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Title: Growth dynamics of the seagrass Halophila johnsonii from a subtropical estuarine lagoon in southeastern Florida, United States of America.
Creator: Bolen, Layne Elizabeth, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Biomass, net production, turnover, and decomposition of the seagrass Halophila johnsonii were studied in the Lake Worth Lagoon, Palm Beach County, Florida, USA. Biomass and apical meristem density averaged 8.0 g dry wt/m^2 and 1122/m^2, respectively. Mean net productivity was 0.00154 g dry wt/shoot/day or 0.45cm/shoot/day with one new leaf pair for every 0.97 cm of shoot growth. Estimated turnover time was 4.6 days. Mean weight loss in plant material was 72% after three days and 88% after...
Show moreBiomass, net production, turnover, and decomposition of the seagrass Halophila johnsonii were studied in the Lake Worth Lagoon, Palm Beach County, Florida, USA. Biomass and apical meristem density averaged 8.0 g dry wt/m^2 and 1122/m^2, respectively. Mean net productivity was 0.00154 g dry wt/shoot/day or 0.45cm/shoot/day with one new leaf pair for every 0.97 cm of shoot growth. Estimated turnover time was 4.6 days. Mean weight loss in plant material was 72% after three days and 88% after seven days. No evidence was found of sexual reproduction. Halophila johnsonii's growth dynamics in the intertidal and shallow subtidal zones are characterized by low biomass, substantial apical meristem density, regular leaf pair production, rapid turnover, and rapid decomposition. Halophila johnsonii's growth in these zones provides an additional level of biomass and detritus to the shallow lagoon system.
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Date Issued: 1997
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15413
Subject Headings: Biology, Botany, Biology, Ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

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.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2978991
Subject Headings: Sponges, Ecology, Cyanobacteria, Biological control, Aquatic ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Phosphorus uptake rates of a Ceratophyllum/periphyton community in a southern Florida freshwater marsh.
Creator: Pietro, Kathleen C., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Net uptake rates of soluble reactive phosphate (SRP) of Ceratophyllum demersum and the dense periphyton mat associated with the macrophyte were calculated by measuring the disappearance of stable phosphorus (30, 50, 100, or 200 μg P/L) from the water column over a one-hour period each month for one year. Two seasonal periods were established based on average photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and length of daylight through the year. ANOVA showed that the uptake rates were significantly...
Show moreNet uptake rates of soluble reactive phosphate (SRP) of Ceratophyllum demersum and the dense periphyton mat associated with the macrophyte were calculated by measuring the disappearance of stable phosphorus (30, 50, 100, or 200 μg P/L) from the water column over a one-hour period each month for one year. Two seasonal periods were established based on average photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and length of daylight through the year. ANOVA showed that the uptake rates were significantly affected (P < 0.05) by the amount of SRP added and were greater during the period of increased irradiance. Uptake rates continued to increase, even at spike concentrations equal to 10,000 μg P/L, indicating that maximum uptake was not achieved and that this plant complex is able to sequester even greater amounts of SRP. Estimates of the yearly uptake capabilities of the plant complex for a 525 ha wetland for the 30, 50, 100, 200 μg P/L spike treatments were 27, 55, 103, and 182 kg P/yr, respectively.
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Date Issued: 1998
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15601
Subject Headings: Biology, Ecology, Biogeochemistry, Biology, Plant Physiology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Probiotics in aquaculture: An analysis of the bacteria associated with the gut of healthy shrimps, Penaeus spp.
Creator: Yamazaki, Koske, Florida Atlantic University, Esiobu, Nwadiuto
Abstract/Description: A recent surge in the consumption of shrimps has compelled the aquaculture industry to expand greatly. Bacteriosis poses a major challenge to shrimp cultivation. Probiotic control of disease in larvicultures has been on the rise for the past decade; however, there has been little research to provide required frameworks for this promising technology. In this study, the normal gut flora of the commercially important shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, and its relative, P. duorarum was extensively...
Show moreA recent surge in the consumption of shrimps has compelled the aquaculture industry to expand greatly. Bacteriosis poses a major challenge to shrimp cultivation. Probiotic control of disease in larvicultures has been on the rise for the past decade; however, there has been little research to provide required frameworks for this promising technology. In this study, the normal gut flora of the commercially important shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, and its relative, P. duorarum was extensively analyzed to provide a basis for selection of putative probiotic strains. Heterotorphic members of the gut and ambient water were isolated and characterized by culture techniques, microscopy, Biolog biochemical fingerprinting, whole cell crude protein fingerprinting, and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Non-pathogenic Vibrio harveyi-like strains were prevalent in the gut of both penaied shrimps, regardless of age and source. Community level physiological profiling by principal component analysis showed the gut community was fairly stable throughout shrimp life stages.
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Date Issued: 2002
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12927
Subject Headings: Biology, Ecology, Shrimps--Microbiology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Shifting Relationship: Understanding the Dynamics Between Generational Ranchers, Conservation, and Urbanization in Florida.
Creator: Grant, Catalin T., Garriga- López, Adriana, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Anthropology, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study is to understand how the relationship between generational cattle ranchers and conservation efforts is changing given rapid development and urbanization within the state of Florida over the past decade. To understand this relationship, the author used participant observation in conjunction with ethnographic interviews to work with ranchers and individuals from the Green Paths Foundation to draw a comprehensive picture of how development has affected ranching and...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to understand how the relationship between generational cattle ranchers and conservation efforts is changing given rapid development and urbanization within the state of Florida over the past decade. To understand this relationship, the author used participant observation in conjunction with ethnographic interviews to work with ranchers and individuals from the Green Paths Foundation to draw a comprehensive picture of how development has affected ranching and conservation efforts in Florida. With the help of cultural consultants, I was able to make additional connections within the ranching and conservation communities that helped to provide further context to the question being investigated in this thesis and to understand how Florida’s Conservation Corridor mediates between ranchers and conservation imperatives.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014393
Subject Headings: Ecology, Anthropology, Ranchers, Conservation biology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Habitat selection among fishes and shrimp in the pelagic Sargassum community: the role of habitat architecture.
Creator: Bennice, Chelsea, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Pelagic Sargassum was used to determine the effects of habitat architecture for one species of shrimp (Leander tenuicornis) and two species of fish (Stephanolepis hispidus and Histrio histrio). Inter-thallus spacing (low, medium, and high) and depth (shallow versus deep) were manipulated independently to test whether the spatial components of habitat architecture. Two differing habitats (Sargassum versus seagrass species) were tested for the structural component of habitat architecture. There...
Show morePelagic Sargassum was used to determine the effects of habitat architecture for one species of shrimp (Leander tenuicornis) and two species of fish (Stephanolepis hispidus and Histrio histrio). Inter-thallus spacing (low, medium, and high) and depth (shallow versus deep) were manipulated independently to test whether the spatial components of habitat architecture. Two differing habitats (Sargassum versus seagrass species) were tested for the structural component of habitat architecture. There were no significant results for inter-thallus spacing experiments for L. tenuicornis and S. hispidus. H histrio selected habitats with medium inter-thallus spacing in two treatments. Large individual H. histrio contributed mostly to the significant effects. All three species selected habitats with a greater depth aspect. Finally, L. tenuicornis and H. histrio selected habitats with greater structural complexity (i.e., Sargassum). These results demonstrate clearly that habitat architecture of Sargassum influences habitat selection by these shrimp and fishes.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358284
Subject Headings: Habitat (Ecology), Sargassum, Ecology, Animal behavior, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Wading Bird Reproductive and Physiological Responses to Environmental Disturbance in a Managed Lake Ecosystem.
Creator: Chastant, Jennifer E., Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Wetlands are some of the most diverse and productive ecosystems on earth. Water-level fluctuations determine the ecological function of shallow lakes and wetlands. Currently, anthropogenic modification to water-level fluctuations is the leading source of ecological degradation in lake and wetland ecosystems worldwide. I used wading birds nesting in Lake Okeechobee, as a model system to address the challenges of environmental restoration within an ecosystem greatly impacted by anthropogenic...
Show moreWetlands are some of the most diverse and productive ecosystems on earth. Water-level fluctuations determine the ecological function of shallow lakes and wetlands. Currently, anthropogenic modification to water-level fluctuations is the leading source of ecological degradation in lake and wetland ecosystems worldwide. I used wading birds nesting in Lake Okeechobee, as a model system to address the challenges of environmental restoration within an ecosystem greatly impacted by anthropogenic activities. Specifically, I 1) identified environmental factors most important for predicting the number of wading bird nests, 2) tested the assumptions of both the match-mismatch and the threshold hypothesis by modeling the relationship between nesting success and prey density with foraging habitat availability, and 3) measured the stress response of Great (Ardea alba) and Snowy Egrets (Egretta thula) to hydrologically-mediated changes in food availability. Collectively, the results suggest that the number of nests was greatest when area of nesting substrate was high and water-levels were moderate (3.9 - 4.4 m). Nest numbers dropped when either nesting substrate or foraging habitat was limited. My investigation into the predictions of the match-mismatch and threshold hypotheses found that indeed, prey density can reduce or intensify the effects of a mismatch event. The interaction of prey density and foraging habitat availability was significant and positive in both models. Saturation thresholds existed for both fledging success (147 prey (m^2)^-1) and total productivity (189 prey (m^2)^-1), above which high concentrations of prey could sustain nesting when foraging habitat availability was low. Finally, my studies of the stress response support the hypothesis that hydrologic factors associated with prey availability play an important role in regulating nesting patterns, although the level of food limitation the birds experience at the lake was not as severe as expected. Model selection identified foraging habitat availability as most influential to the nestling Great Egret stress response, whereas foraging habitat availability and prey density both influenced nestling Snowy Egret stress response. Moreover, the Snowy Egret stress response was more sensitive to changes in prey availability than was the Great Egret stress response. Temperature and foraging conditions influenced yolk corticosterone concentrations for both egret species.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004779
Subject Headings: Wetland ecology., Estuarine ecology., Water birds--Habitat., Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Prey selectivity of the fishes Stephanolepis hispidus and Histrio histrio on the Sargassum shrimps Latreutes fucorum and Leander tenuicornis.
Creator: Hutchinson, Kimberly A., Florida Atlantic University, Brooks, W. Randy
Abstract/Description: Predator-prey relationships were studied between the shrimps Latreutes fucorum and Leander tenuicornis and the predatory fishes Stephanolepis hispidus and Histrio histrio, all found within pelagic Sargassum communities. Average survival times of shrimps were compared in species, size/density, and habitat selection studies. The results showed that S. hispidus had a preference for prey species while H. histrio did not. 30 mm shrimp survived longer than the 10 mm shrimp for both S. hispidus and...
Show morePredator-prey relationships were studied between the shrimps Latreutes fucorum and Leander tenuicornis and the predatory fishes Stephanolepis hispidus and Histrio histrio, all found within pelagic Sargassum communities. Average survival times of shrimps were compared in species, size/density, and habitat selection studies. The results showed that S. hispidus had a preference for prey species while H. histrio did not. 30 mm shrimp survived longer than the 10 mm shrimp for both S. hispidus and H. histrio. Density was a factor in the survival times of the 20 mm shrimps with S. hispidus only. L. tenuicornis survived longer in artificial Sargassum habitats with H. histrio. The larger shrimps survived longer in the artificial habitats than the smaller shrimps with S. hispidus. Both fish predators employ optimal foraging strategies with similarities and differences, the latter of which are likely related to behavioral differences in the these predator and prey.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13156
Subject Headings: Predation (Biology), Fishes--Ecology, Ocean bottom ecology, Marine animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Nematocyst replacement in the sea anemone Aiptasia Pallida following predation by Lysmata Wurdemanni: an inducible defense?.
Creator: Jennings, Lucas, Laramore, Susan E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The sea anemone Aiptasia pallida is a biological model for anthozoan research. Like all cnidarians, A. pallida possesses nematocysts for food capture and defense. Studies have shown that anthozoans, such as corals, can rapidly increase nematocyst concentration when faced with competition or predation, suggesting that nematocyst production may be an induced trait. The potential effects of two types of tissue damage, predator induced (Lysmata wurdemanni) and artificial (forceps), on nematocyst...
Show moreThe sea anemone Aiptasia pallida is a biological model for anthozoan research. Like all cnidarians, A. pallida possesses nematocysts for food capture and defense. Studies have shown that anthozoans, such as corals, can rapidly increase nematocyst concentration when faced with competition or predation, suggesting that nematocyst production may be an induced trait. The potential effects of two types of tissue damage, predator induced (Lysmata wurdemanni) and artificial (forceps), on nematocyst concentration was assessed. Nematocysts were identified by type and size to examine the potential plasticity associated with nematocyst production. While no significant differences were found in defensive nematocyst concentration between shrimp predation treatments versus controls, there was a significant difference in small-sized nematocyst in anemones damaged with forceps. The proportions of the different types of nematocysts between treatment types were also found to be different suggesting that nematocyst production in A. pallida is a plastic trait.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004204, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004204
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Marine ecology, Nematocysts, Predation (Biology), Sea anemones
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Functional aspects of behavior and morphology in the decorator crab Microphrys Bicornutus (Latreille, 1825) (Crustacea: Brachyura: Mithracidae).
Creator: Salazar, Monique Alexandra, Brooks, W. Randy, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Masking or decorator crabs, conceal themselves partially through camouflage, by selecting or indiscriminately attaching materials from their environment to their exoskeleton. Functional aspects of decorating behavior and morphology in this group have not been documented. Using Microphrys bicornutus as a model species, this dissertation demonstrates clearly that decorating is an advantageous phenotype that has evolved to serve several functions. Decorating is a complex behavior that begins...
Show moreMasking or decorator crabs, conceal themselves partially through camouflage, by selecting or indiscriminately attaching materials from their environment to their exoskeleton. Functional aspects of decorating behavior and morphology in this group have not been documented. Using Microphrys bicornutus as a model species, this dissertation demonstrates clearly that decorating is an advantageous phenotype that has evolved to serve several functions. Decorating is a complex behavior that begins when a crab approaches an algal substrate and results in the attachment of algae to hooked setae on the exoskeleton. Once decorated, crabs remain motionless on the substrate until disturbed or until another behavior is initiated. This was confirmed for M. bicornutus, as crabs spent a significant amount of time feeding, remaining motionless, picking, and walking when compared to decorating. Crabs displayed agonistic behaviors during encounters with conspecifics conspecifics. These included both active aggressive behavior and display behavior. Crabs showed a decrease in motility during these encounters, helping maintain dispersed distributions, thereby decreasing intrsapecific encounters in the field. Trials were done to determine the effect of conspecifics, predators and feeding preferences on algal utilization. M. bicornutus showed a significant decrease in the amount of algae used for decoration in the highest density trials (i.e., 4 and 8 crabs). Agonistic displays and aggressive behavior between these crabs likely affected the time available for decorating. Decorated crabs isolated from an algal substrate were more likely to survive in the presence of either of two sympatric fish predators. Thus, being protected by the algal decoration on their exoskeletons. Trials also showed a parallel between algal consumption and algal materials used for decoration. In addition to its protective function, algae used by M. bicornutus for decoration simultaneously serve as short term food supplies for the crabs. Eleven morphologically complex structures were identified and mapped on the exoskeleton. Hooked setae were the primary structures used to attach algae to the crab’s body. Ten additional setal structures were present, including two novel types of setae. On the basis of location and morphological variation exhibited among these latter structures, a primary sensory function may be inferred.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004056
Subject Headings: Animal behavior, Camouflage (Biology), Crabs -- Behavior, Marine ecology, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

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

Title: 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.
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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: Taxonomy and ecology of the deep-pelagic fish family Melamphaidae, with emphasis on interactions with a mid-ocean ridge system.
Creator: Bartow, Kyle Allen., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Much of the world's oceans lie below a depth of 200 meters, but very little is known about the creatures that inhabit these deep-sea environments. The deep-sea fish family Melamphaidae (Stephanoberyciformes) is one such example of an understudied group of fishes. Samples from the MAR-ECO (www.mar-eco.no) project represent one of the largest melamphaid collections, providing an ideal opportunity to gain information on this important, but understudied, family of fishes. The key to the family...
Show moreMuch of the world's oceans lie below a depth of 200 meters, but very little is known about the creatures that inhabit these deep-sea environments. The deep-sea fish family Melamphaidae (Stephanoberyciformes) is one such example of an understudied group of fishes. Samples from the MAR-ECO (www.mar-eco.no) project represent one of the largest melamphaid collections, providing an ideal opportunity to gain information on this important, but understudied, family of fishes. The key to the family presented here is the first updated, comprehensive key since those produced by Ebeling and Weed (1963) and Keene (1987). Samples from the 2004 MAR-ECO cruise and the U.S. National Museum of Natural History provided an opportunity to review two possible new species, the Scopelogadus mizolepis subspecies, and a Poromitra crassiceps species complex. Results show that Scopeloberyx americanus and Melamphaes indicoides are new species, while the two subspecies of Scopelogadus mizolepis are most likely o nly one species and the Poromitra crassiceps complex is actually several different species of Poromitra. Data collected from the MAR-ECO cruise provided an opportunity to study the distribution, reproductive characteristics and trophic ecology of the family Melamphaidae along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR). Cluster analysis showed that there are five distinct groups of melamphaid fishes along the MAR. This analysis also supported the initial observation that the melamphaid assemblage changes between the northern and southern edges of an anti-cyclonic anomaly that could be indicative of a warm-core ring. Analysis of the reproductive characteristics of the melamphaid assemblage revealed that many of the female fishes have a high gonadosomatic index (GSI) consistent with values found for other species of deep-sea fishes during their spawning seasons., This may indicate that melamphaids use this ridge as a spawning ground. Diets of the melamphaid fishes were composed primarily of ostracods, a mphipods, copepods and euphausiids. Scopelogadus was the only genus shown to have a high percent of gelatinous prey in their digestive system, while Melamphaes had the highest concentration of chaetognaths. This work presents data on the ecology and taxonomy of the family Melamphaidae and provides a strong base for any future work on this biomass-dominant family of fishes.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2867331
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Marine biology, Marine ecology, Deep-sea biology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Role of Chemical Cues in Locating Pelagic Sargassum by the Associated Fish Stephanolepis hispidus.
Creator: Cox, Derek, Brooks, W. Randy, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The ecosystem created by pelagic Sargassum is important in the life histories of a number of economically and ecologically important associated organisms. Fishes play a vital role in this food web and nutrient flow within these systems, but it is unknown how they locate these floating habitats. This study examined the role of natural chemical cues from Sargassum patches and the synthetic chemical Dimethylsulfonionpropionate (DMSP) for an associated fish, the planehead filefish (Stephanolepis...
Show moreThe ecosystem created by pelagic Sargassum is important in the life histories of a number of economically and ecologically important associated organisms. Fishes play a vital role in this food web and nutrient flow within these systems, but it is unknown how they locate these floating habitats. This study examined the role of natural chemical cues from Sargassum patches and the synthetic chemical Dimethylsulfonionpropionate (DMSP) for an associated fish, the planehead filefish (Stephanolepis hispidus) and a control fish species not associated with Sargassum, the masked goby (Coryphopterus personatus). Choice trials with a Y-maze apparatus determined that S. hispidus responded significantly to chemical cues from Sargassum while C. personatus did not. DMSP cues did not result in any significant behavioral responses for either fish. Demonstrating that S. hispidus can respond to chemical cues from Sargassum helps further our understanding of this unique floating algal reef and how fishes may locate it.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004684, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004684
Subject Headings: Animal behavior, Habitat (Ecology), Marine algae, Marine chemical ecology, Predation (Biology), Sargassum -- Ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Responses of common fouling organisms in the Indian River, Florida, to various predation and disturbance intensities.
Creator: Mook, David H., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1983
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3174848
Subject Headings: Fouling organisms, Predation (Biology), Predatory animals --Ecology, Reproduction, Sponges
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Food level effects on thecompetitive interactions of two co-occurring cladoceran zooplankton: Diaphanosoma brachyurum andDaphnia ambigua.
Creator: Orcutt, John D., Jr., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1985
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007329
Subject Headings: Zooplankton, Cladocera, Daphnia ambigua, Competition (Biology), Zooplankton--Ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Larval predation by barnacles: effects on patch colonization in a shallow subtidal community.
Creator: Young, Craig M., Gotelli, Nicholas J., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1988
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3172815
Subject Headings: Barnacles, Predation (Biology), Marine invertebrates --Larvae, Balanus, Marine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Reproduction, growth and trophic interactions of Doriopsilla pharpa Marcus in South Carolina.
Creator: Eyster, Linda S., Stancyk, Stephen E., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1981
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3174442
Subject Headings: Nudibranchia, Reproduction, Sponges, Predation (Biology), Food chains (Ecology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Feeding and functional morphology of the lobate ctenophore Mnemiopsis mccradyi.
Creator: Larson, R. J., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1988
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3173011
Subject Headings: Ctenophora, Animal feeding, Predation (Biology), Zooplankton, Food chains (Ecology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Diet and foraging ecology of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys Terrapin) in south Florida.
Creator: Denton, Mathew, Baldwin, John D., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: Dietary resource use for diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapins) in subtropical mangrove habitats in south Florida creeks and islands was examined to elucidate long-term individual foraging strategies. Fecal analysis revealed seven categories of food items with gastropods, crabs, and bivalves being the most dominant food items respectively. Non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed differences in habitat, but not terrapin size class. Stable isotope analysis confirmed the findings,...
Show moreDietary resource use for diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapins) in subtropical mangrove habitats in south Florida creeks and islands was examined to elucidate long-term individual foraging strategies. Fecal analysis revealed seven categories of food items with gastropods, crabs, and bivalves being the most dominant food items respectively. Non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed differences in habitat, but not terrapin size class. Stable isotope analysis confirmed the findings, identifying habitat and site differences in δ13C and δ15N values for both terrapins and their prey. Bi-plots of terrapin and potential prey δ 13C and δ 15N values revealed potential dietary sources previously undetermined by fecal analysis. Comparisons of scute and blood isotope data revealed significant differences in δ13C indicating potential shifts in either food resources and/or habitat use through the time period recorded in the scute tissue. These tissue comparisons represent a powerful tool for estimating long term foraging strategies for a key estuarine species.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004101
Subject Headings: Diamondback terrapin -- Habitat -- Florida., Diamondback terrapin -- Ecology -- Florida., Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (49)	+ -
HBOI Faculty Contributions (17)	+ -
Honors Student Theses (5)	+ -

Predation (Biology) (32)	+ -
Ecology (15)	+ -
Adaptation (Biology) (12)	+ -
Coral reef ecology (8)	+ -
Animal behavior (6)	+ -

Marine ecology (6)	+ -
Coral reef biology (5)	+ -
Wildlife conservation (5)	+ -
Biology, Ecology (4)	+ -
Wetland ecology (4)	+ -
Decapoda (Crustacea) (3)	+ -
Marine ecosystem management (3)	+ -
Physiology (3)	+ -
Sponges (3)	+ -
Water quality biological assessment (3)	+ -
Adaptation (Physiology) (2)	+ -
Algal blooms (2)	+ -
Behavior (2)	+ -
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Biology, Botany (2)	+ -
Competition (Biology) (2)	+ -
Coral reef ecology --Florida --Florida Keys (2)	+ -
Cyanobacteria (2)	+ -
Environmental aspects (2)	+ -
Estuarine ecology (2)	+ -
Fishes (2)	+ -
Food chains (Ecology) (2)	+ -
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Habitat (2)	+ -

Florida (10)	+ -
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Little Bahama Bank (1)	+ -
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United States (1)	+ -
West Palm Beach (1)	+ -

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