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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: ARE SOUTH FLORIDA’S GOPHER TORTOISE POPULATION’S GENETICALLY DIFFERENTIATED FROM EACH OTHER?.
Creator: Rothberg, Olivia, Frazier, Evelyn, Hughes, Colin, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Gopher Tortoises are an imperiled terrestrial tortoise considered ecosystem engineers, as their burrows support over 350 species of “commensals”. Due to extensive anthropogenic habitat destruction and fragmentation, tortoise populations have significantly declined over the past 100 years. This isolation is leading to a premature loss of genetic variation, further precipitating the decline of this species. Understanding the genetic structure of this species can aid management decisions through...
Show moreGopher Tortoises are an imperiled terrestrial tortoise considered ecosystem engineers, as their burrows support over 350 species of “commensals”. Due to extensive anthropogenic habitat destruction and fragmentation, tortoise populations have significantly declined over the past 100 years. This isolation is leading to a premature loss of genetic variation, further precipitating the decline of this species. Understanding the genetic structure of this species can aid management decisions through intentionally relocating animals based on genetic units and historic gene flow, to preserve adaptive diversity and evolutionary potential on a large scale. I investigated whether Southeast Florida has a genetically distinct subpopulation of Gopher Tortoises in the unexamined southeasternmost extent of their range, from Palm Beach to Miami-Dade counties, using 9 microsatellite loci previously characterized for this species (Schwartz et al 2003) and found that our populations are only modestly differentiated from each other, and have greater genetic diversity than other populations.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014362
Subject Headings: Gopher tortoises, Florida, South, Population genetics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Thepopulation biology and genetics of the deep-sea spider crab, Encephaloides armstrongi Wood-Mason1891 (Decapoda: Majidae).
Creator: Creasey, Simon, Rogers, Alex D., Tyler, Paul A., Young, Craig M., Gage, John D., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1997
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007348
Subject Headings: Spider crabs, Decapoda (Crustacea), Majidae, Population biology, Genetics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Relationship of the Cranial Base and the Prognathism of the Upper Maxilla. A Comparative Study.
Creator: Montoya, Oscar F., Broadfield, Douglas C., McCarthy, Robert, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: With the purpose of studying the impact of the cranial base upon the prognathism of the upper maxilla on a sample of 120 cephalograms, the Facial Depth Cephalometric Analysis (FDCA) was used to measure these craniofacial structures and find ethnic, sex, age, and location differences. The cephalograms obtained from a previous data of existing populations of Caucasians and African descents (30 men, 30 women), and a dated population of European descents of the Denver Growth Study (15 men, 15...
Show moreWith the purpose of studying the impact of the cranial base upon the prognathism of the upper maxilla on a sample of 120 cephalograms, the Facial Depth Cephalometric Analysis (FDCA) was used to measure these craniofacial structures and find ethnic, sex, age, and location differences. The cephalograms obtained from a previous data of existing populations of Caucasians and African descents (30 men, 30 women), and a dated population of European descents of the Denver Growth Study (15 men, 15 women during their childhood and adolescence); were used to evaluate the facial depths and the cranial base angle. The Pearson coefficient correlation and student "t" test demonstrated that only S-FC depth affected the facial prognathism (P<0.01), Africans and women presented the greatest prognathism (P<0.01), women had the biggest Ba-S-Na angle (P<0.05) and the shortest S-N length (P<0.01), finally, adolescents showed a growth ofSN length after the age of 10 (P<0.02).
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000942
Subject Headings: Prognathism--Case studies, Cephalometry, Physical anthropology, Human population genetics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Diversity and selection in the major histocompatibility complex: DQA and immune function in IRL and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).
Creator: Ferrer, Tatiana., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) encodes proteins critical to the vertebrate immune response; therefore MHC diversity is an indicator of population health. I have (1) Isolated exon 2 of the class II gene DQA in Tursiops truncatus in the North Indian River Lagoon (IRL) (n=17), South IRL (n=29) and adjacent Atlantic waters (n=20), (2) assessed genetic variability between groups, (3) developed a method to genotype individuals, (4) typed 11 unique alleles in 66 individuals, (5) detected...
Show moreThe Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) encodes proteins critical to the vertebrate immune response; therefore MHC diversity is an indicator of population health. I have (1) Isolated exon 2 of the class II gene DQA in Tursiops truncatus in the North Indian River Lagoon (IRL) (n=17), South IRL (n=29) and adjacent Atlantic waters (n=20), (2) assessed genetic variability between groups, (3) developed a method to genotype individuals, (4) typed 11 unique alleles in 66 individuals, (5) detected geographic patterns of diversity between estuarine and coastal individuals (FST=0.1255, p<0.05), (6) found evidence of positive selection centered in the binding pockets P1, P6 and P9 of the peptide binding region (w=2.08), (7) found that patterns of polymorphism did not closely match patterns of diversity in neutral markers, (8) performed a pilot study with Orcinus orca. The initial findings highlight the need for further comparative work and suggest that silent mutations are not neutral.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3362335
Subject Headings: Major histocompatibility complex, Immunogenetics, Molecular genetics, Endocrine disrupting chemicals, Dolphins, Geographical distribution, Population genetics, Social behavior in animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Intra and interspecies association patterns of Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis, and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, and the effects of demographic changes following two major hurricanes.
Creator: Elliser, Cindy Rogers., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Demographic changes, through immigration/emigration (or death) can affect the social and community structure of a population. This study reports on the effects of demographic changes following 2 intense hurricanes on two sympatric delphinid species: Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, and Atlantic spotted dolphins Stenella frontalis. Thirty percent of the bottlenose population was lost after the hurricanes, with an influx of roughly the same number of immigrants. The stable...
Show moreDemographic changes, through immigration/emigration (or death) can affect the social and community structure of a population. This study reports on the effects of demographic changes following 2 intense hurricanes on two sympatric delphinid species: Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, and Atlantic spotted dolphins Stenella frontalis. Thirty percent of the bottlenose population was lost after the hurricanes, with an influx of roughly the same number of immigrants. The stable community split into two cohesive units. Preferences in association in relation to reproductive status and sex remained. Immigrants assimilated well into the population, especially males. There is a conflict of interest between resident males and females in accepting immigrants and often females find more resistance than males. Long-term analysis of spotted dolphins revealed a community structure defined by long-term site fidelity, natal philopatry of both sexes and three social clusters., Female associations were influenced by reproductive status and social familiarity within clusters. Males formed long-term alliances and shorter-term coalitions. Some movement between clusters occurred. Alliance formation crystallized in adulthood. Mating strategies and sex were the primary factors shaping social structure. Thirty-six percent of the spotted dolphin population was lost after the hurricanes with no influx of immigrants. The spotted dolphin community differed little from long-term analysis, including definitive social clusters and sex preferences. Social cohesion increased within units and across age classes. Some juveniles had associations of alliance level. Loss of individuals resulted in subtle changes in social structure. Interspecies associations reveal striking differences in association patterns between species. Group sizes and re-sightings of spotted dolphins were larger than for bottlenose dolphins, particularly for aggressive encounters., Male alliances and coalitions were prevalent for spotted dolphins, but not for bottlenose dolphins. After the hurricanes lower re-sighting and group sizes for spotted dolphin males and less aggressive behavior documented, indicates a re-structuring period of relationships between the species. This study shows that environmental variations may alter the structure of mammal societies through demographic upheaval and survival of populations may depend on their social structure and the social adaptability of the species.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1927313
Subject Headings: Social behavior in animals, Dolphins, Geographical distribution, Population genetics, Weather, Environmental aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: POPULATION GENETICS AND ALGAL SYMBIONT COMMUNITIES OF THE CORAL SPECIES MONTASTRAEA CAVERNOSA ON THE BELIZE BARRIER REEF.
Creator: Eckert, Ryan J., Voss, Joshua D., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Coral reefs worldwide are experiencing unprecedented and rapid declines. However, deeper, mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs; 30–150 m) may act as refuges for coral species, providing larvae to recolonize degraded shallow reefs. This study assessed the genetic connectivity of shallow and mesophotic Montastraea cavernosa populations on the Belize Barrier Reef and the community structure of their endosymbiotic algae (Family Symbiodiniaceae) across a fine-scale depth gradient (10, 16, 25, 35 m)....
Show moreCoral reefs worldwide are experiencing unprecedented and rapid declines. However, deeper, mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs; 30–150 m) may act as refuges for coral species, providing larvae to recolonize degraded shallow reefs. This study assessed the genetic connectivity of shallow and mesophotic Montastraea cavernosa populations on the Belize Barrier Reef and the community structure of their endosymbiotic algae (Family Symbiodiniaceae) across a fine-scale depth gradient (10, 16, 25, 35 m). Evaluation of nine polymorphic microsatellite markers demonstrated that relatively shallow (10 and 16 m) M. cavernosa populations were genetically distinct from relatively deep (25 and 35 m) populations. High throughput sequencing of ribosomal coding DNA from Symbiodiniaceae communities of M. cavernosa revealed differences in community structure across depth, with shallow-specialist and depth-generalist community profiles. This research provides important information for the management of distinct deep and adds to the body of research on the understudied MCEs of the Mesoamerican Reef.
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Date Issued: 2019
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013302
Subject Headings: Montastraea, Coral reefs and islands--Belize, Mesoamerican Reef, Population genetics, Symbiosis
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Parameters impacting the reproductive fitness of Tursiops truncatus (Atlantic bottlenose dolphin): interactions between native endocrinology and endocrine-disruptors.
Creator: Homer-Drummond, Sharon M., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Persistent, anthropogenic contaminants collectively known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are considered to be potential threats to wildlife reproductive fitness (Wingfield, 2002). The modes by which EDCs act on the reproductive system, and establishment of steroid profiles in wildlife, are important areas of study. Two means of performing an endocrine snapshot profile from dolphin tissues (serum and urine) were tested on samples, comparing a novel high performance liquid...
Show morePersistent, anthropogenic contaminants collectively known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are considered to be potential threats to wildlife reproductive fitness (Wingfield, 2002). The modes by which EDCs act on the reproductive system, and establishment of steroid profiles in wildlife, are important areas of study. Two means of performing an endocrine snapshot profile from dolphin tissues (serum and urine) were tested on samples, comparing a novel high performance liquid chromatography method to newly-validated enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs). Serum and urine samples were obtained from two marine parks, and from free-ranging dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and Charleston Harbor (CHS) systems. Relative binding affinities of steroids versus putative EDCs to steroid receptors were compared in dolphin reproductive tissues, obtained by the Georgia Aquarium's Dolphin Conservation Field Station (GADCFS) from strained bottlenose dolphins (four male, three female) during 2010 and 20ll.........I conclude that endocrine disruptors are tissue and receptor specific, and both legacy and emerging contaminants are of concern to dolphin stocks, particularly those facing other significant environmental stressors.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3355561
Subject Headings: Endocrine disrupting chemicals, Health aspects, Population genetics, Social behavior in animals, Environmental toxicology, Marine mammals, Reproduction
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The role of air and waterborne odors in orientation and food detection in three species of marine turtles.
Creator: Kedzuf, Stephanie C., Salmon, Michael, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The cues used by marine turtles to locate foraging areas in the open ocean are largely unknown though some species (especially the green turtle [Chelonia mydas], the loggerhead [Caretta caretta], and the leatherback [Dermochelys coriacea]) somehow locate areas of high productivity. Loggerheads can detect airborne odors, but a capacity to orient has not yet been investigated. In this comparative study, tethered loggerheads and leatherbacks were exposed to dimethyl sulfide (DMS) or food odors...
Show moreThe cues used by marine turtles to locate foraging areas in the open ocean are largely unknown though some species (especially the green turtle [Chelonia mydas], the loggerhead [Caretta caretta], and the leatherback [Dermochelys coriacea]) somehow locate areas of high productivity. Loggerheads can detect airborne odors, but a capacity to orient has not yet been investigated. In this comparative study, tethered loggerheads and leatherbacks were exposed to dimethyl sulfide (DMS) or food odors in a laminar flow of air. Turtles did not orient into the air current. Free-swimming loggerheads and green turtles were also exposed to air- or waterborne food (squid) odor plus a neutral visual stimulus. Both species showed increases in swimming activity and biting behavior to both stimuli. These results suggest that airborne odors are likely not used to locate distant areas, but that they are used in localized food searching efforts.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004296
Subject Headings: Animal behavior, Animal orientation, Population genetics, Predation (Biology), Sea turtles -- Habitat, Sea turtles -- Life cycles, Wildlife conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Paleodemography of Highland Beach the demographic parameters of a Native American population from Southeastern Florida.
Creator: Hennessey, Christopher, Broadfield, Douglas C., Florida Atlantic University, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of Anthropology
Abstract/Description: Those who practice within the field and those who wish to discredit the field have long debated the field of paleodemography. In 1999 and again in 2000, researchers who used paleodemographic analysis assembled in Rostock, Germany to amend the present issues and change the way research is conducted in the future (Hoppa and Vaupel 2002). As a result of these meetings, researchers created the Rostock Manifesto. While many scholars accepted the change in the suite of methodologies carried out...
Show moreThose who practice within the field and those who wish to discredit the field have long debated the field of paleodemography. In 1999 and again in 2000, researchers who used paleodemographic analysis assembled in Rostock, Germany to amend the present issues and change the way research is conducted in the future (Hoppa and Vaupel 2002). As a result of these meetings, researchers created the Rostock Manifesto. While many scholars accepted the change in the suite of methodologies carried out under the new guidance, little has been said on the effectiveness of the manifesto. In this thesis, I argue that the Rostock Manifesto, at the very least, is effective in changing the results of paleodemographic research both qualitatively and quantitatively. Unfortunately, due to the nature of paleodemographic research it cannot be said of how effective the manifesto is.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004445, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004445
Subject Headings: Demographic anthropology, Demographic archaeology, Human population genetics, Human remains (Archaeology), Human skeleton -- Analysis, Indians of North America -- Florida, Native Americans -- Florida -- Population -- History -- Methodology, Paleoanthropology
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (9)	+ -
HBOI Faculty Contributions (1)	+ -

Population genetics (7)	+ -
Social behavior in animals (3)	+ -
Dolphins (2)	+ -
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (2)	+ -
Geographical distribution (2)	+ -

Animal behavior (1)	+ -
Animal orientation (1)	+ -
Biological diversity (1)	+ -
Cephalometry (1)	+ -
Coral reefs and islands--Belize (1)	+ -
Decapoda (Crustacea) (1)	+ -
Demographic anthropology (1)	+ -
Demographic archaeology (1)	+ -
Environmental aspects (1)	+ -
Environmental toxicology (1)	+ -
Fish populations--Conservation (1)	+ -
Florida, South (1)	+ -
Genetics (1)	+ -
Gopher tortoises (1)	+ -
Health aspects (1)	+ -
Human population genetics (1)	+ -
Human remains (Archaeology) (1)	+ -
Human skeleton -- Analysis (1)	+ -
Human population genetics (1)	+ -
Immunogenetics (1)	+ -
Indians of North America -- Florida (1)	+ -
Majidae (1)	+ -
Major histocompatibility complex (1)	+ -
Marine biology (1)	+ -
Marine mammals (1)	+ -

Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (9)	+ -
article (1)	+ -

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science (7)	+ -
Department of Biological Sciences (7)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University (6)	+ -
Broadfield, Douglas C. (2)	+ -
Baldwin, John D. (1)	+ -

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