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Nonnative species are reshaping global ecosystems. The success of a nonnative species hinges on both biological and cultural variables. Primates represent a minority of nonnative species but warrant research to understand ecological implications and management solutions. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recognizes three species of nonnative primates in Florida that include populations of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in Marion County, squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.) in Broward County, and green monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus) in Broward County. This study focused on the Dania Beach C. sabaeus population. The goals of this study were to: 1) determine the geographical origins and species of the monkeys, 2) record demographics and determine population growth rate, 3) assess the public’s perception of monkeys, and 4) understand the influence of human provisioning on the population’s behavior and biology. Public surveys and direct field observations of social groups provided baseline data to show that unlike other introduced primates (e.g., macaques in Marion County and green monkeys in the Caribbean), the Dania Beach monkey population has strong public support and is at risk of extinction within the next 100 years. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2019. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Beach morphology changes naturally with seasonal and event-driven variability in the wave climate, as well as due to anthropogenic activities such as erosion mitigation efforts. In 2017, category four Hurricane Irma caused beach erosion and dune overwash in Boca Raton, FL. Immediate post-storm perigean spring tides coupled with typical winter high-wind conditions imposed a regime of spatially and temporally extended meteorologic and morphologic variability. This study evaluates the morphologic evolution and post-storm recovery in the first year following Hurricane Irma. Time-series topographic surveys and surface sediment samples were collected. Patterns of accretion and erosion were evaluated with regionally measured water and wind levels. Recovery morphology was generally through berm-building, but lacked shoreline stability. Storm impact regime, mitigation structures, and sediment transport patterns drove the recovery. Total volume lost above the 0 m contour due to the storm was not fully recovered within the year, with a large volume measured in the south. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2019. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Peat soils store a large fraction of the global soil carbon (C) pool and comprise 95% of wetland C stocks. They also have the capability to produce and release significant amounts of greenhouse gasses (CO2, CH4) into the atmosphere. Most studies of wetland soil C and gas flux dynamics have been done in expansive peatlands in northern boreal and subarctic biomes. However, wetlands in temperate and tropical climates are vastly understudied despite accounting for more than 20% of the global peatland C stock and storing large amounts of biogenic gasses Although studies investigating greenhouse gas dynamics from peatlands have increased during the last decade, the spatial and temporal distribution of these gases still remains highly uncertain, mainly due to the limitations in terms of spatial and temporal resolution and invasive nature of most methods traditionally used. This thesis combines a series of field and laboratory studies at several sites in the Greater Everglades as examples to show the potential of hydrogeophysical methods to better understand: 1) the belowground C distribution and overall contribution to the global C stocks of certain wetlands (Chapter 2); and 2) the spatial and temporal variability in both C accumulation and releases from peat soil monoliths from several wetland sites in the Greater Everglades (Chapter 3 and 4). To estimate belowground C in the field, I used a combination of indirect non-invasive geophysical methods (GPR), aerial imagery, and direct measurements (coring) to estimate the contribution of subtropical depressional wetlands to the total C stock of pine flatwoods landscape at the Disney Wilderness Preserve (DWP, Orlando, FL). Three-dimensional (3D) GPR surveys were used to define the thickness of stratigraphic layers from the wetland surface to the mineral soil interface within depressional wetlands. Depth-profile cores in conjunction with C core analysis were utilized to visually confirm depths of each interface and estimate changes in soil C content with depth and were ultimately used to estimate total peat volume and C stock for each depressional wetland. Aerial photographs were used to develop a relationship between surface area and total wetland C stock, that were applied to estimate total landscape C stock of all depressional wetlands throughout the entire preserve. Additionally, low-frequency GPR surveys were conducted to image the stratigraphy underneath the peat basin of depressional wetlands to depict lithological controls on the formational processes of depressional wetlands at the DWP. Spatial and temporal variability in biogenic greenhouse gas (i.e. methane and carbon dioxide) production and release were investigated at the laboratory scale. Two 38 liter (0.5 m x 0.23 m x 0.3 m) peat monoliths from two different wetland ecosystems in central Florida (sawgrass peatland and a wet prairie) were compared in order to understand whether changes in matrix properties influence gas dynamics in a controlled environment (i.e. constant temperature). Gas content variability (i.e. build-up and release) within the peat matrix was estimated using a series of high frequency (1.2 GHz) GPR transects along each sample about three times a week. An array of gas traps (eight per sample) fitted with time-lapse cameras were also used in order to constrain GPR measurements and capture gas releases at 15-minute intervals. Gas chromatography was performed on gas samples extracted from the traps to determine CH4 and CO2 content. Also, at the lab scale, temporal variability in biogenic gas accumulation and release was investigated in a large 0.073 m3 peat monolith from the Blue Cypress Preserve in central Florida. An autonomous rail system was constructed in order to estimate gas content variability (i.e. build-up and release) within the peat matrix using a series of continuous GPR transects along the sample. This system ran virtually nonstop using high frequency (1.2 GHz) antennas. GPR measurements were again constrained with an array of gas traps (6) fitted with time-lapse cameras and gas chromatography. The aim of this study is to better constrain temporal scale, and better understand the heterogeneous nature (both in time and space) of gas releases from peat soils. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2019. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

This research investigates land use change and the area of occurrence of an introduced primate species, Chlorocebus sabaeus, from 1940 until the present. Research into the importation and subsequent release of these monkeys has revealed that they were released from a failed tourist attraction in 1947. The attraction was located southeast of the Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Remote sensing techniques were utilized to examine land use change over time, create a land classification map, and create a canopy model. These data were used to better understand the area of occurrence of an introduced primate species by examining anthropogenic changes through time and measuring changes in available forest habitat. Corridors, and their transformation through the decades, were evaluated to better understand potential dispersal routes and connectivity to natural areas for colonization. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2019. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Thesis (D. Min.)--Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Ill., 1999. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 103-106).

Project (D. Ed. Min.)--New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 2008. / Abstract and vita. Includes final project proposal. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 134-140).

Thesis (M.A.)--Florida State University, 2004. / Advisor: Dr. Sally Hadden, Florida State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Dept. of History. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed June 22, 2004). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Central Florida, 2009. / Adviser: Spencer Downing. Includes bibliographical references (p. 97-100).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 145-153).