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- Title
- A comparison of body proportions in juvenile sea turtles: how shape may optimize survival in a vulnerable life stage.
- Creator
- Pate, Jessica Hope, Salmon, Michael, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Marine turtles produce many offspring which offsets the high mortality experienced by turtles during early development. Juvenile mortality might be reduced by evolving effective behavioral as well as morphological anti-predator defenses. Body proportions of three species (Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas, Dermochelys coriacea) of turtles were measured in the first fourteen weeks of development to examine how growth may mitigate predation by gape-limited predators. Growth was categorized as...
Show moreMarine turtles produce many offspring which offsets the high mortality experienced by turtles during early development. Juvenile mortality might be reduced by evolving effective behavioral as well as morphological anti-predator defenses. Body proportions of three species (Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas, Dermochelys coriacea) of turtles were measured in the first fourteen weeks of development to examine how growth may mitigate predation by gape-limited predators. Growth was categorized as isometric if shape did not change during development or allometric if body shape did change. All three species showed allometric growth in carapace width; however it was less pronounced in the larger D. coriacea turtles. Allometric growth in carapace width decreased as all three species grew in size. When high predation occurs in early development, many species will favor rapid growth into a size refuge. Juvenile sea turtles may optimize their survival by growing allometrically when predation risk is the greatest.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004223, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004223
- Subject Headings
- Predation (Biology), Sea turtles -- Growth, Sea turtles -- Mortality, Sea turtles -- Population viability analysis
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Charter School Closures in Florida, 2006-2016: A Population Ecology Perspective.
- Creator
- Jameson, Jorene, Nyhan, Ronald C., Florida Atlantic University, College for Design and Social Inquiry, School of Public Administration
- Abstract/Description
-
As part of the education reforms of the 1990s, charter schools were proposed as a private alternative to public education, offering parents and their children greater choices. Publicly financed but privately operated, charter schools have now grown in numbers and influence. While there are many studies of student outcomes in charter schools demonstrating mixed results, one negative outcome of charter schools has been less examined. Since inception, 23% of charter schools nationally have...
Show moreAs part of the education reforms of the 1990s, charter schools were proposed as a private alternative to public education, offering parents and their children greater choices. Publicly financed but privately operated, charter schools have now grown in numbers and influence. While there are many studies of student outcomes in charter schools demonstrating mixed results, one negative outcome of charter schools has been less examined. Since inception, 23% of charter schools nationally have closed and these closures are disruptive to parents, children, and their school districts. This paper addresses charter school closures from an organizational perspective. Applying theory from population ecology and resource dependency theory, the population of nonprofit charter schools is examined. What are the primary determinants of charter school success and failure? Florida, with the third highest number of charter schools nationally and, at the same time, the highest number of charter school closures in the United States, is a paradox. This study identifies the significant variables that are related to school survival and failure in the state of Florida over the years 2015-16 through 2015-16. Variables tested in this study, using Survival Analysis (SA), include age, management structure, size, school performance, grants, and density. All variables except density at founding were significant in explaining the unique variance in survival rates among charters. Charter schools sub-contracted by for-profit educational management organizations (EMOs) were larger, achieved higher grades, secured more grants and achieved higher survival rates than their counterpart nonprofit, independent, and charter management organization (CMO) led schools. These results contribute to our understanding of charter school survival and failure, thereby informing public policy options to strengthen the charter school population and the nation’s public education system overall.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004982, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004972
- Subject Headings
- Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Charter schools--Florida., Population ecology., Public policy.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Dietary niche relationships of white ibis, tricolored heron and snowy egret nestlings in the northern Everglades.
- Creator
- Boyle, Robin A., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Food availability is the primary factor affecting the reproductive success in many species of birds. Diet composition can indicate diet quality, habitat use and niche requirements for breeding birds and may be variable across short and long-term time scales. Identifying primary prey types of nesting wading birds is important for the hydrologic restoration of wetlands. I collected nestling boluses during the 2008 and 2009 nesting seasons from three species of wading birds that nest in the...
Show moreFood availability is the primary factor affecting the reproductive success in many species of birds. Diet composition can indicate diet quality, habitat use and niche requirements for breeding birds and may be variable across short and long-term time scales. Identifying primary prey types of nesting wading birds is important for the hydrologic restoration of wetlands. I collected nestling boluses during the 2008 and 2009 nesting seasons from three species of wading birds that nest in the northern Everglades: White Ibis, Tricolored Herons and Snowy Egrets. White Ibis bolus composition was dominated by crayfish in both years, but exhibited some variation with landscape water depth in 2009; fish use was greatest when the wetland landscape was relatively dry. In contrast, the prey of Tricolored Herons and Snowy Egrets were primarily fish and their respective diets did not differ from one another in either fish species composition or size structure.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2953207
- Subject Headings
- Wetland ecology, Bird populations, Water birds
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Constraints of landscape level prey availability on physiological condition and productivity of great egrets and white ibises in the Florida Everglades.
- Creator
- Herring, Garth, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
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Life history strategy suggests long lived bird species will adjust their nesting effort according to current conditions, balancing the costs of reproduction with their long-term needs for survival and future reproduction. The habitat conditions that produce these responses may differ between species, even within the same ecosystem, producing different nesting and population trends. I traced the pathway by which food availability influences the physiological condition of pre-breeding great...
Show moreLife history strategy suggests long lived bird species will adjust their nesting effort according to current conditions, balancing the costs of reproduction with their long-term needs for survival and future reproduction. The habitat conditions that produce these responses may differ between species, even within the same ecosystem, producing different nesting and population trends. I traced the pathway by which food availability influences the physiological condition of pre-breeding great egrets and white ibises through to reproductive measures, and the physiological condition of chicks. I focused on these two species with contrasting foraging strategies, in relation to foraging and habitat conditions to maximize the likelihood of application of these results to other wading bird species. Experimental food supplementation and physiology research on white ibis chicks demonstrated that in years with low prey availability white ibis were food limited, with increased levels of stress protein 60 and fecal corticosterone. This is the first study to demonstrate experimentally the response of stress protein 60 to changing levels of food availability. During a year with low prey availability (2007) white ibis adults and chick physiological condition was lower than that of great egrets. During the same year, fledging success was lower for both species (20% for white ibis versus 27% for great egret) but the magnitude of the decrease was particularly severe for the white ibis (76% decline versus 66% decline for the great egret). Results suggest white ibises modify their clutch size during years with poor habitat in accordance with life history traits of a long-lived species, whereas great egrets maintained their clutch size during years with poor habitat., Increasing recession rates, hydrological reversals, and prey densities influenced white ibis, whereas great egrets were most influenced by prey densities and recession rates, with no effect of hydrological reversal. During the same year, fledging success was lower for both species (20% for white ibis versus 27% for great egret) but the magnitude of the decrease was particularly severe for the white ibis (76% decline versus 66% decline for the great egret). Results suggest white ibises modify their clutch size during years with poor habitat in accordance with life history traits of a long-lived species, whereas great egrets maintained their clutch size during years with poor habitat. Increasing recession rates, hydrological reversals, and prey densities influenced white ibis, whereas great egrets were most influenced by prey densities and recession rates, with no effect of hydrological reversals. This study is the first to make the link between landscape hydrology patterns, prey availability, and responses in wading bird nesting. These linkages provide critical insight into how species' nesting patterns could differ given the same time and spatial constraints and how that may be related to long-term nesting trends. This knowledge could ultimately lead to novel predictions about population and community patterns of wetland birds.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/77643
- Subject Headings
- Bird populations, Water birds, Wetland ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Foraging ecology of wading birds in a sub-tropical intertidal zone.
- Creator
- Calle, Leonardo, Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The first of five chapters describe the study area and study species, including a short description about the impetus for this research. The second chapter describes a unique hydrologic model for application in tidal ecosystems. The second chapter represents new information on the effects of various abiotic and biotic factors on foraging wading birds in this highly dynamic environment. The third chapter identifies important factors affecting the abundance of foraging wading birds in...
Show moreThe first of five chapters describe the study area and study species, including a short description about the impetus for this research. The second chapter describes a unique hydrologic model for application in tidal ecosystems. The second chapter represents new information on the effects of various abiotic and biotic factors on foraging wading birds in this highly dynamic environment. The third chapter identifies important factors affecting the abundance of foraging wading birds in intertidal environments. The fourth chapter presents a study of the foraging habitat preferences of two wading bird species in intertidal environments. The fifth chapter describes a conceptual model of wading bird foraging ecology and a predictive model of foraging habitat in intertidal zones. The conceptual model captures the major drivers and linkages between the abiotic and biotic variables thought to affect wading bird foraging abundance in intertidal habitats. The conceptual model also identifies major knowledge gaps in our understanding of foraging ecology of wading birds in coastal intertidal areas. The predictive model of foraging habitat is meant to be used by resource managers, but its framework may be useful for ecological studies in general. The final and sixth chapter provides a summary of all the major findings. Each chapter has been written so as to be independent of the other chapters. As such, a full background, along with a discussion of the relevance of the chapter's findings is provided for each chapter.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004087
- Subject Headings
- Habitat selection, Population biology, Predation (Biology), Water birds -- Geographical distribution, Water birds -- Habitat
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ASSESSMENT OF SMALL MAMMAL DEMOGRAPHICS IN EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK.
- Creator
- Chapman, Julia, Noonburg, Erik, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
The massive decline in mammal populations in Everglades National Park (ENP) has likely disrupted the fragile ecosystem unique to South Florida. Mammals populations in the park are a mere fraction of what they have been historically. However, very few studies have investigated some of the smaller mammals which are still widely present. Mark-recapture trapping was used over 4.5 years on tree islands in ENP to analyze the communities of three focal species: the hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon...
Show moreThe massive decline in mammal populations in Everglades National Park (ENP) has likely disrupted the fragile ecosystem unique to South Florida. Mammals populations in the park are a mere fraction of what they have been historically. However, very few studies have investigated some of the smaller mammals which are still widely present. Mark-recapture trapping was used over 4.5 years on tree islands in ENP to analyze the communities of three focal species: the hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus), marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris), and cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus). We assessed the reproduction, effect of water levels and seasonality, and density of all three species over time. There was no significant association between water levels and reproductive activity for the cotton mouse or cotton rat, while the rice rat showed more reproductive adults during periods of standing water. The overall densities of all three species were higher in times of dry ground versus when the landscape was inundated. Average and maximum density estimates yielded higher numbers of rodents than observed in ENP.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013365
- Subject Headings
- Everglades National Park (Fla), Mammal populations, Hispid cotton rat, Cotton mouse, Oryzomys
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A comparison of elderly migration streams in the United States: 1970 and 1990.
- Creator
- Schiavone, Christopher J., Florida Atlantic University, Ivy, Russell L.
- Abstract/Description
-
Over the past century, the elderly have been a growing proportion of the total population in the United States. Due to this, geographers have given increasing amount of attention to the study of the elderly. One of the areas where geography has made substantial contributions is in examining the concentration and spatial distribution. Two processes effect the spatial distribution: aging in place and migration. Historically, the origin and destination streams of interstate migrants have been...
Show moreOver the past century, the elderly have been a growing proportion of the total population in the United States. Due to this, geographers have given increasing amount of attention to the study of the elderly. One of the areas where geography has made substantial contributions is in examining the concentration and spatial distribution. Two processes effect the spatial distribution: aging in place and migration. Historically, the origin and destination streams of interstate migrants have been highly concentrated; however, the destinations are now becoming more diffuse.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1997
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15373
- Subject Headings
- Migration, Internal--United States, Older people--United States, Population geography
- 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
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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.
Show less - 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.
Show less - 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
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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.
Show less - 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
- IDENTIFYING HEALTH PRIORITIES FOR A VULNERABLE UNDERSERVED COMMUNITY IN UGANDA, AFRICA USING COMMUNITY BASED PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH AND A PHOTOVOICE APPROACH.
- Creator
- Wallin, Cheryl Finch, Barry, Charlotte D., Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to give voice to an underserved and vulnerable population in Uganda, Africa to advocate for health priorities. Nineteen members of the village of Namagera, identified as a leper colony, were selected by community members and volunteered to participate in every element of this study. Descriptive phenomenology was the guiding philosophy and community-based participatory research methods and photovoice provided the lens for social action...
Show moreThe purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to give voice to an underserved and vulnerable population in Uganda, Africa to advocate for health priorities. Nineteen members of the village of Namagera, identified as a leper colony, were selected by community members and volunteered to participate in every element of this study. Descriptive phenomenology was the guiding philosophy and community-based participatory research methods and photovoice provided the lens for social action. Leininger’s theory of culture care diversity and universality (Leininger & McFarland, 2006) anchored the study in cultural caring and the community nursing practice model (Parker et al., 2020) kept the researcher grounded in the purpose of advancing the science of caring in community nursing. The research team included the researcher, the 19 participants, and six research assistants, who also served as language facilitators. Using photovoice methods, participants identified strengths and needs and used digital cameras to capture health concerns in the community. Eighty photos were analyzed by the participants and priorities were determined. The selected photos were placed on a photo board and shared with the whole community for input. Community members selected the health priorities and ranked them in importance: access to clean water, sanitation, disease, challenges for the elderly and disabled, lack of medical treatment, transportation, unemployment, and protection of the environment. The participants categorized the health priorities into three clusters of themes: basic needs, safety, and social/environmental. The themes were further incorporated into action plans identifying impeding factors for which the community would require outside assistance and promoting factors for which the community could solve themselves. Findings of this study illuminate the emergence of community empowerment: Community members found their voices, identified health priorities, and advocated for solutions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013562
- Subject Headings
- Phenomenology, Uganda, Vulnerable Populations, Health Priorities, Community-Based Participatory Research, Caring
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Hierarchical resource selection and movement of two wading bird species with divergent foraging strategies in the Everglades.
- Creator
- Beerens, James M., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Seasonal variation in food availability is one of the primary limitations to avian populations, particularly during the breeding season. However, the behavioral responses between species may differ based on foraging strategies. I examined the influence of food availability on landscape-level habitat selection, patch-level habitat selection, and movements of two wading bird species with divergent foraging strategies, the Great Egret and White Ibis. On a landscape scale, there appeared to be a...
Show moreSeasonal variation in food availability is one of the primary limitations to avian populations, particularly during the breeding season. However, the behavioral responses between species may differ based on foraging strategies. I examined the influence of food availability on landscape-level habitat selection, patch-level habitat selection, and movements of two wading bird species with divergent foraging strategies, the Great Egret and White Ibis. On a landscape scale, there appeared to be a relationship among resource availability, the temporal scale of the independent variable, and whether the response was similar or different between species. At the patch level, results demonstrated a relationship between resource availability and the spatial scale of the independent variables selected by birds. Species movements were consistent with the differing strategies. This study is the first to make the link between landscape hydrology patterns, prey availability, and responses in wading bird habitat selection at multiple spatial scales.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/172667
- Subject Headings
- Water birds, Habitat, Habitat selection, Bird populations, Wetland ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The role of seed dispersal in mediating competition between two temperate understory plant populations, Cornus florida and Lindera benzoin, in a Pennsylvania state park.
- Creator
- Vejdani, Vivianne, Florida Atlantic University, Wille, Luc T.
- Abstract/Description
-
This study examines the demographic status of two co-occurring plant populations, Cornus florida and Lindera benzoin, with a stage matrix population projection model, and the potential for a competitive advantage in endozoochorous seed dispersal for L. benzoin in the quantity of seeds dispersed, the quality of seed dispersal, or a combination of the two. A plant pathology analysis indicates that the C. florida population has been impacted by the fungal pathogen Discula destructiva . The...
Show moreThis study examines the demographic status of two co-occurring plant populations, Cornus florida and Lindera benzoin, with a stage matrix population projection model, and the potential for a competitive advantage in endozoochorous seed dispersal for L. benzoin in the quantity of seeds dispersed, the quality of seed dispersal, or a combination of the two. A plant pathology analysis indicates that the C. florida population has been impacted by the fungal pathogen Discula destructiva . The population model predicts a decline in the C. florida population and an increase in the L. benzoin population. Seed removal experiments revealed that significantly more seeds of L. benzoin were removed by insects, presumably ants. This could represent an important advantage for L. benzoin in the quality of seed dispersal. However, L. benzoin is likely also benefiting by the increase in colonization opportunities that are provided as individuals of C. florida succumb to D. destructiva.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13398
- Subject Headings
- Plant populations--Pennsylvania, Insect-plant relationships--Pennsylvania, Insects--Ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- THE INFLUENCE OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE PROGRAM ON LAND USE/LANDCOVER AND POPULATION DYNAMICS IN BREVARD COUNTY.
- Creator
- Insalaco, Stephanie, Xie, Zhixiao, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Physics, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
The Space Shuttle Program at the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Brevard County made a significant impact on the aerospace industry, but what is unknown is how it impacted the county surrounding it, specifically through land use/land cover (LU/LC) change and population dynamics. This research collected land cover and population data throughout the program to determine the impact, while also creating a record of the state of LU/LC and population in Brevard County in general during the...
Show moreThe Space Shuttle Program at the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Brevard County made a significant impact on the aerospace industry, but what is unknown is how it impacted the county surrounding it, specifically through land use/land cover (LU/LC) change and population dynamics. This research collected land cover and population data throughout the program to determine the impact, while also creating a record of the state of LU/LC and population in Brevard County in general during the same period. Urbanization and tourism were also evaluated as possible catalysts for change when analyzing the LU/LC maps created in ArcMap and the population graphs from Microsoft Excel. Calculated area for different LU/LC classes were the main focus of this research, which led to the finding that urbanization has been a major factor of change in Brevard County through expanding residential areas rather than tourism and change from the Space Shuttle Program was centered in cities closest to the KSC.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013744
- Subject Headings
- Land use, Land cover, Population Dynamics, Brevard County (Fla.), John F. Kennedy Space Center
- 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.
Show less - 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)
- Title
- Climate change and the molecular ecology of arctic marine mammals.
- Creator
- O'Corry-Crowe, Gregory
- Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/1055929
- Subject Headings
- Marine mammals --Arctic regions., Wildlife management --Arctic regions., Mammal populations --Arctic regions., Molecular ecology., Climatic changes --Arctic regions.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Assessment of genetic population structure, promiscuity, and paternity in free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis, in the Bahamas.
- Creator
- Green, Michelle L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
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This study investigated a resident community of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) on Little Bahama Bank (LBB) in the Bahamas utilizing a noninvasive molecular approach. Genetic template material was collected and extracted from fecal material of S. frontalis. Fine-scale population structure was found within LBB according to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellites (Fst = 0.25317, P
Show moreThis study investigated a resident community of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) on Little Bahama Bank (LBB) in the Bahamas utilizing a noninvasive molecular approach. Genetic template material was collected and extracted from fecal material of S. frontalis. Fine-scale population structure was found within LBB according to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellites (Fst = 0.25317, P < 0.0001 and Fst = 0.04491, P < 0.0001, respectively). Three main social clusters (North, Central, South/Roam) exist on LBB and all clusters were found to be genetically distinct according to microsatellite analyses. Mitochondrial haplotypes revealed North and South/Roam were not differentiated, but Central was different from both. When separated by sex, males were less genetically structured than females. Males showed no evidence of structure according to Ost or Rst., Females of all clusters were differentiated according to microsatellites whereas mtDNA revealed the same pattern in females as was seen for the total population. The structuring patterns of the sexes clearly indicate a pattern of male dispersal and female philopatry for the LBB population. Genetic investigation of mating revealed patterns in the mating system of S. frontalis on LBB. Genotypes of females and offspring were analyzed and revealed that more than two males were required to explain the progeny arrays, indicating promiscuous mating among females. In addition, paternity assessment assigned seven males as fathers to ten of 29 mother-calf pairs. A pattern of reproductive skew according to age was revealed because reproductively successful males were in the oldest age class at the estimated time of conception of the calves., Patterns in social cluster mating revealed that males from the Central cluster sired offspring with females from both the Central and North clusters, while Roaming males sired offspring with South and Central females indicating that males mate within their social cluster or with females from the next closest cluster. The study has important implications for cetacean research, specifically delphinids. Fine-scale population structure and mating patterns of male and female S. frontalis were revealed through noninvasive methodology presenting a valuable genetic framework with which to support ongoing investigations of life history, behavior, communication and social structure.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/58004
- Subject Headings
- Dolphins, Social behavior in animals, Population genetics, Atlantic spotted dolphin, Dolphins, Geographical distribution
- 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
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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.
Show less - 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
- 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
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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.
Show less - 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
- Factors Affecting Wading Bird Prey Concentrations in the Everglades During the Dry Season.
- Creator
- P. Brian Garrett, Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
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One factor that potentially controls the distribution and density of wading bird prey within open-water marsh habitats during seasonal drying events is the amount of available aquatic habitat, which is partly a function of the amount of microtopographic relief at a given location. To determine how microtopographic relief affects prey concentrations during dry-downs a simulation model was developed and run using empirical microtopographic data collected from the Everglades. The simulation...
Show moreOne factor that potentially controls the distribution and density of wading bird prey within open-water marsh habitats during seasonal drying events is the amount of available aquatic habitat, which is partly a function of the amount of microtopographic relief at a given location. To determine how microtopographic relief affects prey concentrations during dry-downs a simulation model was developed and run using empirical microtopographic data collected from the Everglades. The simulation suggests that those locations within the marsh with higher levels of microtopographic relief concentrate prey earlier during the dry-down period and potentially to greater densities overall. In addition, a model selection analysis was performed on field data to determine which set of factors displayed the greatest effects upon prey concentrations during drydown events. When examining the best selected a priori model it appears that the amount of available aquatic habitat, water depth, and macrophyte density have the strongest affects upon concentrations of prey during a seasonal drying event.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000769
- Subject Headings
- Water birds--Florida--Everglades, Wetland ecology--Florida--Everglades, Bird populations--Climatic factors--Florida--Everglades
- Format
- Document (PDF)