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Title: Interactions between light and temperature on the physiological ecology of Gracilaria tikvahiae (Gigartinales: Rhodophyta) I. Growth, photosynthesis and respiration.
Creator: Lapointe, Brian E., Tenore, K. R., Dawes, Clinton J.
Date Issued: 1984
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3176747
Subject Headings: Rhodophyta, Gracilaria, Physiological ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Comparative physiological ecology of centrarchids in hyposaline environments.
Creator: Peterson, Mark S., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1988
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3342225
Subject Headings: Centrarchidae, Physiological ecology, Ecophysiology, Salinity, Physiology, Comparative
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Grazing effects of herbivorous fishes and juvenile green turtles (Chelonia Mydas) on macroalgal communities.
Creator: Holloway-Adkins, Karen G., Hanisak, M. Dennis, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The impact of grazers on the primary production of marine ecosystems has largely been explored in tropical environments. A number of studies support theories on the functional importance of grazers in the community structure of coral reefs. However, large-bodied grazers, like juvenile green turtles, co-occur with herbivorous fishes in subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world and we know little about their combined impact on macroalgal communities and whether they compete for...
Show moreThe impact of grazers on the primary production of marine ecosystems has largely been explored in tropical environments. A number of studies support theories on the functional importance of grazers in the community structure of coral reefs. However, large-bodied grazers, like juvenile green turtles, co-occur with herbivorous fishes in subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world and we know little about their combined impact on macroalgal communities and whether they compete for macroalgal resources. My dissertation research was composed of four studies that were conducted simultaneously to further our understanding of plant/herbivore interactions in marine ecosystems. Studies were conducted at the Trident Basin, a non-public military facility within the Port Canaveral Inlet at Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA. The macroalgal study (Chapter 1), determined the spatial and temporal distribution of the macroalgal community. The foraging habits of juvenile green turtles were compared with the macroalgal abundance within the Basin and over time (Chapter 2). Selection ‘for’ specific macroalgal species (based on their availability in the macroalgae study) was used to determine the level of overlap and/or partitioning of resources among herbivorous fishes and juvenile green turtles (Chapter 3). The final empirical study (Chapter 4) measured the impact on thallus height, diameter and/or branching of macroalgae as well as the macroalgal community composition from caging experiments that excluded herbivorous fishes and juvenile green turtles. The algal community was predominantly composed of nine red and green macroalgal species that were persistent year-round. Grazer-resistant macroalgae were rarely observed. Green turtles foraged on many of these same macroalgae but also opportunistically foraged on flotsam, including anthropogenic debris (e.g., plastic). The gut content of the major herbivorous fishes in the community (Abudefduf saxatilis, Archosargus probatocephalus, Diplodus holbrooki, and Lagodon rhomboides) foraged as omnivores depending on where they were captured within the Basin area or their size. All herbivores showed selection for less abundant green algae (i.e., Ulva spp.). Results of the exclusion of juvenile green turtles and large herbivorous fishes in caging experiments suggest that grazing by these large-bodied herbivores had no impact on the composition of the macroalgal community and little impact on the morphological structure of the macroalgal species that were examined. Collectively these four studies contribute to a better understanding of how multiple grazers have evolved to forage in macroalgal communities without detrimental effects on their food resources.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004123, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004123
Subject Headings: Algal communities -- Physiology, Coral reef ecology, Herbivores -- Ecology, Sustainable agriculture
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Ultraviolet absorption in transparent zooplankton and its implications for depth distribution and visual predation.
Creator: Johnsen, Sonke, Widder, Edith A., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 2000
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2783214
Subject Headings: Zooplankton, Marine animal --Physiology, Marine ecology, Ultraviolet radiation --Physiological effect
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Interactions between light and temperature on the physiological ecology of Gracilaria tikvahiae (Gigartinales: Rhodophyta) II. Nitrate uptake and levels of pigments and chemical constituents.
Creator: Lapointe, Brian E., Dawes, Clinton J., Tenore, K. R.
Date Issued: 1984
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3176749
Subject Headings: Rhodophyta, Gigartinales, Red algae, Physiological 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: Life on a hot, dry beach: behavioural, physiological and ultrastructural adaptations of the littorinid gastropod Cenchritis (Tectarius) muricatus.
Creator: Emson, Roland H., Morritt, D., Andrews, E. B., Young, Craig M., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 2002
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2783232
Subject Headings: Gastropoda --Ecology, Marine animals --Bahamas, Marine animals --Physiology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Uptake and assimilation of 15N-ammonium by the symbiotic sea anemones, Bartholomea annulata and Aiptasia pallida: conservation versus recycling of nitrogen.
Creator: Lipschultz, F, Cook, Clayton B.
Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2783238
Subject Headings: Dinoflagellates, Nitrification, Nitrates --physiology, Ammonia--metabolism, Coral reef --ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Optimizing atrazine catabolism in Pseudomonas sp. strain ADP.
Creator: Anderson, Robert., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Atrazine is a popular herbicide used in over 80 countries to inhibit the growth of broadleaf and grassy weeds. Atrazine is a common pollutant in soil and groundwater, and high concentrations of atrazine cause developmental defects in fish, amphibians, and birds. The bacteria Pseudomonas sp. strain ADP (P.ADP) uses atrazine as a nitrogen source by transforming atrazine to ammonia through a number of enzymatic reactions. In this project I measured the growth and atrazine degradation of P.ADP in...
Show moreAtrazine is a popular herbicide used in over 80 countries to inhibit the growth of broadleaf and grassy weeds. Atrazine is a common pollutant in soil and groundwater, and high concentrations of atrazine cause developmental defects in fish, amphibians, and birds. The bacteria Pseudomonas sp. strain ADP (P.ADP) uses atrazine as a nitrogen source by transforming atrazine to ammonia through a number of enzymatic reactions. In this project I measured the growth and atrazine degradation of P.ADP in media with atrazine as the sole nitrogen source. A mutant strain isolated after mutagenesis with UV light showed faster growth and reached higher densities than the control strain. A series of mating experiments were performed to determine whether the growth mutation was on the atrazine degrading plasmid or in the chromosome. The limitations and potential of P.ADP for atrazine degradation are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3334252
Subject Headings: Plasmids, Genetics, Alginates, Physiological effect, Microbial ecology, Biotransformation (Metabolism)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A comparison of stability in swimming loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtle posthatchlings.
Creator: Dougherty, Erin., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Posthatchling green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles overlap ecologically but differ morphologically. This study compared hydrodynamic stability between the two species during swimming to test for functional differences in body shape. Flipper movement paths, four stability measures (yaw, pitch, heave, and sideslip), and the relative positions of the centers of buoyancy and gravity were compared between species. Both centers of buoyancy and gravity lie in the anterior...
Show morePosthatchling green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles overlap ecologically but differ morphologically. This study compared hydrodynamic stability between the two species during swimming to test for functional differences in body shape. Flipper movement paths, four stability measures (yaw, pitch, heave, and sideslip), and the relative positions of the centers of buoyancy and gravity were compared between species. Both centers of buoyancy and gravity lie in the anterior body; their positions relative to one another differed with species, but showed no functional consequences. Neither species demonstrated substantial yaw, sideslip, or pitch. Both experienced upward heave with the flippers' downstroke and downward heave with the upstroke; however phase relationships differed between these limb and body motions. No differences were found between the two species. Despite obvious morphological differences, loggerheads and green turtles were similarly stable during swimming, suggesting that the species use different mechanisms to achieve stability.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186689
Subject Headings: Sea turtles, Morphology, Sea turtles, Physiology, Animal locomotion, Marine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of a decrease in downwelling irradiance on the daytime vertical distribution patterns of zooplankton and micronekton.
Creator: Frank, Tamara M., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Widder, Edith A.
Date Issued: 2002
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2783236
Subject Headings: Zooplankton --Ecology, Marine animals --Geographical distribution --Research, Light-- Physiological effect, Marine ecology, Irradiation
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: Biomonitoring of hypoxia and sulfide stress in three sub-tropical seagrasses.
Creator: Irwin, Connor., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Hypoxia and sulfide exposure, increased using glucose, are considered major environmental stressors in seagrass communities. Quantum efficiency, total soluble protein and catalase activity were quantified to evaluate the applicability of each of these bioindicators to detect environmental stress in three tropical seagrass species, Thalassia testudinum (Banks ex Kèoenig), Halodule wrightii (Ascherson) and Syringodium filiforme (Kuetz). Hypoxia + sulfide treatments significantly decreased the...
Show moreHypoxia and sulfide exposure, increased using glucose, are considered major environmental stressors in seagrass communities. Quantum efficiency, total soluble protein and catalase activity were quantified to evaluate the applicability of each of these bioindicators to detect environmental stress in three tropical seagrass species, Thalassia testudinum (Banks ex Kèoenig), Halodule wrightii (Ascherson) and Syringodium filiforme (Kuetz). Hypoxia + sulfide treatments significantly decreased the quantum efficiency of all three species, but showed no response in protein and catalase activity. Although no treatment effect was found, catalase activity was enhanced in T. testudinum leaves and H. wrightii roots relative to other tissues, while S. filiforme showed no location-specific catalase activity. These results indicate that quantum efficiency is a more sensitive indicator than protein and catalase activity to hypoxia and sulfide stress in seagrasses.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2976445
Subject Headings: Plant physiology, Environmental management, Seagrasses, Habitat, Environmental aspects, Sulfites, Physiological effect, Marine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Phosphorus limitation in reef macroalgae of South Florida.
Creator: Kehler, Courtney., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: Nitrogen (N) has traditionally been regarded as the primary limiting nutrient to algal growth in marine coastal waters, but recent studies suggest that phosphorus (P) can be limiting in carbonate-rich environments. To better understand the importance of P. alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) was measured in reef macroalgae in seven counties of south Florida ; several significant trends emerged : 1) APA decreased geographically from the highest values in Dada>Monroe>Palm Beach>St. Lucie...
Show moreNitrogen (N) has traditionally been regarded as the primary limiting nutrient to algal growth in marine coastal waters, but recent studies suggest that phosphorus (P) can be limiting in carbonate-rich environments. To better understand the importance of P. alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) was measured in reef macroalgae in seven counties of south Florida ; several significant trends emerged : 1) APA decreased geographically from the highest values in Dada>Monroe>Palm Beach>St. Lucie>Broward>Martin>Lee counties 2) APA varied temporally with increasing nutrient-rich runoff in the wet season 3) APA varied due to taxonomic division Phaeophyta>Rhodophyta>Chlorophyta 4) Nutrient enrichment experiments demonstrated that increased N-enrichment enhanced P-limitation while increased P decreased P-limitation. These results suggest that high APA observed in carbonate-rich waters of Dade County and low APA in Broward County resulted from high nutrient inputs associated with anthropogenic nutrient pollution.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358598
Subject Headings: Nitrogen, Environmental aspects, Coral reef ecology, Coral reef biology, Marine algae, Physiology, Algal communities, Physiology
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.
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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: The effects of the cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula and artificial shading on the seagrass Halodule wrightii.
Creator: Tiling, Kathryn A., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Extensive blooms of the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula occurred during 2006 in Halodule wrightii seagrass beds. We examined the effects of L. majuscula blooms on seagrass by removal treatments and assessed if this was primarily an effect of shading by conducting artificial shade treatments. We tested the effects of L. majuscula removal and artificial shading on fifty individual 0.25 m2 experimental seagrass plots infested with L. majuscula in a fully crossed, two-way experiment....
Show moreExtensive blooms of the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula occurred during 2006 in Halodule wrightii seagrass beds. We examined the effects of L. majuscula blooms on seagrass by removal treatments and assessed if this was primarily an effect of shading by conducting artificial shade treatments. We tested the effects of L. majuscula removal and artificial shading on fifty individual 0.25 m2 experimental seagrass plots infested with L. majuscula in a fully crossed, two-way experiment. Measurements included blade elongation, biomass, and stem density. Blade lengths of H. wrightii were significantly increased by the presence of artificial shading and L. majuscula. L. majuscula removal resulted in increased below ground biomass in shaded plots, suggesting an increase in stores, when possible, for accelerated recovery following a shading event. Adverse L. majuscula effects occurred after declines in bloom biomass indicating that L. majuscula can have a prolonged negative effect on H. wrightii production.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/11597
Subject Headings: Cyanobacteria, Biological control, Seagrasses, Physiology, Seagrasses, Effect of salt on, Restoration ecology, Halodule wrightii, Morphology
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.
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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: Developmental Morphology of Flippers in Sea Turtles and Penguins.
Creator: Kwong, Grace W., Wyneken, Jeanette, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: There are no modem anatomical studies of flipper development or particularly any examining limb formation across distantly related taxa converging on similar flipper morphology. This study compares and contrasts the development of flippers in sea turtle (Caretta caretta) and penguin (Spheniscus demersus , Eudyptula minor) embryos. Embryos were fixed, cleared and stained for cartilage anlagen, and prepared as whole mounts. Skeletal elements forming the flipper and changes in their growth rates...
Show moreThere are no modem anatomical studies of flipper development or particularly any examining limb formation across distantly related taxa converging on similar flipper morphology. This study compares and contrasts the development of flippers in sea turtle (Caretta caretta) and penguin (Spheniscus demersus , Eudyptula minor) embryos. Embryos were fixed, cleared and stained for cartilage anlagen, and prepared as whole mounts. Skeletal elements forming the flipper and changes in their growth rates were described across developmental stages. Results suggest skeletal elements contribute differently to sea turtle and penguin flipper blades and there are significant differences in bone shape and growth patterns. Greater proportional increases in lengths and areas were found in sea turtles elements compared to penguins. Sea turtles appear to depend on a pathway resulting in elongation of distal elements to build a flipper, whereas penguin limbs undergo flattening and expansion of fewer elements to meet a similar structural goal.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000784
Subject Headings: Sea turtles--Physiology, Sea turtles--Morphology, Penguins--Morphology, Animal locomotion, Marine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Specific dynamic action in hatchling and post-hatchling green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta ) sea turtles.
Creator: Kowalski, Amy, Florida Atlantic University, Milton, Sarah L., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Specific dynamic action (SDA) describes a post-feeding increase in oxygen consumption where most energy derived from food is allocated to post-absorptive processes, including growth and maintenance. SDA and growth in hatchling sea turtles is of special interest because they experience drastic changes in diet, oxygen availability and habitat during the first several months of life. This study investigated SDA variation between species and among age groups. SDA was quantified in two species of...
Show moreSpecific dynamic action (SDA) describes a post-feeding increase in oxygen consumption where most energy derived from food is allocated to post-absorptive processes, including growth and maintenance. SDA and growth in hatchling sea turtles is of special interest because they experience drastic changes in diet, oxygen availability and habitat during the first several months of life. This study investigated SDA variation between species and among age groups. SDA was quantified in two species of sea turtle (Chelonia mydas, Caretta caretta) at 7, 30, 60, & 90 days post-hatching. Turtles were fed a known amount of food, and oxygen consumption was monitored using a metabolic chamber. SDA percentage of total energy did not increase with age (species pooled), although magnitude of SDA was higher in C. mydas when compared to C. caretta (ages pooled). These results imply that SDA does not increase proportionally with age, and that hatchling C. mydas use more absolute energy for SDA than C. caretta .
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Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13283
Subject Headings: Adaptation (Biology), Sea turtles--Feeding and feeds, Physiology, Comparative, Sea turtles--Ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A comparison of the ontogeny of energy consumption in leatherback, Dermochelys coriacea and olive ridley, Lepidochelys olivacea sea turtle hatchlings.
Creator: Jones, T. Todd, Florida Atlantic University, Lutz, Peter L., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Changes in activity related oxygen consumption and energy partitioning were measured in leatherback and olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings over their first month after nest emergence. Leatherbacks emerge with about 75--90 KJ of energy in the residual yolk at their disposal for growth and movement. In comparison, the residual yolk energy reserves for the olive ridley are estimated to be much less (45 KJ). In leatherbacks resting specific oxygen consumption rates decreased by 53% over the first...
Show moreChanges in activity related oxygen consumption and energy partitioning were measured in leatherback and olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings over their first month after nest emergence. Leatherbacks emerge with about 75--90 KJ of energy in the residual yolk at their disposal for growth and movement. In comparison, the residual yolk energy reserves for the olive ridley are estimated to be much less (45 KJ). In leatherbacks resting specific oxygen consumption rates decreased by 53% over the first post-hatching month (0.0065 ml O2 min-1 g-1--0.0031 ml O2 min-1 g-1), while for ridleys the fall was 32% (0.0038 ml O2 min-1 g-1--0.0026 ml O2 min-1 g-1). Greater differences were seen in aerobic scope. For olive ridleys the factorial aerobic scope doubled over the first month but there was no significant increase in the leatherback's factorial aerobic scope. Leatherback hatchlings gained on average 33% body mass (10 g) over the first week however 70 to 80% of this increase was due to water accumulation. The differences in aerobic scope and energy reserves are related to differences in early life ecological stratagems of these species.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13139
Subject Headings: Sea turtles--Ecology, Animal behavior, Ontogeny, Developmental biology, Adaptation (Physiology), Ecophysiology
Format: Document (PDF)

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