Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1952. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [180]-188).

Animal foraging behavior is shaped by patterns and processes that operate on several temporal and spatial scales. In chapter 1, I briefly review the meaning and importance of temporal and spatial scales. In chapter 2, I examine the foraging behavior of the Long Jawed spider (Tetragnatha elongata). In North Carolina, the spider exhibits the counter intuitive behavior of relocating its web daily in rich habitats, but rebuilding its web on the same site for many days in a row in poor habitats. I test a risk-sensitive foraging model of this behavior, but its predictions were not met. I develop an alternative hypothesis to explain the behavior of Long Jawed spiders: that the higher density of spiders in rich habitats results in more frequent interactions between spiders, and that these interactions provoke spiders to relocate more often in rich habitats. I report the results of density-reduction experiments, which corroborate my hypothesis. In chapter 3, I examine the foraging and storing strategy of the Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). The squirrels ate most of the white oak (WO) acorns, and buried most of the red oak (RO) acorns, confirming my prediction. I also present the results of an experiment designed to reveal whether squirrels used tannin and/or fat content of acorns to distinguish between acorns of different species. The results of this experiment were inconclusive. In another experiment, I buried a large number of acorns, and assessed samples of acorns retrieved at intervals through the fall/winter season. I found that tannin levels in RO acorns did not decline during their interment, rendering an alternative hypothesis untenable. Further, I confirmed an earlier assumption: stored WO acorns do suffer more insect damage than RO acorns. I hypothesize that the storing and foraging strategy of squirrels may affect the distribution of oaks, and review evidence from the literature that supports this hypothesis. Finally, I argue that Clark's Nutcracker (Columbiana nucifraga) may employ the same strategy as it forages for pine seeds, and again review evidence from the literature to support this hypothesis. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1993. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 76-82). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D. in Psychology)--Vanderbilt University, Dec. 2009. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

Master of Science

No description available.

Captive gray squirrels were fed acorns or diets containing commercial tannins to determine the effects of tannins on digestion and detoxification (glucuronidation) activity. In the Acorn experiment, Northern red oak acorns (Quercus rubra), white oak acorns (Q. alba), or rat chow were fed to squirrels. Levels of phenols, condensed tannins, and hydrolyzable tannins were higher in red oak acorns than white oak acorns and were likely responsible for the lower dry matter intake, lower apparent protein digestibility, lower digestible protein and energy intakes, and higher glucuronidation activity observed in squirrels fed red oak acorns. Although apparent protein digestibility and digestible protein intakes were reduced on a white oak acorn diet, this diet did not continuously suppress dry matter intake or stimulate glucuronidation. It appears that gray squirrels may not be able to subsist on red oak acorns alone, but may require other foods to dilute tannin intake and provide additional nutrients. In the Tannin experiment, squirrels were fed rat chow containing no tannins, 4% or 8% tannic acid (hydrolyzable tannin), or 3% or 6% quebracho (condensed tannin). Apparent protein and energy digestibilities of tannic acid-containing diets were lower than the control. These reductions were likely due to the formation of strong complexes between protein and high molecular weight gallotannins. These complexes may have simultaneously protected these gallotannins from hydrolysis and allowed tannic acid to reduce digestive efficiency. Apparent protein and energy digestibilities of quebracho-containing diets were reduced, indicating protein complexing by these nonhydrolyzable tannins. Consistent with the hypothesis that hydrolyzable tannins are more likely to be broken down and absorbed internally than condensed tannins, only the 8% tannic acid diet tended to increase glucuronide excretion. / Master of Science

Master of Science

The principle objectives of the study were; (1) determine accurately the time of breeding, (2) lactation, (3) breeding age, (4) number per litter, and to obtain other miscellaneous data on this popular game animal. Three study areas of varying habitat were chosen. The President’s Hill (17.5 acres) is located on the V. P. I. college campus; Turkey Pen Woods (3.7 acres) is about one-half mile from the President’s Hill and adjacent to a paved highway, and North Crumpacker Woods (6.7 acres) is about 200 yards from Turkey Pen Woods. A special trap was designed, and 74 were constructed for use throughout the study. The Monel, size I, fish tag was used for tagging the ear of the squirrel. The original handling techniques were patterned from those used by previous investigators, however, shortly after the project was begun a squirrel funnel, made of tightly woven sack and one-fourth inch hardware cloth, was constructed and successfully used throughout the remainder of the study. / M.S.