Many species of plethodontid salamanders exist as complexes of genetically fragmented, parapatrically and allopatrically distributed groups of populations. A complex describes a group of cryptic species with adjacent or slightly overlapping distributions. These complexes provide a unique opportunity to examine the mode and tempo of speciation, specifically illuminating the mechanisms that maintain genetic cohesion. My research focuses on the Desmognathus ochrophaeus complex, composed of a number of small plethodontid salamanders inhabiting streams and seeps in the Appalachian Mountains. I have examined the mode and tempo of speciation in this complex using multiple markers to characterize divergence, assess gene flow, and evaluate reproductive isolation. On a broad scale, markers are concordant in recognizing distinct, evolutionary lineages. On a finer scale, however, markers are less condordant, indicating differential gene flow of markers across regions of secondary contact. Data indicate species can show high degrees of genetic divergence and yet are still capable of interbreeding, unlike patterns seen in other organisms. Asymmetry in mating preferences, however, indicates divergence in mate recognition systems has occurred. Furthermore, levels of isolation generally correspond to gene flow inferred from markers, indicating that groups are behaviourally isolated. Phyloethological analysis indicates that loss of some courtship behavior patterns may contribute to reproductive isolation. Molecular and behavioural data indicate species in the Desmognathus ochrophaeus complex probably speciated in allopatry in the Southern Appalachians, sometime during the Pliocene, with some groups experiencing repeated periods of isolation followed by recontact.

A Ca$\sp{2+}$-binding protein has been purified and characterized from Blattella germanica eggs. This protein has biochemical features in common with calmodulin. These common features include a relatively low molecular weight of $\sim$19 KDa, thermal stability, an acidic pI of 4.0, a low specific absorbance (E$\sb{\rm 277nm}\sp{1\%}$ = 2.8), an altered electrophoretic mobility in SDS-polyacrylamide gels in the presence of 1 mM Ca$\sp{2+},$ and calcium-dependent binding to the calmodulin antagonist W-7. These features, considered together with activation of calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase in a Ca$\sp{2+}$-dependent manner and cross-reactivity with anti-bovine brain calmodulin antibody, are sufficient to define this protein as bone fide calmodulin. A rabbit antibody specific for the B. germanica calmodulin cross-reacts with bovine brain calmodulin. The calmodulin levels during oogenesis and embryogenesis were estimated by densitometric analysis of immunoblots using anti-Blattella germanica egg calmodulin antibody as a probe. A high concentration of calmodulin is present in vitellogenic follicles and early embryonic eggs (about 15 ng calmodulin/$\mu$g protein). During oogenesis calmodulin accumulates in the oocyte throughout the yolk deposition phase. During embryogenesis calmodulin is present at uniformly high levels until vitellin utilization starts, then it is undetectable until the pharate larval stage at the end of embryogenesis. $\sp{14}$C-labeled egg calmodulin in a gel-overlay technique binds to vitellin, the major yolk protein of B. germanica eggs. The calmodulin-binding site of vitellin is located on the 95 KDa subunit before degradation, and on the 53 KDa fragment after 95 KDa subunit breakdown. There is sufficient calmodulin to bind stoichiometrically (1:1) with the vitellin trimer. Circumstantial evidence suggests that this CaM is derived from outside the oocyte. In vitro experiments with ($\sp{35}$S) -methionine showed that the highly abundant calmodulin accumulating in vitellogenic follicles was not synthesized by the oocyte. On the other hand, isolated follicle cells rapidly synthesize large amounts of calmodulin. No calmodulin is detectable in serum. These facts suggest that calmodulin produced by follicle cells is most likely the source of calmodulin in the vitellogenic oocyte. Indirect immunofluorescent staining with anti-egg calmodulin demonstrated that in early- and mid-vitellogenic follicles calmodulin is localized in the cytoplasm of follicle cells and the cytoplasmic compartment surrounding yolk granules but not inside yolk granules. Immunofluorescence was most intense in the cortex of the oocyte and outside the membranes of yolk granules. Transport of calmodulin into the cytoplasmic compartment of the oocyte is not via binding to vitellogenenin.

The effect of brain microtubule associated proteins and low concentrations of the drug vinblastine have been used to study the modulation of MT dynamic instability in living BSC-1 cells using low-light-level fluorescence microscopy and quantitative MT tracking methods. Heat stable brain MAPs (hs MAPs) and microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP-2) were microinjected into cultured BSC-1 cells which had been previously injected with rhodamine labeled tubulin. Both MAP preparations suppressed MT dynamics in vivo, by reducing the average rate and extent of both growth and shortening events. Both hs MAPs and MAP-2 did not significantly alter frequency of rescue per unit time but significantly increased the frequency of rescue per unit distance. Hs MAPs decreased the catastrophe frequency per unit time by two fold, while MAP-2 reduced this parameter to a lesser extent. When calculated as events per unit distance, both MAP preparations increased the frequency of rescue, without altering the frequency of catastrophe. Both MAP-2 and hs MAPs decreased the percentage of time spent shortening, increased the percentage of time spent paused, and had no effect on percentage of time spent growing. Hs MAPs increased the average pause duration, decreased the average number of events/min/MT and increased the probability that a paused MT switch to growing rather than shortening. The results demonstrate that addition of MAPs to living cells reduces the dynamic behavior of individual MTs primarily by suppressing the magnitude of dynamic events and increasing the time spent in pause, where no change in the MT length can be detected. The results further suggest that the expression of molecules like MAPs directly contributes to cell type specific MT dynamic behavior. Vinblastine treatment suppresses MT dynamics in vivo, by reducing the average distance and rate of growth and shortening events. Vinblastine treatment increased the average pause duration and the percent time the MTs spent in the paused state; the percent time in shortening was decreased. Vinblastine markedly reduced the frequency of catastrophe measured as events/unit time or unit distance. The frequency of rescue was increased when measured as events/unit distance. The probability of transition from pause to growth phase increased with increasing concentration of vinblastine. These results suggest that low concentration of vinblastine decreases the dynamicity of microtubules in vivo, consistent with the results reported in vitro and indicates that vinblastine might actively cap the ends of the MTs thereby reducing the exchange of tubulin dimers at the ends, consistent with earlier studies (Wilson et al., 1982; Jordan and Wilson, 1990).

I sought to determine if brown tree snakes (Boiga irregularis) raised in captivity showed annual and/or subsidiary growth marks corresponding to feeding or shedding events. I injected 25 brown tree snakes with a fluorescent bone marker (calcein or alizarin red) and raised them for one year under constant conditions. Growth marks beyond the fluorescent marker were correlated with shedding events but not with years or feeding events. Shedding events have not previously been identified as a correlate of growth marks in bone. I do not know if the correlation occurs in other species, as growth cycles have not previously been studied in tropical snakes. The correlation between growth marks and shedding events may allow the study of ecdysis in free-ranging snakes, and shedding events may be the cause of the secondary growth marks found in many reptiles.

In 1992, I surveyed 359 National Park Service units to determine the presence of coyotes and to assess problems and management activities. Coyotes were reported in 42% of all parks in 1992. Management activities for coyotes varied, but in general coyotes were not a management problem. I examined the annual, seasonal, and daily movements of coyotes (Canis latrans) near the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Monument from December 1991 through December 1992. I estimated annual and seasonal home-range areas and daily movements using minimum convex polygon (MCP) and harmonic mean (60% isopleth) estimates from 1,412 point relocations and 432 continuous relocations of 9 coyotes (6 M and 3 F). The average annual MCP home range estimate was 15.7 km2 and harmonic mean was 2.3 km2 Annual and seasonal home range areas did not differ (P > 0.05) between suburban and rural areas or between males and females. Daily average MCP estimate was 1.5 km2 and harmonic mean was 0.5 km2 Daily movements of coyotes also did not differ (P > 0.05) between study areas or sexes.

Zooarchaeologists are beginning to produce more data on age profiles and sex ratios in archaeological faunal assemblages, but often lack the ecological basis to interpret these data. This thesis reviews the ethological literature on four main prey species found in southwest Asia faunal assemblages during the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene: gazelle (Gazella sp.), Fallow deer (Dama dama mesopotamica), wild goat (Capra ibex) and wild sheep (Ovis sp.). This ethological review is used to develop models which predict the age and sex composition of archaeological faunal assemblages that were produced during different seasons and by different hunting techniques. Finally, a review of the archaeological record from the Pleistocene/Holocene transition in southwest Asia puts the age and sex ratios from archaeofaunas into the context of economic intensification and domestication.

I surveyed parts of Tucson, Arizona to determine numbers of burrowing owl (Speotyto cunicularia) burrows present, identify characteristics associated with burrow sites, and assess reproductive success. I measured habitat characteristics at 48 winter, 58 breeding, and 48 random burrows. Random burrows were closer to perches (P) and farther from wash banks (P) than were active burrows, and had smaller entrance dimensions (P). Winter burrows were farther from human activity than were breeding burrows (P). Active sites had less total vegetation, and less visual obscurity than did random sites. Owls may have selected open sites to facilitate detection of predators or prey. Urbanization sometimes created conditions which appeared to attract owls, but also destroyed burrows. An average of 2.31 young fledged from 116 active burrows during 1997-1998. While comparable to other studies of burrowing owls occupying urban environments, this was lower than rates typically reported for the species.

TEM observations of holotrich nematocysts in catch tentacles of the sea anemone Haliplanella luciae reveal that capsule wall formation occurs by means of a self-assembly of proteins from a Golgi-derived pool within the capsule interior. Wall growth results from precipitation of material onto the wall, as indicated by an increase in wall thickness throughout development. Wall maturation is characterized by wall thinning. Such thinning was reversed by performic acid treatment, suggesting that disulfide bond formation within the wall causes thinning. Nematocyst thread walls stain with the sulfur stain, alcian blue, both before and after performic acid treatment, while capsule walls are stained only after such treatment, suggesting that the thread has "free" sulfur groups that are absent from the capsule. / Occurring simultaneous with wall development, is a Golgi-deposition of calcium into the developing nematocyst, as evidenced by potassium pyroantimonate deposits in the Golgi and nematocyst interior that were removed by EGTA. Tube inversion is accompanied by an apparent increase in antimonate concentration within the nematocyst, along with an increase in fluids in the cytoplasm, suggesting that a dehydration of nematocyst contents occurs at the time of tube inversion. / The mature nematocyst moves to the cell surface (in preparation for discharge) by apparent microtubule disassembly between the capsule and dense bodies located at the cell surface. / Nematocyst discharge begins with the opening of the capsule tip apical flaps. The flaps are sealed by subunit-lined seams that separate upon discharge, suggesting that the subunits hold the flaps together. / The everted thread is lined on both sides by subunits that might bind together to hold the uneverted thread in its folded configuration. Thread eversion could follow subunit uncoupling. / Nematocyst discharge is accompanied by a calcium-mediated contraction of supporting cell microfilament bundles. Such contraction causes the capsule to become recessed beneath these bundles, possibly anchoring the capsule in the tentacle. Because extracellular fibrous network connections occur between the cnidocyte cell surface and the supporting cell stereocilia, it was proposed that supporting cell contraction (which changes supporting cell shape) might initiate nematocyst discharge. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 44-10, Section: B, page: 3013. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1983.

Atya innocous occurs in permanent and temporary freshwater streams in Panama. Its microhabitat distribution depends in part on the presence of congeners. The propodus and dactylus of each cheliped of A. innocous bear about 300 setae modified for specific functions in food collection. These setae may be divided into three basic types: chemoreceptors, scrapers, and filtering setae. The latter two types also function as mechanoreceptors. The cheliped setae are probably extended by hemocoelic pressure, producing an efficient filtering fan. Mechanosensory and chemosensory bipolar neurons innervate the cheliped setae, presumably providing the shrimp with the ability to detect current velocity, particulate load and food sources. The external morphology and ultrastructure of these sensilla are described. / The peropods are also used to groom body parts and brooded embryos. Super-8 cine films show the role mouthparts play in grooming. The third maxillipeds groom the antennae and antennules of the prawn, with the distal endite of the second maxillipeds freeing lodged debris from pereopods one and two. The pectinate comb of the fifth pereopod grooms the dorsal surface of the abdomen and pleopods. / Electron microscopy showed pores leading to unicellular glands within the epidermis. Three gland types were observed and their respective functions described. / Adaptations for a lotic habitat seem to have dominated atyid evolution. With the exception of lake species, most atyid shrimp have a wide array of morphological modifications for life in running water. / The mouthparts, mandibles and foregut of Atya innocous and another atyid Potimirim glabra are compared to test the hypothesis that these structures are related to diet. Potimirim glabra inhabits quiet pools scraping periphyton from leaf surfaces and decaying organic detritus. The feeding appendages of both species are modified for handling fine food. The mandible of these shirmp have a strong incisor and molar process but are not utilized for crushing large food items. The primitive nature of the mandibles and foregut suggest the placement of the family Atyidae at the base of the caridean evolutionary tree. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 43-12, Section: B, page: 3877. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1982.

This study utilized nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to examine two aspects of intracellular pH (pH$\rm\sb{i}$) regulation in muscle tissue of marine invertebrates: (1) the adaptive relevance to anoxia tolerance of species-specific differences in buffering capacity and the ion exchange processes associated with pH$\rm\sb{i}$ regulation, and (2) the potential role of organic acid exchange in pH$\rm\sb{i}$ regulation. Cardiac muscle from closely related species of intertidal whelks which experience different degrees of air exposure was compared. The most anoxia-tolerant species had the highest buffering capacity ($\beta\rm\sb{int}$) and ion exchange rates (dH$\sp+$/dt), whereas only small differences were observed among the other comparison species. These results suggest some adaptive value for having increased capacity for regulation of pH$\rm\sb{i}$. The second portion of this study examined transport of lactate across the plasma membrane of muscle cells of the lobster, Panulirus argus, and assessed the effect of this process on pH$\rm\sb{i}$. In this species, no specific monocarboxylate transporter was found and the principal means of lactate transport is via passive diffusion. These and other results suggest that lactate transport is not an important mechanism for pH$\rm\sb{i}$ regulation in this species, at least over short time periods. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 57-04, Section: B, page: 2263. / Major Professor: W. Ross Ellington. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1996.