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Title: How leatherback hatchlings recognize their prey: Sensory predispositions and behavioral responses.
Creator: Constantino, Maricela Alcantara., Florida Atlantic University, Salmon, Michael
Abstract/Description: Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) feed exclusively on gelatinous prey. Hatchlings are solitary and must possess a predisposition to respond to prey. In laboratory experiments, I studied the responses of nineteen leatherback hatchlings to visual (jellyfish model and shapes: circle, square, diamond) and chemical (homogenates of three prey) stimuli presented alone or as paired (visual + chemical) treatments once daily. When presented alone visual stimuli resembling jellyfish...
Show moreLeatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) feed exclusively on gelatinous prey. Hatchlings are solitary and must possess a predisposition to respond to prey. In laboratory experiments, I studied the responses of nineteen leatherback hatchlings to visual (jellyfish model and shapes: circle, square, diamond) and chemical (homogenates of three prey) stimuli presented alone or as paired (visual + chemical) treatments once daily. When presented alone visual stimuli resembling jellyfish outlines elicited stronger feeding responses (changes in locomotion and orientation) than those not resembling jellyfish. Chemical stimuli alone induced a rheotaxis, but responses evoked by some homogenates were stronger than responses to others. Paired stimuli evoked stronger orientation and more consistent increases in swimming (flipper stroke) rate, indicating additive effects. Results suggest that both stimuli elicit food searching behavior and when they begin to forage, hatchlings already possess predispositions to respond to an adaptive array of prey shapes and odors.
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Date Issued: 2002
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12873
Subject Headings: Leatherback turtle, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: THE ROLE OF ACETYLCHOLINE IN FELINE PREDATORY ATTACK: QUANTITATIVE AND BEHAVIORAL ANALYSES.
Creator: SERVIDIO, SUSAN., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The role of acetylcholine in feline predatory attack was examined by pharmacological manipulations. Attack behavior was partitioned into components of app roach (visualorientation, approach, extension of the head, trapping, seizing in the jaws, biting) and withdrawal (whole body withdrawal, retraction of the head and upper torso, swiping ) in an attempt to selectively affect specific components of the attack pattern. Carbachol, a cholinomimetic, produced an increase in the percentage of head...
Show moreThe role of acetylcholine in feline predatory attack was examined by pharmacological manipulations. Attack behavior was partitioned into components of app roach (visualorientation, approach, extension of the head, trapping, seizing in the jaws, biting) and withdrawal (whole body withdrawal, retraction of the head and upper torso, swiping ) in an attempt to selectively affect specific components of the attack pattern. Carbachol, a cholinomimetic, produced an increase in the percentage of head and upper torso retractions, as well as a slight inhibition of prey seizing. Atropine methyl nitrate, an anticholinergic, was found to decrease the percentage of head and upper torso retractions, as well as the rate of swiping. The primary effect of atropine, however, was a slight, non-specific inhibition of all behaviors, as evidenced by longer latencies to kill the prey, as well as by long periods of pausing and dry mouth symptoms. Leakage of the drug into the periphery may have contributed to these effects.
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Date Issued: 1981
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14047
Subject Headings: Predation (Biology), Acetylcholine
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The role of prey detection in the selection of prey by pinfish Lagodon rhomboides (Linnaeus).
Creator: Luczkovich, Joseph J., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1988
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3353818
Subject Headings: Lagodon rhomboides, Pinfish, Predator & prey, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Measuring effects of predation on benthic communities in soft sediments.
Creator: Virnstein, Robert W., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1980
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3353730
Subject Headings: Benthos, Predation (Biology), Sediment, Predation (Biology)--Research--Methodology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Crayfish (Procambarus spp.) sorting and density effects across a predator gradient.
Creator: Kellogg, Christopher M., Dorn, Nathan, Graduate College
Date Issued: 2011-04-08
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3165803
Subject Headings: Crayfish culture, Predation (Biology), Sunfishes
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Differential predation by barnacles upon larvae of two bryozoans: spatial effects at small scales.
Creator: Young, Craig M., Cameron, J. Lane, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1989
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3353836
Subject Headings: Predation (Biology), Barnacles, Bryozoa, Larvae
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The influence of prey identity and size on selection of prey by two marine fishes.
Creator: Main, Kevan L., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1985
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3353752
Subject Headings: Predators, Marine fishes, Lagodon rhomboides, Syngnathus floridae, Shrimps, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: METHODS FOR QUANTIFYING MOLLUSK PREDATION BY DUROPHAGOUS PREDATORS.
Creator: Jaworski, Natalia K., McCoy, Michael W., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Environmental Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: By regulating the abundance of prey populations, predators can directly and indirectly influence food web interactions in ways that influence ecosystem function. Predator functional responses quantify how predator foraging rate changes with prey abundance. Due to the large numbers of individuals needed for these experiments, most studies are conducted on small, abundant taxa. Consequently, we know relatively little about the functional responses of many marine taxa, especially those that are...
Show moreBy regulating the abundance of prey populations, predators can directly and indirectly influence food web interactions in ways that influence ecosystem function. Predator functional responses quantify how predator foraging rate changes with prey abundance. Due to the large numbers of individuals needed for these experiments, most studies are conducted on small, abundant taxa. Consequently, we know relatively little about the functional responses of many marine taxa, especially those that are large and highly mobile. We present a novel method for studying predator foraging behaviors by integrating two innovative approaches: passive acoustics to document the occurrence of underwater predation events in concert with a recently developed statistical method that uses the times between predation events to estimate functional response parameters. We demonstrate and expand on the application of these methods by quantifying the shape of the predator functional responses for whitespotted eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari) preying on hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria).
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014252
Subject Headings: Predator-prey interactions, Predation (Biology), Mollusks, Ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effects of prey size, predator size, and sediment composition on the rate of predation of the blue crab, Callinectes Sapidus Rathbun, on the hard clam, Mercenaria Mercenaria (Linne).
Creator: Arnold, William S., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1984
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3331860
Subject Headings: Blue crab, Callinectes, Predation (Biology), Mercenaria mercenaria
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Distribution of macrobenthic crustaceans associated with Thalassia, Halodule and bare sand substrata.
Creator: Lewis, F. Graham, III, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1984
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3350846
Subject Headings: Biomass, Plant biomass, Crustaceans, Seagrasses, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Diet-based defensive secretions in harvestmen.
Creator: Whitaker, Graham., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Harvestmen are known to secrete a wide range of defensive chemicals in order to protect themselves from predators. An earlier study examined the phylogenetic pattern of defensive secretions produced by 22 species of harvestmen. This research, however, assumed that there is a genetic link between the defensive secretions. I wished to determine whether harvestmen defensive secretions may be diet-based by introducing several irritants into their food and then testing their secretions in the same...
Show moreHarvestmen are known to secrete a wide range of defensive chemicals in order to protect themselves from predators. An earlier study examined the phylogenetic pattern of defensive secretions produced by 22 species of harvestmen. This research, however, assumed that there is a genetic link between the defensive secretions. I wished to determine whether harvestmen defensive secretions may be diet-based by introducing several irritants into their food and then testing their secretions in the same manner. I performed a GC-MS analysis on 13 samples from the Vonones sp. But I found no initial GC-MS readings that showed this species of harvestmen to contain any irritants in their secretions. The absence of irritants does not allow any evaluation of whether harvestmen secretions are genetically or dietarily based.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/11596
Subject Headings: Opiliones, Identification, Arachnida, Physiology, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Intraspecific aggression in the brown rover ant, Brachymyrmex obscurior.
Creator: Ruddock, Whitney A., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Invasive ant species often show unicoloniality, forming networks of connected colonies (i.e. supercolonies), which may extend hundreds or even thousands of kilometers. These "supercolonies" lack intraspecific aggression, thus fighting between colonies is absent. Unicoloniality may be an adaptive mechanism that allows for invasive ant species to reach higher population density and achieve ecological dominance. We used aggression assays to study unicoloniality within and between colonies of the...
Show moreInvasive ant species often show unicoloniality, forming networks of connected colonies (i.e. supercolonies), which may extend hundreds or even thousands of kilometers. These "supercolonies" lack intraspecific aggression, thus fighting between colonies is absent. Unicoloniality may be an adaptive mechanism that allows for invasive ant species to reach higher population density and achieve ecological dominance. We used aggression assays to study unicoloniality within and between colonies of the invasive brown rover ant, Brachymyrmex obscurior on the Florida Atlantic University campus in Jupiter, FL. We found that the four B. obscurior colonies could be behaviorally divided into two areas: workers from both colonies in either region never showed intraspecific aggression while workers from colonies in opposing areas always showed intraspecific aggression, often fighting to the death. Thus, B. obscurior appears to show very localized unicoloniality, with neighboring colonies forming small supercolonies.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/77685
Subject Headings: Ants, Behavior, Insect societies, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Predator avoidance in seagrass meadows: prey behavior, microhabitat selection, and cryptic coloration.
Creator: Main, Kevan L., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1987
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3172812
Subject Headings: Predation (Biology), Predatory animals, Fishes, Seagrasses, Camouflage (Biology)
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: Effects of Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus Septentrionalis) removal on native Florida hyla populations.
Creator: Cunningham, Miranda, Moore, Jon, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Invasive species are one of the major threats to biodiversity and understanding the effects any one invasive species has on members of its new ecosystem can help land managers decide how to best use their limited resources. This study attempted to show the effect Cuban Treefrogs (Osteopilus Septentrionalis) were having on native Florida hylids. For a year, Cuban Treefrogs were removed from three cypress domes and monitored in three other cypress domes, a change in the native population in the...
Show moreInvasive species are one of the major threats to biodiversity and understanding the effects any one invasive species has on members of its new ecosystem can help land managers decide how to best use their limited resources. This study attempted to show the effect Cuban Treefrogs (Osteopilus Septentrionalis) were having on native Florida hylids. For a year, Cuban Treefrogs were removed from three cypress domes and monitored in three other cypress domes, a change in the native population in the experimental domes was the eventual desired effect. Due to weather issues and low native hylid numbers no effect was shown, however due to environmental constraints an effect could not be ruled out either.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004359, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004359
Subject Headings: Conservation biology, Cuban Treefrog -- Florida, Hylidae, Predation (Biology), Wildlife management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Hydrodynamic functions of the wing-shaped heads of hammerhead sharks.
Creator: Barousse, Julien., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The hydrodynamics of three different shark heads: Eusphyra blochii (Winghead shark), Carcharhinus acronotus (Blacknose shark) and Sphyrna tiburo (Bonnethead shark) were investigated. Force transducer measurement was used to explore how the cephalofoil (wing-shaped head) affects maneuverability and efficiency. As the dynamic behavior of maneuvering wings differs from that of the steady state motion, experiments have been conducted to simulate: 1) steady-state (no yaw motion) constant velocity...
Show moreThe hydrodynamics of three different shark heads: Eusphyra blochii (Winghead shark), Carcharhinus acronotus (Blacknose shark) and Sphyrna tiburo (Bonnethead shark) were investigated. Force transducer measurement was used to explore how the cephalofoil (wing-shaped head) affects maneuverability and efficiency. As the dynamic behavior of maneuvering wings differs from that of the steady state motion, experiments have been conducted to simulate: 1) steady-state (no yaw motion) constant velocity swimming, 2) constant forward velocity with yawing motion of the head and 3) turning maneuvers. Different range of velocities, angle of attack, yaw frequency and yaw amplitude were tested. Drag and lift coefficients were calculated and compared. The lift coefficient of Winghead shark is much higher compared to the other sharks. The lift-to-drag ratio showed that the Winghead shark has a hydrodynamic advantage compared to Blacknose shark and Bonnethead shark.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2795459
Subject Headings: Aquatic animals (Physiology), Adaptation (Biology), Sharks, Locomotion, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Observation on a sea urchin capturing a juvenile mullet.
Creator: Gilmore, R. G., Gore, R. H., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1974
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3174422
Subject Headings: Sea urchins, Gray mullets, Predation (Biology), Animal feeding, Clupeidae
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: Role of early post-settlement mortality in setting the upper limit of ascidians in Florida epifaunal communities.
Creator: Dalby, James E., Jr., Young, Craig M., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1992
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3350866
Subject Headings: Sea squirts, Oysters, American oyster, Predation (Biology), Mortality
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Culture of Mercenaria mercenaria (Linnaeus): effects of density, predator exclusion device, and bag inversion.
Creator: Fernandez, Eva M., Lin, Junda, Scarpa, John
Date Issued: 1999
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3174048
Subject Headings: Northern quahog --Development, Northern quahog --Reproduction, Density, Fouling, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (43)	+ -
HBOI Faculty Contributions (30)	+ -
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Predation (Biology) (78)	+ -
Animal behavior (7)	+ -
Ecology (7)	+ -
Wildlife conservation (7)	+ -
Sea turtles (5)	+ -

Animal feeding (4)	+ -
Behavior (4)	+ -
Decapoda (Crustacea) (4)	+ -
Marine ecology (4)	+ -
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Wetland ecology (4)	+ -
Adaptation (Biology) (3)	+ -
Animal orientation (3)	+ -
Blue crab (3)	+ -
Camouflage (Biology) (3)	+ -
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