Current Search: Population biology (x)
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- Title
- Population biology and larval development of the terebellid polychaete Nicolea zostericola.
- Creator
- Eckelbarger, Kevin J., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
- Date Issued
- 1974
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3176679
- Subject Headings
- Polychaeta, Population biology, Terebellida
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Population Genetic Structure, Movement Patterns, and Environmental Preferences of the Pelagic Wahoo, Acanthocyhium solandri.
- Creator
- Theisen, Timothy Charles, Florida Atlantic University, Baldwin, John D., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The wahoo, Acanthocyhium solandri, is a pelagic marine fish which inhabits tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate waters worldwide. Despite being highly mobile and economically important over most of their range, there is little scientific data concerning population structure, movement patterns, or environmental preferences of wahoo. In this study I investigate wahoo genetic population structure and phytogeography on a global scale, and deploy pop-up satellite archival tags (PSA T's) in...
Show moreThe wahoo, Acanthocyhium solandri, is a pelagic marine fish which inhabits tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate waters worldwide. Despite being highly mobile and economically important over most of their range, there is little scientific data concerning population structure, movement patterns, or environmental preferences of wahoo. In this study I investigate wahoo genetic population structure and phytogeography on a global scale, and deploy pop-up satellite archival tags (PSA T's) in the western Atlantic Ocean to determine movement patterns and environmental preferences of wahoo. Wahoo population genetic structure was examined across their entire global range with intron six of lactate dehydrogenase-A (ldhA6, 10 locations, N = 213) and mtDNA cytochrome h (Cyth, 13 locations, N = 322). Results show extensive sharing ofhaplotypes and no significant structure between all locations (mtDNA ~ST < 0.0001, P = 0.634; nuclear FsT = 0.0125, P = 0.1 06). Overall nuclear heterozygosity (H = 0.714) and mtDNA haplotype diversity (h = 0.918) are both high, while overall mtDNA nucleotide diversity (n = 0.006) and nuclear nucleotide diversity (n = 0.004) are uniformly low. Coalescence indicates an effective female population size CNeF) at - 816,000, and a population bottleneck - 690,000 years ago. Movement patterns and environmental preferences were investigated by deploying PSA T's onto four individual wahoo in the western Atlantic Ocean. Tagging success rate (75%) validates the deployment protocol developed for this project. Results indicate that wahoo in the western Atlantic ocean spend the greatest portion of their time between 0 and 20 meters of depth, and between temperatures of 20oC and 26°C. More time was spent near the deeper extremes of their range during the nocturnal period, and daily visits to the surface were observed. Wahoo were observed traveling north in Fall and Winter, contrary to previous notions concerning the migratory movements of this species. The genetic results indicate a worldwide stock for wahoo, which reinforces the mandate for international cooperation on fisheries issues. The PSA T results demonstrate the value of the acquired data to the investigation of important life history parameters in pelagic species. The information generated from this project will benefit fisheries managers, marine biologists, evolutionary biologists, and both commercial and recreational fishing interests.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000880
- Subject Headings
- Population genetics, Marine biology, Biological diversity, Fish populations--Conservation
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Population characteristics of the sea starOreaster reticulatus in the Bahamas and across the Caribbean.
- Creator
- Scheibling, R. E., Metaxas, Anna, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
- Date Issued
- 2001
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007393
- Subject Headings
- Bahamas, Caribbean Sea, Starfishes, Sea stars, Population biology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Thepopulation biology and genetics of the deep-sea spider crab, Encephaloides armstrongi Wood-Mason1891 (Decapoda: Majidae).
- Creator
- Creasey, Simon, Rogers, Alex D., Tyler, Paul A., Young, Craig M., Gage, John D., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
- Date Issued
- 1997
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007348
- Subject Headings
- Spider crabs, Decapoda (Crustacea), Majidae, Population biology, Genetics
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Reproduction, development and population biology of the Caribbean ophiuroid Ophionereis olivacea, a protandric hermaphrodite that broods its young.
- Creator
- Byrne, M., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
- Date Issued
- 1991
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3333185
- Subject Headings
- Ophiuroidea, Hermaphrodites (Animals), Brooding (Incubation), Reproduction, Population biology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Fishes of the Abacoa Greenway.
- Creator
- Snow, Tiffany., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
-
The Abacoa Greenway is a manmade artificial water system constructed in the late 1990s, and home to an array of aquatic flora and fauna. There has been no previous survey of the species residing in this area; therefore this will be a foundation for future samplings to compare to. The goal of this study was to compile a species list of fishes inhabiting the freshwater systems of the Abacoa Greenway Ranges IV and V, as well as a classification of exotic and native species inhabiting the area. A...
Show moreThe Abacoa Greenway is a manmade artificial water system constructed in the late 1990s, and home to an array of aquatic flora and fauna. There has been no previous survey of the species residing in this area; therefore this will be a foundation for future samplings to compare to. The goal of this study was to compile a species list of fishes inhabiting the freshwater systems of the Abacoa Greenway Ranges IV and V, as well as a classification of exotic and native species inhabiting the area. A total of 11 species have been collected and identified between March 2007 and May 2008. Of these three species have been classified as exotic or introduced and the other eight as native species naturally existing in Florida.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/77693
- Subject Headings
- Greenways, Fishes, Identification, Population biology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Modeling simple epidemics.
- Creator
- Segovia, Linda., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
-
Epidemic models help us predict the outcome of an epidemic. I will discuss and compare two simple epidemic models: a deterministic model implemented by a simple differential equation, and a stochastic model, which is more realistic, but harder to analyze. In both models we assume, for simplicity, that each individual goes through only two stages: healthy (susceptible) and sick (infective). Such models, called SI epidemic models, describe infections with no immunity. We will show that, when...
Show moreEpidemic models help us predict the outcome of an epidemic. I will discuss and compare two simple epidemic models: a deterministic model implemented by a simple differential equation, and a stochastic model, which is more realistic, but harder to analyze. In both models we assume, for simplicity, that each individual goes through only two stages: healthy (susceptible) and sick (infective). Such models, called SI epidemic models, describe infections with no immunity. We will show that, when the population gets large, the more realistic stochastic model approaches the simple deterministic model on the average, which will allow us to see that the deterministic model is used for a good reason.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/40972
- Subject Headings
- Biomathematics, Medicine, Mathematics, Population biology, Mathematics, Epidemiology, Mathematical models
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Foraging ecology of wading birds in a sub-tropical intertidal zone.
- Creator
- Calle, Leonardo, Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The first of five chapters describe the study area and study species, including a short description about the impetus for this research. The second chapter describes a unique hydrologic model for application in tidal ecosystems. The second chapter represents new information on the effects of various abiotic and biotic factors on foraging wading birds in this highly dynamic environment. The third chapter identifies important factors affecting the abundance of foraging wading birds in...
Show moreThe first of five chapters describe the study area and study species, including a short description about the impetus for this research. The second chapter describes a unique hydrologic model for application in tidal ecosystems. The second chapter represents new information on the effects of various abiotic and biotic factors on foraging wading birds in this highly dynamic environment. The third chapter identifies important factors affecting the abundance of foraging wading birds in intertidal environments. The fourth chapter presents a study of the foraging habitat preferences of two wading bird species in intertidal environments. The fifth chapter describes a conceptual model of wading bird foraging ecology and a predictive model of foraging habitat in intertidal zones. The conceptual model captures the major drivers and linkages between the abiotic and biotic variables thought to affect wading bird foraging abundance in intertidal habitats. The conceptual model also identifies major knowledge gaps in our understanding of foraging ecology of wading birds in coastal intertidal areas. The predictive model of foraging habitat is meant to be used by resource managers, but its framework may be useful for ecological studies in general. The final and sixth chapter provides a summary of all the major findings. Each chapter has been written so as to be independent of the other chapters. As such, a full background, along with a discussion of the relevance of the chapter's findings is provided for each chapter.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004087
- Subject Headings
- Habitat selection, Population biology, Predation (Biology), Water birds -- Geographical distribution, Water birds -- Habitat
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A generalized stochastic birth/death population model based on Indian RiverLagoon dolphins.
- Creator
- Stonger, Jon, Noonburg, Erik G., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
For over a decade, researchers at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) have conducted surveys of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) population of Indian River Lagoon (IRL) in Florida. I have constructed a 4-stage population model using the statistical program R. The model is used to conduct a viability analysis by analyzing the relationship between birth, calf and adult survival rates. The power analysis compares survey frequency to expected confidence intervals in estimating...
Show moreFor over a decade, researchers at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) have conducted surveys of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) population of Indian River Lagoon (IRL) in Florida. I have constructed a 4-stage population model using the statistical program R. The model is used to conduct a viability analysis by analyzing the relationship between birth, calf and adult survival rates. The power analysis compares survey frequency to expected confidence intervals in estimating abundance. The sensitivity analysis shows that the population is most sensitive to changes in adult survival, followed by birth rate and calf survival. The model shows a strong chance of viability over a 50 year time span. The population is vulnerable to long periods of decline if birth, calf or adult survival rates fall below certain thresholds. Overall, the model simulates the future impacts of demographic change, providing a tool for conservation efforts.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004163, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004163
- Subject Headings
- Animal populations -- Estimates, Bottlenose dolphin -- Florida -- Indian River Lagoon -- Geographical distribution, Indian River (Fla : Lagoon), Marine mammal populations -- Estimates -- Florida -- Mathematical models, Population biology, Stochastic processes
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The role of density dependence in a marine infaunal community.
- Creator
- Wilson, W. Herbert, Jr., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
- Date Issued
- 1983
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3172803
- Subject Headings
- Benthic animals, Polychaeta, Spionidae, Pseudopolydora kempi, Reproduction, Asexual, Population biology, Marine sediments
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Fishes of Savannas Preserve State Park.
- Creator
- McKee, Kristy., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
-
Freshwater marshes are a harsh wetland ecosystem classified by seasonal water level fluctuation. Dry down periods are common in some marshes, making life difficult for fish and other aquatic organisms. The goal of this study was to compile an updated species list of fishes inhabiting the freshwater marsh system within Savannas Preserve State Park. Twenty-three fish species were collected between August 2005 and May 2007. This survey, along with past collections, and the current species list...
Show moreFreshwater marshes are a harsh wetland ecosystem classified by seasonal water level fluctuation. Dry down periods are common in some marshes, making life difficult for fish and other aquatic organisms. The goal of this study was to compile an updated species list of fishes inhabiting the freshwater marsh system within Savannas Preserve State Park. Twenty-three fish species were collected between August 2005 and May 2007. This survey, along with past collections, and the current species list in the park's management plan were used to make a new proposed species list. Three species of nonnative fishes were observed during the study, the first report of exotic fishes in the park. It is believed that abnormally high water levels for an extended period may have allowed the water in neighboring canals to connect to the marsh system and, as a result, new species were able become introduced in the park.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/40970
- Subject Headings
- Savannas Preserve State Park (Fla.), Ecology, Fishes, Identification, Population biology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A comparison of body proportions in juvenile sea turtles: how shape may optimize survival in a vulnerable life stage.
- Creator
- Pate, Jessica Hope, Salmon, Michael, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Marine turtles produce many offspring which offsets the high mortality experienced by turtles during early development. Juvenile mortality might be reduced by evolving effective behavioral as well as morphological anti-predator defenses. Body proportions of three species (Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas, Dermochelys coriacea) of turtles were measured in the first fourteen weeks of development to examine how growth may mitigate predation by gape-limited predators. Growth was categorized as...
Show moreMarine turtles produce many offspring which offsets the high mortality experienced by turtles during early development. Juvenile mortality might be reduced by evolving effective behavioral as well as morphological anti-predator defenses. Body proportions of three species (Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas, Dermochelys coriacea) of turtles were measured in the first fourteen weeks of development to examine how growth may mitigate predation by gape-limited predators. Growth was categorized as isometric if shape did not change during development or allometric if body shape did change. All three species showed allometric growth in carapace width; however it was less pronounced in the larger D. coriacea turtles. Allometric growth in carapace width decreased as all three species grew in size. When high predation occurs in early development, many species will favor rapid growth into a size refuge. Juvenile sea turtles may optimize their survival by growing allometrically when predation risk is the greatest.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004223, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004223
- Subject Headings
- Predation (Biology), Sea turtles -- Growth, Sea turtles -- Mortality, Sea turtles -- Population viability analysis
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The role of air and waterborne odors in orientation and food detection in three species of marine turtles.
- Creator
- Kedzuf, Stephanie C., Salmon, Michael, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The cues used by marine turtles to locate foraging areas in the open ocean are largely unknown though some species (especially the green turtle [Chelonia mydas], the loggerhead [Caretta caretta], and the leatherback [Dermochelys coriacea]) somehow locate areas of high productivity. Loggerheads can detect airborne odors, but a capacity to orient has not yet been investigated. In this comparative study, tethered loggerheads and leatherbacks were exposed to dimethyl sulfide (DMS) or food odors...
Show moreThe cues used by marine turtles to locate foraging areas in the open ocean are largely unknown though some species (especially the green turtle [Chelonia mydas], the loggerhead [Caretta caretta], and the leatherback [Dermochelys coriacea]) somehow locate areas of high productivity. Loggerheads can detect airborne odors, but a capacity to orient has not yet been investigated. In this comparative study, tethered loggerheads and leatherbacks were exposed to dimethyl sulfide (DMS) or food odors in a laminar flow of air. Turtles did not orient into the air current. Free-swimming loggerheads and green turtles were also exposed to air- or waterborne food (squid) odor plus a neutral visual stimulus. Both species showed increases in swimming activity and biting behavior to both stimuli. These results suggest that airborne odors are likely not used to locate distant areas, but that they are used in localized food searching efforts.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004296
- Subject Headings
- Animal behavior, Animal orientation, Population genetics, Predation (Biology), Sea turtles -- Habitat, Sea turtles -- Life cycles, Wildlife conservation
- Format
- Document (PDF)