Thesis (Ph.D.)--Ohio University, March, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 94-113)

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Ohio University, March, 2005. / Title from PDF t.p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 94-113)

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Ohio University, June, 2006. / Title from PDF t.p. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Drexel University, 2010. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 137-150).

Dietary resource use for diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapins) in subtropical mangrove habitats in south Florida creeks and islands was examined to elucidate long-term individual foraging strategies. Fecal analysis revealed seven categories of food items with gastropods, crabs, and bivalves being the most dominant food items respectively. Non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed differences in habitat, but not terrapin size class. Stable isotope analysis confirmed the findings, identifying habitat and site differences in δ13C and δ15N values for both terrapins and their prey. Bi-plots of terrapin and potential prey δ 13C and δ 15N values revealed potential dietary sources previously undetermined by fecal analysis. Comparisons of scute and blood isotope data revealed significant differences in δ13C indicating potential shifts in either food resources and/or habitat use through the time period recorded in the scute tissue. These tissue comparisons represent a powerful tool for estimating long term foraging strategies for a key estuarine species. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

The reproductive biology of the Florida east coast terrapin, Malalemys terrapin tequesta was studied during 1977-1978 at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Brevard County, Florida. Mating occurred in small canals and ditches during late march and April. Terrapins exhibited a poorly developed courtship behavior system: this was attributed to the relative isolation of the species due to its brackish water habitat. Nesting occurred on dike roads, rather than on sand dunes as reported for other races of Malaclemys. Air temperature was the most important factor controlling nesting activity. One to three clutches were laid each year. Malaclemys appeared to exhibit a clinal variation in clutch size between northern and southern populations. Reduced clutch size in the south is explained by a relative increase in egg and hatchling size, possible resulting in greater survivorship of offspring in southern populations. Adult females nesting on dike roads are subject to severe predation from raccoons.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Drexel University, 2010. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 156-176).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Drexel University, 2010. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 175-203).

No description available.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants that can bioaccumulate in organisms. PCBs are documented endocrine disrupting chemicals and are known to cause developmental, reproductive, and neurobiological disorders. This study examines the bioaccumulation of PCBs in the northern diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin), a species that is endemic to the brackish waters of the East Coast salt marshes of the United States. The two populations studied are located in Cape May County, NJ, a site with low levels of contamination and Jamaica Bay, NY, which is a highly contaminated site. While PCBs bioaccumulation has been extensively researched, many studies involve lethal sampling techniques. Such techniques can be detrimental to populations and may not be viable for long-term studies. This study examined the utility of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) as a non-lethal sampling technique for PCB analysis. In order to determine the viability of the CAM, maternal transfer of contaminants was also analyzed. Ten terrapin samples from each field location were analyzed. Egg and CAM samples were obtained from both field sites and liver samples were also collected from Cape May County terrapins. PCB levels and congener profiles were similar in both field locations. While PCB congeners were detected in liver, egg, and CAM samples, less chlorinated congeners preferentially partitioned in the CAM. Liver and egg sample PCB concentrations were strongly correlated, but the CAM concentrations were weakly correlated to liver and egg samples. Examination of homolog groups indicated a strong correlation between hexachlorinated biphenyls in all three sample types. Preliminary study results indicated that maternal transfer of PCB contaminants does occur with selective partitioning of congeners into the CAM. / Biology