Current Search: Aquatic ecology (x)
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- Title
- Isolation and structure elucidation of novel compounds from marine cyanobacteria.
- Creator
- Meickle, Theresa, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Abstract/Description
-
The work of this dissertation examined the secondary metabolites of several blooms of the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya collected in Guam and Florida with an emphasis on the isolation and structure elucidation of novel biologically active compounds. The introduction in Chapter One provides a brief history of marine natural products, a description of cyanobacteria and a summary of peptides isolated from Lyngbya collected in the Caribbean. In Chapter Two, a bioassay-guided fractionation of a...
Show moreThe work of this dissertation examined the secondary metabolites of several blooms of the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya collected in Guam and Florida with an emphasis on the isolation and structure elucidation of novel biologically active compounds. The introduction in Chapter One provides a brief history of marine natural products, a description of cyanobacteria and a summary of peptides isolated from Lyngbya collected in the Caribbean. In Chapter Two, a bioassay-guided fractionation of a Floridian collection of Lyngbya polychroa led to the isolation and structural determination of the cytotoxin desacetylmicrocolin B and the known compounds microcolins A and B. The structures were established by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis. All three compounds inhibited the growth of cancer cell lines HT-29 and IMR-32 at nanomolar concentrations. Microcolins A and B were found to have little activity in the ecological assay against the marine fungus Dendryphiella salina. Chapter Three describes the isolation and structure elucidation of the glycosidic, acyl proline derivative tumonoic acid J from a sample Lyngbya sp. collected in Guam. The planar structure was determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy in conjunction with high resolution-mass spectrometry (HR-MS) data. Tumonoic acid J showed moderate activity in the ecological assay against the marine fungus D. salina. In Chapter Four, NMR-guided fractionation of a Floridian sample of Lyngbya majuscula led to the isolation of two novel cyclic peptides porpoisamides A and B. The planar structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy with HR-MS data. The absolute configurations of these two compounds were defined through chiral chromatographic methods and derivatization techniques., The porpoisamides showed only moderate activity in cytotoxicity assays against cancer cell lines HCT-116 and U2OS. Finally, Chapter Five examines a potential ecological role of compounds isolated from marine cyanobacte ria. These secondary metabolites may function as chemical defenses against competing microorganisms within marine environments. Compounds isolated from cyanobacteria were tested for anti-fungal activity against the saprophytic marine fungus D. salina. Three of the six compounds tested produced inhibitory activity at or below their natural concentration.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2978991
- Subject Headings
- Sponges, Ecology, Cyanobacteria, Biological control, Aquatic ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Synchrony andsociality: breeding strategies in constant and variable environments.
- Creator
- Young, Craig M., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
- Date Issued
- 1999
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007271
- Subject Headings
- Breeding, Reproduction, Benthos, Aquatic ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Trophic Ecology of the Slender Snipe Eel, Nemichthys scolopaceus (Anguilliformes: Nemichthyidae).
- Creator
- Feagans, Jennifer N., Sutton, Tracey T., Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
-
Roughly 92% of the total volume of Earth's oceans is considered deep sea. The eel species, Nemichthys scolopaceus, inhabits these waters, and little is known of its diet, its place within pelagic food webs, and its overall ecological impact. In this study we quantitatively estimate the abundance, feeding and predation impact of this key predator. Specimens were collected in 2004 along Georges Bank as part of the Census of Marine Life Gulf of Maine project. Gut contents were analyzed,...
Show moreRoughly 92% of the total volume of Earth's oceans is considered deep sea. The eel species, Nemichthys scolopaceus, inhabits these waters, and little is known of its diet, its place within pelagic food webs, and its overall ecological impact. In this study we quantitatively estimate the abundance, feeding and predation impact of this key predator. Specimens were collected in 2004 along Georges Bank as part of the Census of Marine Life Gulf of Maine project. Gut contents were analyzed, revealing thirteen prey types, primarily euphausiids and decapod crustaceans. Other potential prey (i.e. fishes) were absent from the diet, suggesting a fairly selective feeding preference. Of the 85 fish species collected, N scolopaceus ranked second in abundance and first in total fish biomass. Therefore, this species is not only a large biomass contributor, but perhaps cycles a great deal of macrocrustacean carbon through deep-pelagic fishes in this, and likely other, ecosystems.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000760
- Subject Headings
- Predatory marine animals--Ecology, Marine ecosystem management, Aquatic ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A Novel Interaction: The thin stripe hermit Crab, Clibanarius vittatus, kills the Florida crown conch, Melongena corona, for its shell.
- Creator
- Cutter, Jennifer, Devlin, Donna, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The hermit crab Clibanarius vittatus kills Melongena corona solely to acquire a better fitting shell. This finding is contrary to previous studies, which found that hermit crabs of other species cannot kill gastropods or, in most instances, remove freshly dead gastropods from their shells. This interaction cannot be classified as predation because Melongena tissue was never consumed. Clibanarius killed Melongena only when by doing so they could trade up to a better fitting shell. It cannot be...
Show moreThe hermit crab Clibanarius vittatus kills Melongena corona solely to acquire a better fitting shell. This finding is contrary to previous studies, which found that hermit crabs of other species cannot kill gastropods or, in most instances, remove freshly dead gastropods from their shells. This interaction cannot be classified as predation because Melongena tissue was never consumed. Clibanarius killed Melongena only when by doing so they could trade up to a better fitting shell. It cannot be classified as competition because there is no opportunity for Melongena to gain from the interaction. Therefore the term “lethal eviction” is hereby proposed for this interaction. The ability to kill a gastropod to obtain a superior shell gives Clibanarius vittatus an evolutionary advantage over other hermit crab species. It is not known if the outcome of this interaction is widespread where both species occur or if it is confined to the study area.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004925, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004925
- Subject Headings
- Crabs--Behavior., Crab culture., Predation (Biology), Adaptation (Physiology), Aquatic ecology., Intertidal ecology., Conservation biology.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Seagrass beds versus sand bottoms: the trophic importance of their associated benthic invertebrates.
- Creator
- Virnstein, Robert W., Mikkelsen, Paul S., Cairns, Kalani D., Capone, Mary Ann, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
- Date Issued
- 1983
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007480
- Subject Headings
- Seagrasses--Florida--Indian River (Lagoon), Meiofauna, Aquatic invertebrates., Food chains (Ecology)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Production and nutrient dynamics of a Syringodium filiforme Kütz. seagrass bed in Indian River Lagoon, Florida.
- Creator
- Short, F. T., Montgomery, John R., Zimmermann, Carl F., Short, C. A., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
- Date Issued
- 1993
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3174032
- Subject Headings
- Seagrasses, Plant nutrients, Aquatic ecology, Sediment transport, Ammonium --Environmental aspects --Measurement
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Seagrass biodiversity in the Indian River Lagoon.
- Creator
- Dawes, Clinton J., Hanisak, M. Dennis, Kenworthy, W. Judson
- Date Issued
- 1995
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3172863
- Subject Headings
- Seagrasses, Seagrasses --Florida --Indian River (Lagoon), Seagrasses --Ecology, Seagrasses --Habitat, Aquatic plants, Estuarine plants
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Continuous monitoring ofunderwater light in Indian River Lagoon: comparison of cosine and spherical sensors.
- Creator
- Hanisak, M. Dennis
- Date Issued
- 1997
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007310
- Subject Headings
- Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon), Underwater light, Aquatic plants--Ecology, Photosynthesis, Light--Attenuation, Sensors
- 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
- Pelvic fin locomotion in batoids.
- Creator
- Macesic, Laura Jane., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Although most batoids (skates and rays) are benthic, only the skates (Rajidae) have been described as performing benthic locomotion, termed 'punting'. While keeping the rest of the body motionless, the skate's specialized pelvic fins are planted into the substrate and then retracted caudally, which thrusts the body forward. This may be advantageous for locating and feeding on prey, avoiding predators, and reducing energetic costs. By integrating kinematic, musculoskeletal, material properties...
Show moreAlthough most batoids (skates and rays) are benthic, only the skates (Rajidae) have been described as performing benthic locomotion, termed 'punting'. While keeping the rest of the body motionless, the skate's specialized pelvic fins are planted into the substrate and then retracted caudally, which thrusts the body forward. This may be advantageous for locating and feeding on prey, avoiding predators, and reducing energetic costs. By integrating kinematic, musculoskeletal, material properties, and compositional analyses across a range of morphologically and phylogenetically diverse batoids, this dissertation (i) demonstrates that punting is not confined to the skates, and (ii) provides reliable anatomical and mechanical predictors of punting ability. Batoids in this study performed true punting (employing only pelvic fins), or augmented punting (employing pectoral and pelvic fins). Despite the additional thrust from the pectoral fins, augmented punters failed to exceed the punting c apabilities of the true punters. True punters' pelvic fins had greater surface area and more specialized and robust musculature compared to the augmented punters' fins. The flexural stiffness of the main skeletal element used in punting, the propterygium, correlated with punting ability (3.37 x 10-5 - 1.80 x 10-4 Nm2). Variation was due to differences in mineral content (24.4-48-9% dry mass), and thus, material stiffness (140-2533 MPa), and second moment of area. The propterygium's radius-to-thickness ratio (mean = 5.52 +-0.441 SE) indicated that the propterygium would support true and augmented punters, but not non-punters, in an aquatic environment. All propterygia would fail on land. Geometric and linear morphometric analyses of 61 batoid pelvic girdles demonstrated that pelvic girdle shape can predict punting and swimming ability and taxonomic attribution to Order., Characteristics of true punters' pelvic girdles, such as laterally facing fin articulations, large surface area formuscle attachment, and tall lateral pelvic processes are similar to characteristics of early sprawled-gait tetrapods' pelvic girdles. This dissertation demonstrates that punting is common in batoids, illustrates the convergent evolution of true punter and early tetrapod pelvic anatomy, and gives possible explanations for the restriction of elasmobranchs to aquatic habitats.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3171678
- Subject Headings
- Sharks, Ecology, Fins, Anatomy, Adaptation (Biology), Aquatic animals, Physiology, Fishes, Locomotion
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Vertical Ecology and Diversity of Melamphaes (Family Melamphaidae) in the Northern Gulf of Mexico Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.
- Creator
- Howard, Natalie, Moore, Jon A., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill had widespread impacts that were seen across the surface of the ocean, deep-sea, and seafloor. To assess damages, NOAA and GoMRI established the Offshore Nekton Sampling and Analysis Program (ONSAP) and the Deep Pelagic Nekton Dynamics of the Gulf of Mexico (DEEPEND) projects. This response effort would create a vast dataset and collection of samples to aid in understanding the deep-sea of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Genus Melamphaes (Family Melamphaidae), are...
Show moreThe Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill had widespread impacts that were seen across the surface of the ocean, deep-sea, and seafloor. To assess damages, NOAA and GoMRI established the Offshore Nekton Sampling and Analysis Program (ONSAP) and the Deep Pelagic Nekton Dynamics of the Gulf of Mexico (DEEPEND) projects. This response effort would create a vast dataset and collection of samples to aid in understanding the deep-sea of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Genus Melamphaes (Family Melamphaidae), are a group of minimally characterized and understudied fish. This thesis will assess vertical ecology and migratory patterns, variations in specimen size and sampling gear, and introduce species that are newly identified to inhabit the area. The findings suggest that majority of Melamphaes participate in diel vertical migration and sampling equipment has significant impacts on specimen size. Four unreported species of Melamphaes have now been documented in this region, increasing previously reported diversity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014348
- Subject Headings
- BP Deepwater Horizon Explosion and Oil Spill, 2010, Mexico, Gulf of, Melamphaidae, Aquatic ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Passive acoustics as a monitoring tool for evaluating oyster reef restoration.
- Creator
- Zenil Becerra, Hilde P., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
- Abstract/Description
-
Oyster reefs are biodiverse communities that provide many ecological and commercial benefits. However, oyster reefs have declined around the world from human activities. Oyster reef restoration programs have begun to limit some of the decline, but the need for determining the success of a program has been problematic. Passive acoustic techniques can use naturally occurring sounds produced by organisms to assess biodiversity. Passive acoustics was utilized to compare the sounds in natural and...
Show moreOyster reefs are biodiverse communities that provide many ecological and commercial benefits. However, oyster reefs have declined around the world from human activities. Oyster reef restoration programs have begun to limit some of the decline, but the need for determining the success of a program has been problematic. Passive acoustic techniques can use naturally occurring sounds produced by organisms to assess biodiversity. Passive acoustics was utilized to compare the sounds in natural and restored oyster reefs, with special attention on snapping shrimp (Alpheus spp.) snap sounds, in the St. Lucie Estuary, Florida over a one year period. Season, estuary region, habitat and day period had an effect on sound production. Passive acoustic monitoring of snapping shrimp sound production may be a useful non-destructive technique for monitoring the progress of oyster reef restoration projects once further correlations are established between environmental effects and sound production.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3352882
- Subject Headings
- American oyster, Ecosystem management, Restoration ecology, Aquatic ecology, Underwater acoustics
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- 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
- Ecomorphology of Shark Electroreceptors.
- Creator
- Cornett, Anthony D., Kajiura, Stephen M., Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
-
Sharks possess an electrosensory system which allows the detection of electric fields . How this system varies among related taxa and among species inhabiting different environments remains unexplored. Electroreceptor number was quantified for representative species of related taxa (genera, families, orders) from different environments (pelagic, coastal, deepwater) and taxa from similar environments to determine potential phylogenetic constraint or evolutionary convergence. Coastal open water...
Show moreSharks possess an electrosensory system which allows the detection of electric fields . How this system varies among related taxa and among species inhabiting different environments remains unexplored. Electroreceptor number was quantified for representative species of related taxa (genera, families, orders) from different environments (pelagic, coastal, deepwater) and taxa from similar environments to determine potential phylogenetic constraint or evolutionary convergence. Coastal open water sharks possess the greatest number of electroreceptors; deepwater sharks the least. Pelagic and coastal benthic sharks retain comparable electrosensory pore numbers despite inhabiting vastly different environments. Electrosensory pores were primarily located in ventral distributions, except among coastal open water sharks which possess roughly even distributions around the head. Among related species and genera, pore numbers and distribution are comparable, with greater variation among higher taxa. Results implicate evolutionary convergence as the primary influence in electroreceptor development, while phylogenetic constraint establishes similar base values for number and distribution.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000737
- Subject Headings
- Sharks--Ecology, Sharks--Morphology, Echolocation (Physiology), Aquatic animals--Physiology, Senses and sensation, Adaptation (Biology)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Non-indigenous fishes in restored and natural wetlands on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation.
- Creator
- Dunker, Kristine J., Florida Atlantic University, Volin, John C.
- Abstract/Description
-
This study documented assemblages of native and non-indigenous fishes in restored and natural wetlands within the Big Cypress Swamp. Within the restored wetland, non-indigenous fishes constituted only a minor component of the entire fish community in the restored wetland, although large fish assemblages were dominated by non-indigenous fishes. Among assemblages of species with similar ecologies, nonindigenous species may impact native species in the restored wetland. Within the natural...
Show moreThis study documented assemblages of native and non-indigenous fishes in restored and natural wetlands within the Big Cypress Swamp. Within the restored wetland, non-indigenous fishes constituted only a minor component of the entire fish community in the restored wetland, although large fish assemblages were dominated by non-indigenous fishes. Among assemblages of species with similar ecologies, nonindigenous species may impact native species in the restored wetland. Within the natural wetlands, non-indigenous fishes became more conspicuous during the second year of this study. Hydroperiod and water depth were important factors influencing fish communities in both study habitats. Attempts to block access of non-indigenous fishes from canals into the restored wetland appeared to limit invasions of non-indigenous species, although it did not entirely exclude them. Two new non-indigenous fish species in the Big Cypress Swamp, Hoplosternum littorale and Belonesox belizanus were also documented.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2003
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13055
- Subject Headings
- Nonindigenous aquatic pests--Florida--Big Cypress Swamp, Pest introduction--Prevention, Wetland ecology--Florida--Big Cypress Swamp
- 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)