The Cariceae (Carex & Kobresia; Cyperaceae) account for ca. 10% of Canada's native vascular plants, yet diversity within the tribe is overlooked due to its taxonomically-difficult floral morphology. DNA barcoding is a useful tool for identifying animals and the technique is currently being adapted for use in plants. This thesis develops a reference barcode database for the Cariceae of North America, north of Mexico, using the chloroplast gene matK. A species resolution rate of 39% is reported, although when broken down into political regions, this can increase to 75%. Unknown tissue samples from across North America were then identified using this reference database; 50% of these were identified to a single species matching the morphological identification, and 50% were identified to a group of taxa containing the correct identification. An ecogeographical regional database for the Arctic Archipelago was also challenged with 230 unknown samples and identified 98% to a single species.

The taxonomic status of the 25 nominal species of the Indo-Pacific flatfish genus Zebrias (Pleuronectiformes: Soleidae) was revised based on a morphological study of 531 specimens, including 36 type specimens. Two distinct, monophyletic groups were identified differing in the confluence and attachment of the caudal fin to adjacent dorsal and anal fins. Species most closely associated to the type species Pleuronectes zebra were included in the genus Zebrias while the remaining species were assigned to the genus Pseudaesopia to accommodate Zebrias species having a shallowly confluent caudal fin with adjacent fins, among other characters. Ten species are now recognized and re-described in Zebrias while six species are recognized and redescribed in Pseudaesopia. Comprehensive generic definitions and identification keys to species are provided. In addition, the closely related and monospecific genus Aesopia is briefly discussed. Finally, potentially useful characters for a future phylogenetic study are discussed.

<p> Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common lethal autosomal recessive genetic disorder that affects the Caucasian population. CF is caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), and is characterized by a viscous airway surface liquid (ASL) that impairs mucociliary function and facilitates bacterial infection. The molecular mechanisms by which these symptoms result from CFTR malfunction are unclear. We hypothesized that expression and secretion of innate immune proteins is altered in CF ASL. </p><p> We sought to use cell culture models in which the only source of secreted proteins was differentiated airway epithelium. Since CFTR localizes to the apical surface of airway submucosal glands (SMG) and ciliated epithelium, cell culture models that recapitulate two parts of respiratory tract epithelium were studied: 1) SMG acini and 2) mucociliary epithelium. </p><p> We developed a three-dimensional system wherein CF (&Delta;F508/&Delta;F508) and non-CF human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells differentiated on Matrigel into polarized glandular acini with mature lumens by two weeks with no significant variability in size. Bronchial acini expressed and secreted SMG proteins, MUC5B and lysozyme, at day 22, and exhibited vectorial secretions that were collected along with acinar cell lysates. Proteome profiling demonstrated unique protein signatures for each cellular space. However, abundant contaminating proteins from Matrigel and growth media were identified. Therefore, the ALI cell culture model of airway epithelium was chosen for quantitative proteomic comparison of CF and non-CF HBE apical secretions because the protein-rich media does not contact the apical surface. </p><p> CF and non-CF HBE cells were labeled by stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture and differentiated at ALI. LC-MS/MS and bioinformatic analysis identified seventy-one proteins with altered levels in CF secretions (+/&minus;1.5 fold-change; p-value&lt;0.05). Validation with antibody based biochemical assays demonstrated increased levels of MUC5AC, MUC5B, fibronectin and MMP9, and increased proteolysis/activation of complement C3, in CF secretions. Overall, the function of altered proteins in the CF secretome is indicative of an airway epithelium in a state of repair and altered immunity in the absence of infection, suggesting the downstream consequences of mutated CFTR in CF airways set the stage for chronic inflammation and infection.</p>

<p> In the first chapter, we revise the taxonomy of a lineage of plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae) that has radiated in the islands of French Polynesia. Six species of endemic <i>Pseudoloxops</i> plant bugs were previously known from two islands in French Polynesia, indicating a small radiation. We collected ecological, morphological, molecular, and geographical data for hundreds of fresh and historical <i>Pseudoloxops</i> specimens, expanding the genus' range to nine islands in two archipelagoes (the Austral and Society Islands). We combined all of the above data sources in an iterative integrative taxonomy framework to test the six existing species hypotheses and to search for new diversity. </p><p> In the second chapter, we explore the relative importance of ecology and geographic isolation in this lineage to provide a first approximation of whether the radiation was adaptive or non-adaptive. We collected <i> Pseudoloxops</i> from a wide range of plants, with 27 species in 25 different plant families and 13 orders. We then inferred a combined Bayesian molecular phylogeny from three genes, including 25 of the 26 known <i>Pseudoloxops </i> species, to examine the roles of plant affiliation and geography (island distribution) in speciation. We reconstructed the ancestral states using parsimony for these two characters, and found 12 speciation events that were well-supported in the phylogeny. Both plant-switching and island-hopping were correlated with speciation. For the 7 speciation events for which we could unequivocally determine plant affiliation before and after speciation, 4 were associated with a plant shift. For the 8 speciation events where island distribution could be reconstructed, two involved shifts to a new island. There were 5 cases for which we could determine both character states before and after speciation. In three of them, speciation occurred within the same locality with a switch in plant taxonomic order, suggesting that the lineage has great dietary versatility. However, much more research into feeding needs to be conducted, as anecdotal evidence from <i>Pseudoloxops</i> outside of French Polynesia suggests they may be facultative predators. In the other two speciation events, there was neither a geographic shift nor a change in plant affiliation, suggesting some other mechanism for speciation. Based on our results, both plant-switching and geography have played a role in the diversification of this radiation. </p><p> In the third chapter, we address the larger societal impact of taxonomic and biodiversity research by examining the effect of a natural history-driven curriculum on elementary schoolchildren's scientific knowledge. While studies have demonstrated the potential for natural history education to improve children's attitudes towards and knowledge of science and nature, few studies have been done in areas where indigenous culture heavily influences children's worldview. The lead author taught a nine-month natural history/biodiversity class focused on insects and plants to fifth-graders at the Pao Pao elementary school on the French Polynesian island of Moorea and tested their scientific knowledge before and after receiving the program. We compared their results to a control that did not receive the program, and while both cohorts improved, the experimental group's improvement was significantly greater (mean of 82.2% vs. 30.5%). We performed a delayed post-test evaluation three years after the conclusion of the program with a subset of the experimental cohort to test their retention and interest in science. Finally, the qualitative coding of the experimental group's test and survey responses revealed both the influence of indigenous culture on their scientific understanding and the appeal of taxonomy and field trips to children. When prompted for an example of a native plant, 24% of the experimental group named a plant introduced by the Polynesians, suggesting the misconception that plants with a prevalent role in indigenous culture have always been there. In the follow-up survey, 36.7% mentioned the field trips among their memories of the course, and 20% gave full scientific names for species they recalled from the class. The latter contrasts with the commonly held belief that taxonomy is too arcane to connect with the general public. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)</p>

The diploma thesis deals with the comparison of two selected concepts of science teaching at primary school. The theoretical part of the thesis summarizes the classification of science as an educational field, explains the possible concepts of its teaching and compares the advantages and disadvantages of two selected variants with reference to the fulfilment of educational goals and respect for didactic principles of science teaching. The available materials suitable for teaching, the degree of their use and the comparison of teaching methods depending on the success in scientific testing are also outlined. The practical part of the work brings a comparison of the results of a questionnaire survey between individual groups of ecologically and science-taught pupils. Individual tasks and questions were created on the basis of established hypotheses. The results of the research bring a comparison of the knowledge and skills area, but also the area of students' attitude towards the subject. The established hypothesis was confirmed partially, the attitude section brings in results to the research questions. Students taught ecologically were indeed more successful in the task that led to the connection of knowledge and derivation from the relationships between organisms, but the differetence were not...