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Metamorphic response of queen conch (Strombus gigas) larvae exposed to sediment and water from nearshore and offshore sites in the Florida Keys
Title
Metamorphic response of queen conch (Strombus gigas) larvae exposed to sediment and water from nearshore and offshore sites in the Florida Keys.
Creator
Kowalik, Gretchen A., Davis, Megan, Shawl, Amber L., Glazer, Robert A., Delgado, Gabriel A., Evans, Chris
Date Issued
2006
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2147048
Subject Headings
Queen conch, Aquaculture, Marine ecology --Florida
Format
Document (PDF)
Development and application of a new comprehensive image-based classification scheme for coastal and benthic environments along the southeast Florida continental shelf
Title
Development and application of a new comprehensive image-based classification scheme for coastal and benthic environments along the southeast Florida continental shelf.
Creator
Makowski, Christopher, Finkl, Charles W., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description
The coastal (terrestrial) and benthic environments along the southeast Florida continental shelf show a unique biophysical succession of marine features from a highly urbanized, developed coastal region in the north (i.e. northern Miami-Dade County) to a protective marine sanctuary in the southeast (i.e. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary). However, the establishment of a standard bio-geomorphological classification scheme for this area of coastal and benthic environments is lacking. The...
Show moreThe coastal (terrestrial) and benthic environments along the southeast Florida continental shelf show a unique biophysical succession of marine features from a highly urbanized, developed coastal region in the north (i.e. northern Miami-Dade County) to a protective marine sanctuary in the southeast (i.e. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary). However, the establishment of a standard bio-geomorphological classification scheme for this area of coastal and benthic environments is lacking. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis and answer the research question of whether new parameters of integrating geomorphological components with dominant biological covers could be developed and applied across multiple remote sensing platforms for an innovative way to identify, interpret, and classify diverse coastal and benthic environments along the southeast Florida continental shelf. An ordered, manageable hierarchical classification scheme was developed to incorporate the categories of Physiographic Realm, Morphodynamic Zone, Geoform, Landform, Dominant Surface Sediment, and Dominant Biological Cover. Six different remote sensing platforms (i.e. five multi-spectral satellite image sensors and one high-resolution aerial orthoimagery) were acquired, delineated according to the new classification scheme, and compared to determine optimal formats for classifying the study area. Cognitive digital classification at a nominal scale of 1:6000 proved to be more accurate than autoclassification programs and therefore used to differentiate coastal marine environments based on spectral reflectance characteristics, such as color, tone, saturation, pattern, and texture of the seafloor topology. In addition, attribute tables were created in conjugation with interpretations to quantify and compare the spatial relationships between classificatory units. IKONOS-2 satellite imagery was determined to be the optimal platform for applying the hierarchical classification scheme. However, each remote sensing platform had beneficial properties depending on research goals, logistical restrictions, and financial support. This study concluded that a new hierarchical comprehensive classification scheme for identifying coastal marine environments along the southeast Florida continental shelf could be achieved by integrating geomorphological features with biological coverages. This newly developed scheme, which can be applied across multiple remote sensing platforms with GIS software, establishes an innovative classification protocol to be used in future research studies.
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Date Issued
2014
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004135, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004135
Subject Headings
Benthos -- Habitat -- Maps, Environmental mapping, Marine ecology -- Florida, Marine ecology -- Florida, Ubiquitous computing
Format
Document (PDF)
Postglacial expansion of Rhizophora Mangle l. In the Caribbean Sea and Florida
Title
Postglacial expansion of Rhizophora Mangle l. In the Caribbean Sea and Florida.
Creator
Kennedy, John Paul, Devlin, Donna, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) was a period of massive range contraction for numerous taxa, including the water-dispersed mangrove species, Rhizophora mangle L. Following the LGM, R. mangle expanded poleward via propagule transport by ocean currents. In this study, we use microsatellite loci to characterize the genetic structure of nine R. mangle populations and compare potential expansion pathways that resulted in the colonization of the Florida peninsula and Caribbean islands. Results show...
Show moreThe Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) was a period of massive range contraction for numerous taxa, including the water-dispersed mangrove species, Rhizophora mangle L. Following the LGM, R. mangle expanded poleward via propagule transport by ocean currents. In this study, we use microsatellite loci to characterize the genetic structure of nine R. mangle populations and compare potential expansion pathways that resulted in the colonization of the Florida peninsula and Caribbean islands. Results show comparatively greater genetic connectivity between the Caribbean mainland and Florida, a similar pattern between West Africa and Caribbean islands, and substantial admixture on the island of San Salvador, the Bahamas. We conclude that Florida and Caribbean island R. mangle populations were likely recolonized via different expansion pathways. Estimates of recent migration rates are low and populations are structured into three regions (Caribbean mainland, Caribbean islands, Florida). These findings provide insight for future management and conservation initiatives.
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Date Issued
2014
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004206, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004206
Subject Headings
Mangrove ecology -- Caribbean Sea, Mangrove ecology -- Florida, Marine ecology -- Caribbean Sea, Marine ecology -- Florida., Red mangrove, Shore protection -- Florida, Wetland conservation
Format
Document (PDF)
Aspects of the population ecology and life history of the co-occurring crabs Eurypanopeus depressus (Smith) and Eurypanopeus dissimilis (Benedict and Rathbun) (Crustacea:Decapoda:Xanthidae)
Title
Aspects of the population ecology and life history of the co-occurring crabs Eurypanopeus depressus (Smith) and Eurypanopeus dissimilis (Benedict and Rathbun) (Crustacea:Decapoda:Xanthidae).
Creator
Owen, Catherine Baylor, Florida Atlantic University, Dobkin, Sheldon
Abstract/Description
The xanthid crabs Eurypanopeus depressus and E. dissimilis co-occur among oysters on seawalls in southeastern Florida. Population dynamics and aspects of the life history of these two species were compared during a 1-year period, at two study sites. There were no interspecific differences in adult size for either sex. For both species, females were significantly more abundant than males. E. depressus was more abundant at one study site, E. dissimilis at the other. Ovigerous females were found...
Show moreThe xanthid crabs Eurypanopeus depressus and E. dissimilis co-occur among oysters on seawalls in southeastern Florida. Population dynamics and aspects of the life history of these two species were compared during a 1-year period, at two study sites. There were no interspecific differences in adult size for either sex. For both species, females were significantly more abundant than males. E. depressus was more abundant at one study site, E. dissimilis at the other. Ovigerous females were found year-round. Number of eggs per female of both species increased with increasing carapace width. Recruitment of young into the population occurred year-round.
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Date Issued
1990
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14637
Subject Headings
Crustacea--Florida, Decapoda (Crustacea)--Florida, Xanthidae--Florida, Marine ecology--Florida
Format
Document (PDF)
Response of tropical marine macroalgae to thermal stress
Title
Response of tropical marine macroalgae to thermal stress.
Creator
Anderson, Brent C., Florida Atlantic University, Koch, Marguerite
Abstract/Description
Short-term increases in temperatures above 31°C have been shown to influence the structure and diversity of coral reefs through coral bleaching episodes, but quantitative information on how these thermal events affect macroalgae on coral reef communities has rarely been described. Using laboratory mesocosm experiments, I examined six species of commonly occurring macroalgae from two functional form groups on the Florida Keys reef tract to determine their temperature thresholds, quantified by...
Show moreShort-term increases in temperatures above 31°C have been shown to influence the structure and diversity of coral reefs through coral bleaching episodes, but quantitative information on how these thermal events affect macroalgae on coral reef communities has rarely been described. Using laboratory mesocosm experiments, I examined six species of commonly occurring macroalgae from two functional form groups on the Florida Keys reef tract to determine their temperature thresholds, quantified by the point at which photosynthesis, quantum yield (Fv/Fm), and mortality rates were significantly affected. Red crustose coralline sp., classified in the calcareous group, showed no significant changes in Fv/Fm, and experienced no mortality at elevated temperatures of 34°C. However, Halimeda incrassata, another calcareous species showed significant changes in photosynthesis at thermal treatments of 32°C, and experienced 75% mortality at 34°C. Sargassum fluitans, a branching fleshy macroalgae maintained photosynthetic rates up to 32°C, but at 34°C succumbed to 100% mortality. Laurencia chondroides, also a branching fleshy macroalgal form experienced 50% mortality at 34°C. My results, among the first high temperature experiments on dominant tropical macroalgae, indicate that macroalgae are more robust than corals (∼32°C) in their thermal tolerance, but have varying thresholds among species.
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Date Issued
2006
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13394
Subject Headings
Marine algae--Florida--Florida Keys, Coral reef ecology--Florida--Florida Keys
Format
Document (PDF)
The Role of Chemoreception and Host-Use on the Behavioral Ecology of the Pea Crab Tunicotheres moseri (Rathbun, 1918) in Tampa Bay, Florida
Title
The Role of Chemoreception and Host-Use on the Behavioral Ecology of the Pea Crab Tunicotheres moseri (Rathbun, 1918) in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Creator
Ambrosio, Louis J., Brooks, W. Randy, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description
The pinnotherid Tunicotheres moseri (Rathbun, 1918) is a common symbiont with various solitary ascidians throughout its reported range of Jamaica, Venezuela, and West Florida. Cues affecting host use and host recognition in the West Florida population were the focus ofthis study. T. moseri responded to conspecific and host generated chemical cues in the water column. Although host generated chemical cues were recognized by T. moseri, tactile cues triggered much stronger responses to host...
Show moreThe pinnotherid Tunicotheres moseri (Rathbun, 1918) is a common symbiont with various solitary ascidians throughout its reported range of Jamaica, Venezuela, and West Florida. Cues affecting host use and host recognition in the West Florida population were the focus ofthis study. T. moseri responded to conspecific and host generated chemical cues in the water column. Although host generated chemical cues were recognized by T. moseri, tactile cues triggered much stronger responses to host ascidians. Results of conditioning trials suggest that T. moseri is a generalist in host use and accepts novel host species after conditioning with Molgula occidentalis and Phallusia nigra. However, T. moseri prefers S. plicata after conditioning with novel host species. The results of this study suggest that any genetic divergence existing between geographically disjunct populations of T. moseri are probably due to limited dispersal potential rather than population specific host fidelity and host use characteristics.
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Date Issued
2008
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000724
Subject Headings
Marine animals--Physiology--Florida--Tampa Bay, Marine animals--Ecology--Florida--Tampa Bay, Crabs--Behavior--Florida--Tampa Bay, Rathbun, Mary Jane,--1860-1943--Research
Format
Document (PDF)
The Role Of Disturbance In The Genotypic And Morphological Diversity Of Halodule Wrightii
Title
The Role Of Disturbance In The Genotypic And Morphological Diversity Of Halodule Wrightii.
Creator
Tiling, Kathryn A., Proffitt, C. Edward, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
Seagrasses are important foundation species in coastal ecosystems. Genetic diversity of seagrasses can influence a number of ecological factors including, but not limited to, disturbance resistance and resilience. Seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida are considered to be highly disturbed due to frequent events, like algal blooms, that impair water quality, reducing available light for seagrass growth. Halodule wrightii is a dominant seagrass throughout the IRL, but its genetic...
Show moreSeagrasses are important foundation species in coastal ecosystems. Genetic diversity of seagrasses can influence a number of ecological factors including, but not limited to, disturbance resistance and resilience. Seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida are considered to be highly disturbed due to frequent events, like algal blooms, that impair water quality, reducing available light for seagrass growth. Halodule wrightii is a dominant seagrass throughout the IRL, but its genetic diversity has only been quantified in a few Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay populations and little is known about its potential ecological consequences. I quantified the genetic variation of H. wrightii using microsatellite markers in the southern IRL to determine: (i) how disturbance history influenced genetic diversity, (ii) if morphology of clones was, in part, genetically controlled and related to disturbance history, and (iii) if genotypes showed phenotypic plasticity in response to disturbances. In the IRL, H. wrightii populations exhibited moderate genetic diversity that varied with disturbance history. The disturbance history of a population was classified by the variance in the percent occurrence of H. wrightii over a 16-year period. Genotypic richness and clonal diversity of H. wrightii increased with increasing disturbance histories. Other genetic diversity measures (e.g., allelic richness, observed heterozygosity) did not change with disturbance history. These findings suggest that impacts to seagrass coverage over time can change the genotypic composition of populations. When different genotypes of H. wrightii were grown in a common garden, differences in leaf characteristics among genotypes provided evidence that morphological trait variation is, in part, explained by genetic variance. The disturbance history of genotypes did not directly affect morphological traits. However, significant genotype x site (within disturbance history) interactions found greater variation in shoot density and below ground traits of H. wrightii genotypes from sites of intermediate disturbance history. Traits of H. wrightii were shown to be phenotypically plastic. Significant genotype x environment interactions for shoot density and height demonstrated that genotypes responded differently by increasing, decreasing, and not changing sizes in response to light reduction. Genetic diversity of H. wrightii has strong implications for ecological function in coastal communities.
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Date Issued
2016
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004661, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004661
Subject Headings
Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon) -- Enviornmental conditions, Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (Fla.), Marine ecology -- Florida -- Indian River (Lagoon), Restoration ecology, Seagrasses -- Florida -- Indian River (Lagoon), Seagrasses -- Physiology
Format
Document (PDF)