>Palm Beach>St. Lucie...
Show moreNitrogen (N) has traditionally been regarded as the primary limiting nutrient to algal growth in marine coastal waters, but recent studies suggest that phosphorus (P) can be limiting in carbonate-rich environments. To better understand the importance of P. alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) was measured in reef macroalgae in seven counties of south Florida ; several significant trends emerged : 1) APA decreased geographically from the highest values in Dada>Monroe>Palm Beach>St. Lucie>Broward>Martin>Lee counties 2) APA varied temporally with increasing nutrient-rich runoff in the wet season 3) APA varied due to taxonomic division Phaeophyta>Rhodophyta>Chlorophyta 4) Nutrient enrichment experiments demonstrated that increased N-enrichment enhanced P-limitation while increased P decreased P-limitation. These results suggest that high APA observed in carbonate-rich waters of Dade County and low APA in Broward County resulted from high nutrient inputs associated with anthropogenic nutrient pollution.
Show less
Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358598
Subject Headings: Nitrogen, Environmental aspects, Coral reef ecology, Coral reef biology, Marine algae, Physiology, Algal communities, Physiology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The ascidian Styela plicata as a potential bioremediator of bacterial and algal contamination of marine estuarine waters.
Creator: Draughon, Lisa D., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The tunicate Styela plicata (Ascidiacea) was investigated for its potential use in bioremediation of bacteria and microalgae blooms from estuarine waters. Salinity tolerances, filtration rate, substrate selection, and effects on digested bacteria and ichthyofaunal communities were examined. If acclimated slowly, Styela can be placed in salinities as low as 24 parts per thousand (ppt) before increased fatalities result. An immediate decrease in salinity from 32 ppt to 20 ppt was not...
Show moreThe tunicate Styela plicata (Ascidiacea) was investigated for its potential use in bioremediation of bacteria and microalgae blooms from estuarine waters. Salinity tolerances, filtration rate, substrate selection, and effects on digested bacteria and ichthyofaunal communities were examined. If acclimated slowly, Styela can be placed in salinities as low as 24 parts per thousand (ppt) before increased fatalities result. An immediate decrease in salinity from 32 ppt to 20 ppt was not detrimental at short term exposure (four days). One average-sized (~40g) Styela, exposed to 105 and 106 bacteria or microalgae mL-1, can filter as much as 4.7 L hr-1 and 3.3 L hr-1, respectively. Individual tunicate filtration rates varied from hour to hour, independent of organism size, indicating that filtration rates for this species would be better reported on a population basis rather than on an individual weight or size basis. Bacterial viability in tunicate feces was assessed by ATP analysis. Bacteria were found to be non-viable after passage through the tunicate digestive tract. Filtration of eggs or larvae of recreationally or commercially important fish is of concern. The smallest eggs (~0.6mm) reported in the Indian River Lagoon belong to Cynoscion nebulosus (spotted seatrout) and Bairdiella chrysoura (silver perch). Over the course of two hours, 72.5% of 0.5 mm glass beads (simulated fish eggs) were initially retained, but many were later expelled by the tunicates. For 1.0 mm beads, 49.4% were initially retained and for 2.0 mm beads, 43.5% were initially retained. Neither the size of the oral siphon nor the size of the overall animal was correlated to bead retention. Substrate selection was investigated using the tunicate Phallusia nigra., Newly hatched larvae preferred settling on wood (53.7%), as compared to polyethylene (30.9%), high-density polyethylene (13.0%), and polyvinyl chloride (2.4%). Overall, results of this study indicate S. plicata is very effective at removing bacteria and microalgae from estuarine waters. However, further testing is warranted regarding the unwanted removal of fish eggs and larvae before utilization of S. plicata for bioremedial purposes.
Show less
Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1927312
Subject Headings: Marine bioremediation, Estuarine ecology, Water quality management, Water quality biological assessment
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Aggressive Behaviors Of Adult Male Atlantic Spotted Dolphins (Stenella frontalis) During Intraspecific And Interspecific Aggressive Interactions.
Creator: Volker, Cassandra L., Herzing, Denise L., Hughes, Colin, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are two sympatric species resident to the Bahamas. The visibility of the Bahamian water provided a unique opportunity to study spotted dolphin communication during aggression. This study’s main focus was to decipher any similarities or differences in the behaviors used by spotted dolphins during interspecific and intraspecific aggression. Both similarities and differences were discovered. Biting,...
Show moreAtlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are two sympatric species resident to the Bahamas. The visibility of the Bahamian water provided a unique opportunity to study spotted dolphin communication during aggression. This study’s main focus was to decipher any similarities or differences in the behaviors used by spotted dolphins during interspecific and intraspecific aggression. Both similarities and differences were discovered. Biting, following, and chasing behavioral events were used more during interspecific aggression, while the display behavioral class was used more than the contact behavioral class during intrabut not interspecific aggression. This study showed that spotted dolphins use more energy intensive and risky behaviors when fighting interspecifically. This could result from having to fight and defend females from a larger species, trying to avoid sexual harassment from bottlenose males, or needing to use behaviors that are more overt and easily understood during interspecies communication.
Show less
Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004638, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004638
Subject Headings: Atlantic spotted dolphin--Bahamas., Aggressive behavior in animals., Social behavior in animals., Aquatic mammals--Behavior., Predation (Biology), Predatory marine animals--Ecology.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A generalized stochastic birth/death population model based on Indian RiverLagoon dolphins.
Creator: Stonger, Jon, Noonburg, Erik G., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: For over a decade, researchers at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) have conducted surveys of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) population of Indian River Lagoon (IRL) in Florida. I have constructed a 4-stage population model using the statistical program R. The model is used to conduct a viability analysis by analyzing the relationship between birth, calf and adult survival rates. The power analysis compares survey frequency to expected confidence intervals in estimating...
Show moreFor over a decade, researchers at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) have conducted surveys of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) population of Indian River Lagoon (IRL) in Florida. I have constructed a 4-stage population model using the statistical program R. The model is used to conduct a viability analysis by analyzing the relationship between birth, calf and adult survival rates. The power analysis compares survey frequency to expected confidence intervals in estimating abundance. The sensitivity analysis shows that the population is most sensitive to changes in adult survival, followed by birth rate and calf survival. The model shows a strong chance of viability over a 50 year time span. The population is vulnerable to long periods of decline if birth, calf or adult survival rates fall below certain thresholds. Overall, the model simulates the future impacts of demographic change, providing a tool for conservation efforts.
Show less
Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004163, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004163
Subject Headings: Animal populations -- Estimates, Bottlenose dolphin -- Florida -- Indian River Lagoon -- Geographical distribution, Indian River (Fla : Lagoon), Marine mammal populations -- Estimates -- Florida -- Mathematical models, Population biology, Stochastic processes
Format: Document (PDF)

HBOI Faculty Contributions (29)	+ -
FAU Theses and Dissertations (26)	+ -
HBOI Technical Reports (2)	+ -
Honors Student Theses (1)	+ -

Predation (Biology) (16)	+ -
Marine biology (15)	+ -
Marine ecology (6)	+ -
Coral reef ecology (5)	+ -
Adaptation (Biology) (4)	+ -

Ecology (4)	+ -
Marine pharmacology (4)	+ -
Animal behavior (3)	+ -
Bioluminescence (3)	+ -
Coral reef biology (3)	+ -
Dinoflagellates --Physiology (3)	+ -
Marine animals (3)	+ -
Marine ecosystem management (3)	+ -
Marine invertebrates (3)	+ -
Queen conch (3)	+ -
Zooxanthella (3)	+ -
Aquaculture (2)	+ -
Biological diversity (2)	+ -
Biological oceanography (2)	+ -
Camouflage (Biology) (2)	+ -
Conservation (2)	+ -
Deep-sea biology (2)	+ -
Estuarine ecology (2)	+ -
Habitat (2)	+ -
Indicators (Biology) (2)	+ -
Marine algae (2)	+ -
Marine bioremediation (2)	+ -
Marine chemical ecology (2)	+ -
Marine zooplankton (2)	+ -
Population biology (2)	+ -

Florida (2)	+ -
Bahamas (1)	+ -
Florida Keys (1)	+ -
Little Bahama Bank (1)	+ -
United States (1)	+ -

article (29)	+ -
Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (26)	+ -
technical report (2)	+ -
thesis (1)	+ -

Search In

Pages

Pages

Sort Results By:

Narrow results by:

Collection

Topical Subject

Geographic Subject

Genre

Type of Resource

Language

Creator

Format

Owner