Lichens are an important part of the biota in western Oregon forests, where they perform valuable ecological roles and contribute significantly to biodiversity. Lichens in western Oregon are threatened by a number of factors including air pollution and land use practices. If we wish to maintain the persistence of lichens in future landscapes it is critical that we understand the responses of lichen communities and individual lichen species to the environment and forest structure. This dissertation explores factors that are related to differences in lichen community composition and the distributions of individual lichen species in the western Cascades of Oregon, using a large landscape scale data set. I sought to relate major gradients in lichen community composition to environmental factors, and describe differences in lichen communities with respect to forest age (Chapter 2). I found three major gradients in lichen communities at a landscape scale in the western Oregon Cascades. These gradients were related to climate as expressed by elevation and annual temperature, air quality, north-south position, the richness of epiphytic macrolichens, and forest age. I developed a rarity score, which can be used to identify hotspots of rare species diversity at a landscape scale (Chapter 3). I then built descriptive models of this rarity score to identify abiotic and biotic factors associated with the occurrence of rarity hotspots. I found that models of rarity score that used explanatory variables based on lichen community composition performed better than models that used explanatory variables based solely on environmental factors. I narrowed my focus to the level of individual species responses to the environment and forest structure by developing habitat models for 11 lichen species in the western Cascades (Chapter 4). We selected these species because they performed important ecological roles, were rare across the landscape and associated with old growth forests, or because their distributions were poorly understood. These models can be used to increase the efficiency of landscape level surveys for rare species, predict the response of these species to forest management practices, and understand factors associated with the distributions of these lichens. / Graduation date: 2006

Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) in southwestern Alberta were studied to determine the water sources used and the effect of changing soil moisture on tree ecophysiological function. The hydrogen stable isotope ratios of water from local groundwater and precipitation were compared to tree stem water to determine the amount of stem water coming from those two sources. There were no significant differences between species in the portion of summer precipitation taken up. However, Douglas-fir shifted towards using more groundwater as shallow soil moisture declined. In addition, Douglas-fir showed large changes in shoot water potential, but maintained relatively constant rates of oxygen evolution, whereas lodgepole pine exhibited smaller changes in shoot water potential and had severely reduced rates of oxygen evolution during mid-summer drought. Lower leaf-area to sap-wood area and higher leaf δ13C (carbon isotope composition) suggested a less efficient hydraulic system in Douglas-fir compared to lodgepole pine. / x, 91 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm

This study investigated long-term (1961-2008) changes in albacore (Thunnus alalunga) abundance and distribution in relation to local environmental and large-scale climate indices in the Northeastern Pacific using time series and spatial analyses. Prior to the time series analysis, a wavelet analysis was conducted to examine nonrandom patterns of cyclical variability which revealed that monthly and annual time scales had the highest non-random variability. Thus, the time series analysis was done at these two scales using non-linear generalized additive models (GAMs) and threshold GAMs. At the monthly scale, sea surface temperature (SST) was found to be the variable with the strongest (positive) association to albacore catch per unit effort (CPUE). This association was likely driven by the seasonal migrations of juvenile albacore into and out of the U.S. coastal waters. At the yearly time scale over large geographical areas, the SST association broke down, and the scalar wind speed cubed (an indicator of mixed layer depth) at a five year lag became the dominant variable. The scalar wind speed cubed index explained 65% of the variability and was highly significant, even after adjusting for multiple tests (Bonferroni corrected P-value<0.001). These results suggest that a deeper mixed layer in the Northeastern Pacific may provide favorable foraging habitat for juvenile (mostly age 3) albacore, resulting in successful growth, spawning, and recruitment into the fishery in later years. This mixed layer depth association could help managers and stock assessment groups in their efforts to integrate environmental factors into the estimate of albacore population size. The spatial/spatio-temporal analyses involved modeling the CPUE with four competing GAM formulations, each representative of a different hypotheses for albacore distribution: 1) spatial, 2) spatial and environmental (SST, PDO, and MEI), 3) spatially variant, and 4) nonstationary, as indicated by the North Pacific regime shift of 1977. Results indicate that SST had a predominantly positive but spatially-variable effect on albacore CPUE, while the PDO had a negative overall effect. Specifically, CPUE was found to increase with increased SST, particularly off of Oregon and Washington. These results imply that if ocean temperatures continue to increase, west coast communities reliant on commercial albacore fisheries are likely to be negatively impacted in the southern areas but positively benefited in the northern areas, where current albacore landings are highest. / Graduation date: 2012

Deep-sea bamboo coral (Isidella sp.) SE000901A from the southern Oregon coast (water depth 1048m) provides a high-resolution record of variability of North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW) and carbon rain to the sea floor, related to coastal upwelling, from 1808 to 2000AD. Counting of annual layers in magnesium to calcium (Mg/Ca) variations, measured by electron microprobe analysis, yields a detailed age model that is transferred directly to records of carbon and oxygen isotope ratios (δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O) measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry and trace element ratios measured by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). A significant linear relationship between δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O measured on the carbonate internode of the coral specimen revealed disequilibrium kinetic isotopic variations that depend on calcification rate. The stable isotopic time series are significantly correlated to cadmium to calcium ratios (Cd/Ca) in the carbonate internode, suggesting that cadmium uptake also reflects the rate of calcification. Comparison of phosphorus to calcium ratios (P/Ca) in the carbonate internode to historical records of oxygen concentrations of NPIW suggests that coralline P/Ca is related to the phosphate content of the ambient bottom water, which covaries inversely with oxygen concentration. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) were measured on two organic gorgonin nodes of our bamboo coral, but incomplete understanding of the gorgonin growth patterns and the difficulty in translating ages between the proteinaceous node and calcareous internode preclude detailed comparison between organic stable isotopes and the trace element and isotopic composition of the well-dated carbonate proxies. Based on correlation of the measured properties to historical variations in coastal upwelling, and high-latitude climate variability, we demonstrate the potential and challenges in using deep-sea bamboo corals to extend records of climate variability into the pre-historical past. / Graduation date: 2012

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 1974. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: no abstract available / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: geen opsomming

Phenology of tetraploid Larrea tridentata was studied at four sites, one east and three west of Tucson, Pima County, Arizona in 1972-1974 and 1981. Leaf initiation, stem elongation, flower buds, flowers, maturing fruits and mature fruits were recorded at regular intervals on a sample of 10 tagged plants at each site. Quantitative production of maturing fruits on each sampled plant was estimated during the 1981 spring and summer seasons. The time required for individual new flowers to develop into mature fruits was determined for 1981. These phenological data were related to precipitation and temperature during 1972-1974 and 1981. Leaf initiation and stem elongation were continuously active on at least some parts of all sampled plants throughout the study, indicating year-round vegetative growth of Larrea in this part of the Sonoran Desert. One or more of the four reproductive phenophases were present throughout the 1972-1974 and 1981 periods. Flower buds were initiated during any time of the year. Spring flowering was the most dependable, summer flowering was frequent but less consistent and fall and winter flowerings were occasional, irregular and far more variable. Spring flowering persisted longer than summer flowering. Maturing fruit production was much greater in the spring than in the summer. Approximately 53 to 65 days were required in the spring and 42 to 47 days in the summer for new flowers to develop into mature fruits. Active vegetative growth invariably preceded the renewal of any reproductive activity. The emergence of flower buds appears to be triggered and sustained by the availability of sufficient soil moisture with minimal influence by temperature. However, higher temperatures tend to speed up the development of flower buds and flowers and fruit maturation. Differences in phenological responses among the four study sites appear to be caused mainly by local fluctuations in precipitation. The year-round vegetative growth activity and the frequent recurrence of reproductive activities observed in this study represent adaptive responses of Larrea to the biseasonal regime and the moderate winter temperatures characteristic of the northeastern portion of the Sonoran Desert.

The relationships between the tree-rings of the white fir (Abies alba Mill.) and climate in the French internal Alps are indicated by correlation functions. This fir shows an accurate response to climate as well as long term persistence for at least six years (MS =0.18, R1 =0.65, and R6= 0.27). Its growth is strongly influenced by the previous year's climate, especially by prior August rainfall, which enhances ring size, or by high temperatures, which show the opposite effect. The most critical period extends from prior July to prior September. This species responds positively to warm temperature from current January to April, followed by rainfall in May and June, which leads to a longer growth period. A favorable water balance seems to be decisive. Abies alba can be affected by frost and seems to prefer a low thermal amplitude as demonstrated by the analysis of the extreme temperature data. Moreover, even a few days of excessive heat can reduce its growth.

Background: Temperature has a fundamental effect on organisms because it alters the speed of biochemical reactions and thus metabolism. This influence scales up to have ecosystem wide effects as the life history strategies of individual species differ in response to temperature. With the prospect of increasing global temperatures ecosystem functions could be interrupted. In order to predict the consequences of changing environmental conditions it is important to first establish how fitness related traits are affected by changing thermal conditions. Aims: The aim of this thesis was to develop a detailed understanding of the thermal niche of an invasive, tropical freshwater fish species. Methods: Using ecologically realistic conditions this thesis investigates the effect of environmental variation within and between generations on behavioural, growth, physiological, and reproductive characteristics of the Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata). Results: The results provide an insight into the fundamental thermal niche of a widely used model fish species as well as detailed measures of how thermal change alters phenotypic characteristics. Guppies are demonstrated to have a broad thermal tolerance and be phenotypically responsive to changing environmental conditions. The results also suggest that environmental characteristics of the guppy's habitat make an important contribution to the differences observed between populations of guppies in Trinidad. Conclusions: Water temperature in the guppy's natural environment varies widely over a daily cycle and I suggest that this is partly responsible for the guppy becoming phenotypically plastic and thermally tolerant. Furthermore, phenotypic flexibility is an important characteristic that will enable guppies to withstand some climate warming and continue to expand their invasive range poleward. Using experimental conditions which resemble those in the natural environment is important for developing accurate model parameters. These are necessary for predicting the ecosystem effects of environmental variation and for adaptive mitigation or pre-emptive management of range extensions by invasive species.

A confounding factor for sea level rise (SLR) is that it has a slow, steady creep, which provides a false sense for coastal communities. Stresses caused by SLR at today’s rate are more pronounced in southeastern Florida and as the rate of SLR accelerates, the exposure areas will increase to a point where nearly all the state’s coastal infrastructure will be challenged. The research was conducted to develop a method for measuring the impact of SLR on the City of West Palm Beach (City), assess its impact on the stormwater system, identify vulnerable areas in the City, provide an estimate of long-term costs of improvements, and provide a toolbox or strategies to employ at the appropriate time. The assessment was conducted by importing tidal, groundwater, topographic LiDAR and infrastructure improvements into geographic modeling software and performing analysis based on current data. The data revealed that over $400 million in current dollars might be needed to address stormwater issues arising from SLR before 2100. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Orientador: Cibele Chalita Martins / Resumo: A qualidade das sementes é influenciada pelas condições climáticas e fitossanitárias do campo de produção. A identificação das características das melhores áreas produtoras de sementes de gramíneas forrageiras permite aprimoramento do setor. Assim, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo identificar características climáticas das regiões produtoras que podem afetar a qualidade física, fisiológica e sanitária de sementes de Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça. Foram avaliados 19 lotes de sementes de P. maximum procedentes dos Estados de São Paulo e Goiás, colhidos pelo método de varredura do solo. Foram avaliados seis lotes de Auriflama – SP, três lotes de Guzolândia – SP, oito lotes de Quirinópolis – GO e dois lotes de Serranópolis – GO, pelas seguintes determinações: teor de água, viabilidade pelo teste de tetrazólio, pureza física, valor cultural, peso de mil sementes, determinação de outras sementes por número, germinação e os testes de vigor de emergência de plântulas em areia e em campo, primeira contagem de germinação e índice de velocidade de germinação. Também foi avaliada a qualidade sanitária das sementes pelo método do papel de filtro. Foram obtidos dados de temperatura e precipitação desde o período de florescimento até a colheita das sementes de cada região de produção. As médias dos tratamentos foram comparadas pelo teste Scott-Knott, a 5% de probabilidade. Para discriminar as regiões que produzem lotes de sementes de melhor qualidade e quais fatores ambientais têm influ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Seed quality is influenced by the climatic and phytosanitary conditions of the field of production. The identification of the characteristics of the best seed producing areas of forage grasses allows improvement of the sector. Thus, the present research had as objective to identify climatic characteristics of the producing regions that can affect the physical, physiological and sanitary quality of seeds of Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa. A total of 19 seed lots of P. maximum were collected from the States of São Paulo and Goiás, collected by the soil scanning method. Six lots of Auriflama - SP, three lots of Guzolândia - SP, eight lots of Quirinópolis - GO and two lots of Serranópolis - GO were evaluated by the following determinations: water content, viability by tetrazolium test, physical purity, weight of one thousand seeds, determination of other seeds by number, germination and emergence vigor tests of seedlings in sand and field, first count of germination and rate of germination. The sanitary quality of the seeds was also evaluated by the filter paper method. Temperature and precipitation data were obtained from the flowering period to the harvest of the seeds of each production region. Treatment averages were compared by the Scott-Knott test, at 5% probability. To discriminate the regions that produce seed lots of better quality and which environmental factors have influence on each of the quality parameters of the seeds, the multivariate statistical analysis was applied... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre