Orientadores: Louis Bernard Klaczko, Galina Ananina / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-15T15:35:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Batista_MarcosRobertoDias_D.pdf: 1499232 bytes, checksum: f14f9f280608caee726a8954c332d6b9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / Resumo: Nesta tese, estudamos uma questão básica e uma aplicada: os determinantes da variação geográfica e temporal do polimorfismo de inversões do segundo cromossomo em populações naturais de Drosophila mediopunctata; ainda, adaptamos a técnica para análise de politênicos de Drosophila para estudos em Cochliomyia hominivorax e assim elaboramos um mapa dos cromossomos politênicos desta praga da pecuária. Duas décadas depois de estudos anteriores, realizamos cinco novas coletas no Itatiaia e observamos inesperadas mudanças nas frequências dos arranjos mais comuns e em sua variação microgeográfica em relação àquelas antes descritas. No segundo cromossomo, o arranjo DA continua sendo o mais frequente, porém não detectamos mais uma correlação significativa com a altitude. Para os arranjos DS e DP, além de não haver mais correlações significativas com a altitude, suas frequências se mostram ainda mais baixas, principalmente no inverno. Entretanto, o ciclo sazonal observado para estas inversões se mantém. O arranjo DI aumentou sua frequência significativamente e agora mostra uma correlação positiva e significativa com a altitude. Estes resultados sugerem que, depois de duas décadas, houve mudanças ambientais incluindo alterações climáticas e provavelmente fatores bióticos que devem ter afetado a arquitetura genética das populações. Observamos uma diferenciação entre o padrão das frequências de inversões do cromossomo II de populações vizinhas de D. mediopunctata. As matas estudadas estão situadas em duas diferentes unidades geomorfológicas, que apresentam diferenças marcantes em relação ao solo, relevo, paisagem, vegetação e fauna. Nossos resultados sugerem que a diferenciação geográfica observada nas frequências de inversões pode ser resultado de uma adaptação local às diferenças florísticas e climáticas. Entretanto, outros marcadores genéticos devem ser pesquisados para analisar os efeitos da fragmentação florestal sobre as populações. Cochliomyia hominivorax, conhecida no Brasil como a mosca-da-bicheira, é considerada uma das principais moscas causadoras de miíases primária na região Neotropical. Apesar de um fotomapa preliminar de seus cromossomos politênicos ter sido publicado anteriormente, com resultados encorajadores, não havia um mapa dos cromossomos politênicos com boa resolução para a espécie. Desta forma, elaboramos um novo fotomapa dos cinco autossomos com uma resolução total de 1450 bandas / Abstract: In this thesis, we studied a basic and an applied issue: the determinants of geographical and temporal variation of the second chromosome inversion polymorphism in natural populations of Drosophila mediopunctata; and, adapting the squashing technique used for Drosophila to Cochliomyia hominivorax, we made a map of the polytene autosomes of this livestock pest. Two decades after previous studies, we carried out five collections in Itatiaia, RJ. We observed unexpected changes in the frequencies of the most common inversions of the second chromosome. The DA gene arrangement is still the most common, but we no longer detect a significant correlation between its frequency and altitude. Furthermore, the frequencies of DS and DP inversions became even lower, especially in winter; and didn't show a significant correlation with altitude. However, the previously observed seasonal cycle for these inversions is still present. DI frequency increased significantly, and it is now significantly positively correlated with altitude. These results suggest that, after two decades, there were modifications in the climate, but other variables - such as biotic factors -have also probably changed and may be correlated with the changes in the genetic architecture of the Itatiaia population. Furthermore, we report a differentiation between frequencies of inversions of the second chromosome in neighboring populations of D. mediopunctata. The forests studied are located over two geomorphologic units that have marked differences regarding landscape, topography, soil, vegetation, and fauna. Our results suggest that the observed geographical variation in the inversion frequencies may be a result of local adaptation to climate and floral and faunal changes. However, further analysis with other genetic markers must be performed to assess the possible effects of forest fragmentation on different populations. Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screwworm fly is one of the main flies causing primary myiasis in the Neotropical region. Although a preliminary photomap of the polytene chromosomes of C. hominivorax was previously published, a good resolution map of the polytene chromosomes was not available for this species. Here, we present a new photomap of the five autosomes of this species with a total resolution of 1450 bands / Doutorado / Genetica Animal e Evolução / Doutor em Genetica e Biologia Molecular

Nesospiza is a genus of buntings restricted to the Tristan da Cunha Islands in the central South Atlantic Ocean. They have undergone an adaptive radiation at the islands and currently two species are recognised based on morphology: the small-billed Tristan bunting (N. acunhae), which is a dietary generalist and the large-billed Wilkins' bunting (N. wilkinsi), a dietary specialist. Both species occur on Nightingale Island with no apparent hybridisation between them. On the neighbouring Inaccessible Island there appears to have been a breakdown of the species barrier and the two species hybridise extensively. Also two altitudinally segregated colour morphs of N. a. acunhae occur on Inaccessible Island. The morphological differentiation of Nesospiza is not reflected in either the mitochondrial DNA or the microsatellite data. Rather the data suggest that there are two island lineages and that the sympatric populations on each island are more closely related to each other than to their allopatric (presumed conspecific) island neighbours. The molecular data support sympatric speciation with parallel evolution in Nesospiza, possibly as a result of divergent selection, acting on the sympatric populations on each island, which could have resulted from a change in feeding ecology. Furthermore the molecular data differentiate between the two sympatric colour morphs of N. a. acunhae, which appear to be speciating as a result of assortative mating. / Dissertation (MSc (Genetics))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Genetics / unrestricted

The Argentine black and white tegu, Salvator merianae, is a nonnative species that has invaded parts of Florida. The potential impacts of this species on native Florida wildlife are not yet known. This study looks at the stomach contents of 169 S. merianae captured between 2011 and 2013 in south Florida to infer potential impacts of S. merianae and spatial or seasonal shifts in diet. Analysis of 169 GI tracts showed that S. merianae is an omnivorous, terrestrial forager with a broad dietary range which includes insects, fruits, plants, snails, crayfish, carrion, birds, small mammals, turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs and eggs. S. merianae diet composition varied with capture habitat, the fattest tegus were collected from disturbed/agricultural areas and these samples contained, primarily, gastropods and insects. Tegu dietary habits threaten local endangered and state listed species such as the American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, and the Cape Sable seaside sparrow, Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis. Dedicated funds and efforts need to be focused on this species to limit its further spread and future impact on native species. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Mesophotic reefs represent biodiverse ecosystems that may act as a refuge for depth-generalist coral species threatened in shallow habitats. Despite the importance of coral-algal symbioses, few studies focus on mesophotic zooxanthellae assemblages and their influence on connectivity. This study compared zooxanthellae in Montastraea cavernosa at shallow and mesophotic depths at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and McGrail Bank. Mesophotic corals contained more zooxanthellae and more chlorophyll a and c2 per unit area coral. Increased zooxanthellae within mesophotic corals may represent an adaptive strategy to optimize light capture in low-light environments. Genetic profiles for zooxanthellae assemblages from shallow and mesophotic corals showed similar diversity across banks and between depths. The dominant sequence making up assemblages was identified as Symbiodinium type C1. Similar assemblage diversity suggests that zooxanthellae assemblages will not limit connectivity potential between shallow and mesophotic corals at these reefs. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Crude oil causes both lethal and sublethal effects on marine organisms, but the impact upon sensory function remains unexplored. Elasmobranchs rely upon the effective functioning of their sensory systems for use in feeding, mating, and predator avoidance. The objective of this study was to test the effect of crude oil upon the olfactory and electroreceptive sensitivity of the Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina. The magnitudes of the electro-olfactogram (EOG) responses were significantly depressed by 26% (Glutamic Acid) to 157% (Cysteine) for all amino acids when stingrays were exposed to crude oil. The shapes of the EOG responses when exposed to oil were also significantly different, exhibiting a more protracted response compared to un-exposed stingrays. Oil exposed stingrays exhibited a significant decrease in orientation distance to prey-simulating electric fields. This study is the first to quantify the effects of crude oil on olfactory and electrosensory sensitivity of marine predators. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

The Roatan Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura oedirhina) is endemic to the 146-km2 island of Roatn, Honduras. Harvesting for consumption, fragmentation of habitat, and predation by domestic animals threaten this lizard. It is currently listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as threatened by the Honduran government, and is on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This species has been geographically fragmented and genetically isolated into small subpopulations that are declining in density. With data gathered from use/availability surveys, resource selection functions were used to identify habitats and environmental variables associated with their presence. Results indicate that protection from harvesting is the most important factor in determining their distribution. These high-density populations are currently restricted to ~0.6 km2. Organisms living in small, isolated populations with very restricted ranges are at higher risk of extirpation due to various direct and indirect forces. Mark-recapture-resight surveys and distance sampling have been used to monitor the populations since 2010 and 2012 respectively. The data show that the high-density populations are declining. The current population size is estimated to be 4130-4860 individuals in 2015. A population viability analysis (PVA) was conducted to identify the most pressing threats and specific life history traits that are affecting this decline. The analysis estimates that if current trends persist, the species will be extinct in the wild in less than ten years. Adult mortality is a main factor and female mortality specifically characterizes this decline. In order for this species to persist over the next fifty years, adult mortality needs to be reduced by more than 50%. A lack of enforcement of the current laws results in the persistence of the main threat, poaching for consumption, thus altering the species distribution and causing high adult mortality. This is complicated by social customs and a lack of post primary education. Management changes could mitigate this threat and slow the population decline. Recommendations include an education campaign on the island, increased enforcement of the current laws, and breeding of C. oedirhina in situ and ex situ for release into the wild. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is an herbivorous lizard native to South America and is invasive in south Florida. The severe weather in January 2010 negatively impacted many species and significantly reduced the green iguana population, specifically adult females and juveniles of both sexes. Fifteen adult iguanas from two locations in Palm Beach County were tagged and had blood drawn for blood chemistry and HPLC steroid hormone analysis. Individuals were tracked for home range/territory analysis and behavioral observations. Blood chemistry values of cold-stunned individuals showed abnormal values similar to those reported in cold-stunned sea turtles. Territoriality and breeding behaviors, including nesting and head-bob displays, decreased or ceased during the following months. Steroid hormone concentrations were detected by HPLC and were not consistent with results from RIA studies in the literature. / by Ashley Campbell. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2011. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2011. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Orientador: Maria Lucia Pereira Antunes / Banca: Antonio Carlos Vieira Coelho / Banca: Fabiano Tomazini da Conceição / Resumo: A indústria têxtil é responsável pela geração de efluentes que, normalmente, apresentam um nível indesejável de coloração devido à etapa de tingimento, onde utilizam-se corantes que, quando lançados nos corpos d'água, levam à alteração de sua qualidade e ocasionam efeitos danosos ao meio ambiente e à saúde humana. Em vista disso, este trabalho teve como objetivo utilizar a lama vermelha, resíduo gerado em larga escala na produção de alumínio, como meio adsorvedor do corante Reativo Blue 19, o qual possui grande aplicação industrial e características que dificultam sua remoção em solução aquosa por meio de tratamentos convencionais. Sendo assim, optou-se por ativar a lama vermelha através de tratamento químico (água do mar, nitrato de cálcio e peróxido de hidrogênio) e térmico (400ºC e 500ºC), visando identificar a interferência desses tratamentos no aumento de sua capacidade adsortiva. Para isso, foi realizada a caracterização das amostras de lama vermelha através da determinação do pH, condutividade elétrica, ponto de carga zero (PCZ) difração de raios - x (DRX) e área superficial específica, sendo que a análise granulométrica foi realizada somente para a lama vermelha "in natura". Em seguida, visando determinar a capacidade adsortiva da lama vermelha ativada, foram construídas isortermas de adsorção, linearizadas segundo os modelos de Langmuir e Freundlich. Para efeito de comparação, a mesma metodologia foi aplicada ao carvão ativado visando determinar sua capacidade em adsorver o mesmo corante. Foi realizado o estudo da cinética de reação através dos modelos pseudo-segunda ordem, onde todas as amostras obedeceram ao modelo de pseudo - segunda ordem. Os resultados mostraram-se bastante promissores, sendo que a lama vermelha ativada por nitrato de cálcio a 500ºC apresentou uma... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The textile industry is responsible for the generation of effluents usually have an undersirable level of staining due to the step of dyeing, which is used dye which, when thrown into water bodies, leading to alteration of its quality and cause harmful effects the environment and human health. As a result, this study aimed to use the red mud, waste generated on a large scale in the production of aluminum, such as through adsorption of the dye Reactive Blue 19, which has a large industrial application and characteristics that hinder its removal in solution Aqueous by conventional treatments. Therefore, we chose to activate the red mud by chemical treatment (seawater, calcium nitrate and hydrogen peroxide) and thermal (400º C and 500º C) in order to identify the influence of these treatment in increasing its adsorption capacity. For this, we performed the characterization of samples of samples of red mud by determining the pH, electrical conductivity, point of zero charge (PZC) - ray diffraction (XRD) and specific surface area, and the particle size analysis was performed only for red mud "in nature". Then, to determine the adsorptive capacity of activated red mud, adsorption isotherms were constructed, according to the linearized Langmuir and Freundlich models. For comparison, the same methodology was applied to activated carbon in order to determine their ability to adsorb the same dye. Was performed to study the kinetics of reaction through the pseudo-first model and pseudo-second order where all samples followed the type of pseudo-second order. The results were very promising, with the red mud activated by calcium nitrate at 500ºC showed a maximum adsorption capacity of 476.02 mg/g at pH 4. The results for the activated carbon did not indicate affinity between the adsorbate and adsorbate material, a factor... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is probably the most important mechanism for functional novelty and adaption in bacteria. However, a robust understanding of the rates of HGT for most bacterial species and the influence of the ecological settings on the rates remain elusive. Four whole-genome comparative studies of free-living bacteria will be described that integrated physiological and ecological data with novel detection bioinformatic pipelines to elucidate the magnitude of HGT at three distinct levels of genetic relatedness: i) the species level, where overlapping ecological niche among co-occurring bacteria in the water column of the Baltic Sea has caused HGT to have been so rampant that it has served as the force of species cohesion; ii) the genus level, where HGT appeared to predominantly mobilize a limited number of genes with ecological/selective advantage (e.g., antibiotic resistance genes) among distinct pathogenic Campylobacter species and hence, did not lead to species convergence; and iii) the phylum level, where HGT was found to be, in general, less frequent than the genus level but, over evolutionary time, has assembled a large part of the metabolic functions of natural microbial communities, especially within organic matter rich, anaerobic habitats. In conclusion, this work advances the methods to link ecological relationships with HGT and suggests that HGT among very divergent organisms may have been more frequent than previously thought and led to successful adaptation.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Carleton University, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 189-201) and index. Also available in electronic format on the Internet.