Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:31:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 3571.pdf: 899759 bytes, checksum: 288158cbdc684b122136771cdf6c46f3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-02-16 / Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais / In this study it was evaluated the aerobic and anaerobic decomposition of submerged macrophytes Egeria densa Planch. and Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle, major weeds in tropical reservoirs. It was evaluated the decay of organic matter, mineralization, humification degree of the leached, fiber content, conductivity and pH of the process and activity of cellulase enzymes, peroxidase and xylanase. Mathematical models have indicated relations between enzymatic patterns with decay of organic matter and carbon cycling. Analysis of ANCOVA and ANOVA were used to evaluate differences in the decay processes of the species. The two species showed the same heterogeneous pattern of decay of organic matter and carbon mineralization, however, different patterns of decay patterns of the fiber fraction. Incubations of both species had low values of half life for the mineralization of POC, low mineralization of DOC and high enzymatic activity, especially peroxidase, correlated to high rates of decay of fiber content, mainly lignin. The incubations of the two species exhibited different oxygen consumption, probably due to the different composition of fibers. It was conclude that these macrophytes found in tropical reservoirs may cause changes in the environment metabolism. In this context it is important to study the decomposition of invasive species and their cycles for modeling parameterization of patterns of nutrient cycling in these environments. / Nesse trabalho foi avaliada a decomposição aeróbia e anaeróbia das espécies submersas Egeria densa Planch. e Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle, importantes invasoras em reservatórios tropicais. Foi analisado o decaimento de matéria orgânica, mineralização do carbono, grau de humificação do material lixiviado, conteúdo de fibras, condutividade, pH e atividade das enzimas celulase, peroxidase e xilanase. Modelos matemáticos indicaram relações entre os padrões enzimáticos e os decaimentos de matéria orgânica e ciclagem do carbono. Análises de ANCOVA e ANOVA foram utilizadas para avaliar diferenças nos processos de decomposição das espécies. As duas espécies apresentaram o mesmo padrão heterogêneo de decaimento da matéria orgânica e de mineralização do carbono; porém, diferentes padrões de decaimento quanto às fibras. As incubações das duas espécies apresentaram baixos tempos de meia vida para a mineralização do COP, baixa mineralização do COD e alta atividade enzimática, principalmente quanto à peroxidase, correlacionada às altas taxas de decaimento dos teores de fibras, principalmente lignina. As incubações das duas espécies apresentaram diferentes consumos de oxigênio, provavelmente relacionados à diferente composição de fibras. Concluiu-se que essas macrófitas encontradas nos reservatórios tropicais possam ocasionar alterações no metabolismo do ecossistema. Neste contexto, é fundamental o estudo da decomposição das espécies invasoras e modelagem dos seus ciclos para parametrização dos padrões de ciclagem de nutrientes nestes ambientes.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:45:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 933167 bytes, checksum: ca9e74d4418395492daa526f1c88232c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-02-25 / Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais / This work aims to study the Theory of Optimal Control its application to biological problems. We studied two models of optimal control: the first applied to biological invasions in a network of lakes and the second applied to the treatment of cancer through the use of drugs. The models that describe the dynamics of the problems considered are based on ordinary differential equations. The problems are placed in the form of an optimal control problem, where in the first we minimize the cost, which is composed of the added cost of preventing in the damage caused by invasion, and in the second we minimize the density of tumor cancer in end time of treatment and the effects (ills) caused by the drug during the treatment period. / Este trabalho tem como objetivo o estudo da Teoria do Controle Ótimo e sua aplicação a problemas biológicos. Estudamos dois modelos de controle ótimo: o primeiro aplicado a invasões biológicas em uma rede de lagos e o segundo aplicado ao tratamento de câncer através do uso de drogas. Os modelos que descrevem a dinâmica dos problemas considerados são baseados em equações diferenciais ordinárias. Os problemas são colocados no formato de um problema de controle ótimo, onde no primeiro minimizamos o custo, que é composto do custo de prevenção adicionado aos prejuízos causados pela invasão, e no segundo minimizamos a densidade do tumor de câncer no tempo final do tratamento e os efeitos (males) causados pela droga durante o tempo de tratamento.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A invasão biológica é vista como o processo de introdução e adaptação de espécies que não fazem parte, naturalmente, de um determinado ecossistema e é considerada a segunda maior causa de perda de biodiversidade. Casuarina equisetifolia é uma angiosperma bem adaptada a ambientes com alto teor de salinidade e baixo teor hídrico representando uma grande ameaça a perda de biodiversidade em ambientes costeiros ao colonizar rapidamente áreas degradadas nesses ambientes. O presente trabalho procurou avaliar os efeitos da invasão de C. equisetifolia na diversidade de espécies e estrutura da comunidade em um trecho na Restinga da Massambaba. Foram distribuídas 46 parcelas de 10m x 10m em cinco diferentes tratamentos próximas entre si denominadas: manejo, queimada, invasão, restinga e controle. Através do escalonamento multidimensional não métrico (NMDS) verificou-se que existe diferença na composição florística entre os tratamentos invadidos e não invadidos, mas que entre os tratamentos invadidos a composição é a mesma. Mesmo os tratamentos sendo próximos entre si, a ANOVA mostrou que existe diferença na densidade de C. equisetifolia mostrando que fatores externos influenciam a estrutura da população nesses tratamentos. O hábito herbáceo foi predominante nos tratamentos de invasão diferindo do tratamento controle onde o hábito arbustivo é o mais significativo. A síndrome de dispersão predominante foi a zoocórica em todos os tratamentos, exceto no tratamento de fogo e de invasão, onde a anemocoria obteve o mesmo número numero de espécies. A ANOVA indicou que a riqueza do tratamento controle é muito maior do que a riqueza nos tratamentos de invasão. Os tratamentos de invasão possuem um índice de Shannon variando de 0,23 a 1,4, enquanto a tratamento controle possui um índice de 2,49, mostrando o quanto C. equisetifolia homogeneíza a flora, fazendo com que poucas espécies consigam colonizar esses ambientes como Pilosocereus arrabidae, Schinus terebinthifolius e Varronia curassavica. A regressão linear realizada indica que a riqueza de espécies diminui com o aumento da densidade de C. equisetifolia / Biological invasion is seen as the process of introduction and adaptation of species that are not part of a particular ecosystem and is considered the second greatest cause of biodiversity loss. Casuarina equisetifolia is an angiosperm well adapted to environments with high salinity levels and low water content representing a major threat to biodiversity loss in coastal environments cause it rapidly colonize degraded areas in these environments. This study aimed to assess the effects of the invasion of C. equisetifolia in species diversity and community structure in a fragment at the Restinga da Massambaba. Were allocated 46 plots of 10m x 10m in five different areas near to each other called: management, fire, intrusion, restinga and control. Through the Non Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) found that there is difference in floristic composition between invaded and non-invaded areas, but between areas invaded the composition is the same. Even the treatments being close to each other, ANOVA showed a significant difference in density of C. equisetifolia showing that external factors influence the structure of the population in these treatments. The herbaceous habit was prevalent in areas of differing invasion of the area where the shrubby habit control is the most significant. Zoochory was the dispersion syndrome predominant in all areas, except in the area of fire and invasion, where anemochory obtained the same number of species. The ANOVA indicated that the richness of the control area is much greater than the richness in the areas of invasion. The invasion areas have a Shannon index ranging from 0.23 to 1.4, while the control region has an index of 2.49, showing how C. equisetifolia lets the flora homogeneous, enabling a few species able to colonize these environments as Pilosocereus arrabidae, Schinus terebinthifolius and Varronia curassavica. Linear regression indicated that the richness decreases with increasing density C. equisetifolia.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T16:21:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Dilermando P L Jr.pdf: 360879 bytes, checksum: 1c2f22ea2b7828ee7c6779ffd933fed4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-02-27 / The establishment of exotic species is known for the negative impacts it causes. However, it can be used as models to study the ecological and evolutionary causes of biogeography patterns and access whether the niche conservatism is the determinant of the species limits distribution. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the difference between pools of exotic fish species in biogeographical regions of the world based on the theories of Niche Conservatism and Evolutionary Dynamics of Latitudinal Gradients of Diversity. We found a strong tendency of the niche conservatism with exotic fishes, but no phylogentic structures of the invaders fishes were found. Therefore, predictive models that purpose to evaluate the potential invasion of fishes has to, include extrinsic factors as climatic conditions, propagule pressure, environmental disturbance, human use and intrinsic factors as parental care and body size of the species. / Os estabelecimentos de espécies exóticas são muito conhecidos por seus impactos, contudo podem servir como modelo de estudo das causas ecológicas e evolutivas dos padrões biogeográficos e avaliar se a conservação de nicho é determinante dos limites de distribuições das espécies. Este estudo tem por objetivo avaliar a diferença entre o conjunto de espécies exóticas de peixes nas diferentes regiões biogeográficas do planeta tendo como base as teorias de conservação filogenética e da dinâmica evolutiva de gradientes latitudinais de diversidade. Encontramos uma forte tendência de conservação de nicho, mas nenhum sinal de estruturação filogenética da invasão. Portanto, modelos preditivos que possuem o intuito de avaliar o potencial invasor de peixes têm, necessariamente, têm que incluir fatores extrínsecos às espécies e à condição climática da região nativa, pressão de propágulos, distúrbios no ambiente, uso humano e fatores intrínsecos como cuidado parental e tamanho corporal das espécies.

Originária da África, a orquídea terrestre Oeceoclades maculata (Lindl.) Lindl. é considerada uma espécie invasora com potencial de colonizar grandes áreas. A espécie se desenvolve tanto em ambientes secos quanto úmidos e está presente em áreas perturbadas e não perturbadas, sendo a única espécie do gênero presente no continente americano. Embora apresente um mecanismo passivo de autofertilização, estudos apontam para ocorrência de cruzamento entre populações brasileiras, indicando existência de variação na biologia reprodutiva da espécie através da sua extensão geográfica. Considerando a falta de informações de genética de populações da espécie, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a diversidade e a estrutura genética de populações brasileiras de O. maculata e obter informações sobre o sistema reprodutivo da espécie. Para tanto, foram utilizados 13 iniciadores ISSR para avaliar a diversidade genética de 152 indivíduos de O. maculata distribuídos em cinco populações naturais provenientes de três estados brasileiros (São Paulo, Mato Grosso e Paraná). As populações avaliadas apresentaram baixos índices de diversidade intrapopulacional, com estimativas do índice de Shannon (I) variando de 0,0094 a 0,1054 e estimativas de diversidade gênica de Nei (He) variando de 0,0054 a 0,0668. Entretanto, quando avaliadas em conjunto, as populações apresentaram estimativas de diversidade substancialmente mais altas (I = 0,3869; He = 0,2556). A análise de variância molecular (AMOVA) indicou que a maior parte da diversidade encontra-se entre as populações (?ST = 0,933). Tanto a análise de coordenadas principais (PCoA) quanto a análise de agrupamento utilizando o método Neighbor- Joining indicam a existência de cinco grupos distintos, sem mistura de indivíduos de diferentes populações num mesmo grupo. A análise bayesiana realizada pelo programa Structure corroborou com os resultados obtidos pelo dendrograma e pela PCoA. Contudo, observou-se certa subestruturação da população do Campus da ESALQ (SP), sugerindo falta de fluxo gênico mesmo entre distâncias muito pequenas. Não houve correlação significativa, estimada pelo teste de Mantel, entre as distâncias genéticas e geográficas dos espécimes dado que populações mais próximas geograficamente foram mais distantes geneticamente. Os resultados sugerem predominante autofertilização e reprodução vegetativa, entretanto não exclui a possibilidade de ocorrência de cruzamento. A distribuição da diversidade genética nas populações da orquídea invasora O. maculata pode ser compreendida como resultado da interação das suas várias possíveis estratégias reprodutivas com sua história de colonização que envolve possíveis gargalos genéticos, deriva genética, pressões de seleção e múltiplas introduções. / Originally from Africa, the terrestrial orchid Oeceoclades maculata (Lindl.) Lindl. is considered an invasive species with the potential to colonize large areas. The species grows both in dry and humid environments as it is present in disturbed and undisturbed areas, being the only species of the genus in American continent. Although presenting a passive mechanism of self-fertilization, studies point to the occurrence of cross-fertilization between Brazilian populations, indicating the existence of variation in the reproductive biology of the species across its geographic range. Considering the lack of information of population genetics of the species, the aim of the study was to evaluate the genetic diversity and structure of Brazilian populations of O. maculata and to obtain more information concerning the reproductive system of the species. Therefore, we used 13 ISSR primers to assess the genetic diversity of 152 individuals of O. maculata distributed in five natural populations from three Brazilian states (São Paulo, Mato Grosso and Paraná). The populations studied showed low diversity within populations, with estimates of the Shannon index (I) ranging from 0.0094 to 0.1054 and estimates of Nei\'s gene diversity (He) ranging from 0.0054 to 0.0668. However, when evaluated together, the populations showed substantially higher diversity estimates (I = 0.3869, He = 0.2556). The molecular analysis of variance (AMOVA) indicated that most of the diversity was found among populations (?ST = 0.933). Both principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and the cluster analysis using Neighbor-Joining method indicate the existence of five distinct groups, without mixing of individuals from different populations in the same group. The Bayesian analysis performed by the program Structure corroborated the results obtained in the cluster analysis and PCoA. However, a substructure was observed for the Campus da ESALQ (SP) population, suggesting a lack of gene flow between even very small distances. No significant correlation estimated by the Mantel test between the genetic and geographic distances of specimens was found. The results suggest predominant self-fertilization and vegetative reproduction, however it does not exclude the possibility of outcrossing. The distribution of genetic diversity in populations of the invasive orchid O. maculata can be understood as the result of the interaction of several possible reproductive strategies with its history of colonization involving possible genetic bottlenecks, genetic drift, selection pressures and multiple introductions.

Submitted by isabela.moljf@hotmail.com (isabela.moljf@hotmail.com) on 2017-05-26T13:27:23Z No. of bitstreams: 1 rodrigosallesdecarvalho.pdf: 3755534 bytes, checksum: 1bc9b732ab1b1a7ff6f830b8eafa2ab5 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2017-05-26T15:10:55Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 rodrigosallesdecarvalho.pdf: 3755534 bytes, checksum: 1bc9b732ab1b1a7ff6f830b8eafa2ab5 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-26T15:10:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 rodrigosallesdecarvalho.pdf: 3755534 bytes, checksum: 1bc9b732ab1b1a7ff6f830b8eafa2ab5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-04-19 / A presente Dissertação de Mestrado em Ecologia Aplicada ao Manejo e Conservação de Recursos Naturais tem por objetivo principal discutir as bases teóricas da ética ambiental relacionando-a à situação prática de conflito referente à presença de calitriquídeos (sagüis) introduzidos na área de Mata Atlântica do Estado do Rio de Janeiro reservada ao programa de conservação do mico-leão-dourado (outro calitriquídeo). Foi realizado um estudo extenso abordando o pressupostos dos princípios éticos e das correntes atuais da ética ambiental – antropocentrismo, sencientismo, biocentrismo e ecocentrismo – onde foram levantados seus aspectos característico e seus pontos convergentes e discrepantes. Os resultados deste estudo foram relacionados com uma pesquisa etnológica feita com os principais tomadores de decisão referente às opções de manejo dos sagüis, no sentido de revelar os possíveis pontos discordantes e facilitar um encaminhamento ético de questões valorativas originadas dentro do contexto da pesquisa científica. O contraste entre os valores morais encontrado nas respostas iluminados à luz das teorias abordadas mostra a importância de uma discussão aprofundada neste sentido e a relevância deste tipo de pesquisa dentro do contexto científico. / This study has as its main goal to explore the theoretical fundaments of the environmental ethics connecting it with the actual concern about two species of marmosets (Callithrix spp.) introduced in the Atlantic Rain Forest, a Golden lion tamarin’s (Leotopithecus rosalia) conservation area. A comprehensive research was made on the ethical principles of the main environmental ethics theories – anthropocentrism, sencientism, biocentrism and ecocentrism – highlighting their distinctive attributes as well as their convergent and divergent aspects. The results of this research were used as comparative ground to an ethnological research, made with the main stakeholders who are to decide which management attitude to take directed to the marmosets populations, and the major concern was to revel existing gaps, divergences and convergences in a way to increment this scientific research with an ethical support to its emerging value issues. Some discrepancies between the stakeholders’ moral considerations reveled through the light of the related ethical theories showed the necessity of a deeper discussion over this subject and the relevance of this kind of approach as a complement to technical issues on empirical science.

This study is a multidisciplinary approach to Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) where predictive models have been developed regarding the current distribution and potential spread of two invasive species found in Baltic Sea waters. Invasive species in the Baltic have long been an ecological and economic problem and the two species studied are well known for their adaptability in colonization and detrimental effects on local ecology all over the world. First, the Round Goby (Neogobius Melanostomus) has been steadily colonizing the Swedish Baltic coastline since 2008, the impact of which on local ecosystems is not fully understood. Also, the Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir Sinensis), found in Swedish waters since the 1930’s, has been known to be a robust invader of ecosystems but presence in the Baltic is still not well explained. Four high spatial resolution models have been developed, three respective Round Goby and one for Mitten Crab. Two models are specific to the Blekinge/Hanöbukten region of the Swedish Baltic Sea coast, showing predicted current distribution of Round Goby. Two are predictions of Round Goby and Mitten Crab transferred or projected to other regions, with different approaches in setting model parameters and choosing variables, showing current and potential distribution. This study features: exploratory data analysis and filtering using GIS tools, highly discriminant environmental variable selection and rejection, and several different approaches to modelling in Maxent using custom and default settings. Predictive maps have been developed showing current distribution and potential spread as well as explanatory tabular data outlining direct and indirect drivers of species presence. Maxent has proven to be a powerful predictive tool on a regional basis, and proximity to introduction locations play a major role. Maxent, used in combination with spatial data modelling, exploration and filtering techniques has yielded a valid explanatory model as well. Transferring predictions to other regions is quite sensitive, however, and can depend heavily on species, sampling strategy and similarity of habitat type. Round Goby predictions were successfully created regionally and transferred to Stockholm, but Mitten Crab predictions were not successfully transferred to Blekinge.

Forecasting the potential range of invasive species is a critical component for risk assessment, monitoring, and management. However, many of these invasive species are not yet at equilibrium which can be problematic for many modelling approaches. Using the climate matching method, MaxEnt, a series of species distribution models (SDMs) and risk analysis maps were created for select apple snail species in Florida: Pomacea canaliculata, P. diffusa, and P. maculata. Apple snails, freshwater gastropods in the family Ampullariidae, are native to South America and were introduced to the United States via the pet trade approximately 40 years ago. These highly invasive species have already been introduced in ten states and established in at least seven. The models and risk analysis in this study show the majority of Florida was at least moderately suitable for all apple snails modeled, with P. maculata posing the greatest threat.

Pterois volitans and Pterois miles, two species of lionfish from the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, have become prolific invaders of reef, hard bottom, mangrove, and sea grass habitats along the United States Atlantic coast and Caribbean. Their route and timing of introduction is poorly understood. However, historical sightings and captures have been robustly documented since their introduction. This study presents an in-depth analysis of these records based on spatial location, dates of arrival, and physical factors present at capture sights. A stage map was created showing the progression of the invasion as a series of current-driven and proximity-based recruitment periods based on the observed invasion pattern. Using a model that was developed for this study, the relationship between depth, salinity, temperature, and current was examined, finding the latter to be the most influential parameter for transport to new areas. Temperature and extreme depth are perceived as the only limiting factors in the invasion. This predictive model can be applied to other species and locations.

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are biological pollutants that cause detrimental ecological, economic, and sociological effects on non-native communities. With increasing globalization through maritime trade, coastal ports are vulnerable to AIS introductions transported by commercial vessels. As Cuba’s Port Mariel becomes a competitive transshipment hub within the Caribbean, it is essential to identify the potential threat that AIS may pose with a likely increase in shipping activity. It is equally important to understand the status of established AIS in Cuba and control measures presently being implemented by the country. This information can provide guidance for establishing or improving Cuban AIS preventative and remedial actions. For this study, publically accessible information was used to conduct threat assessments of present and potential AIS in Cuba and to identify feasible international donors of AIS due to trade with Port Mariel. Fifteen species were identified as established Cuban AIS, eight of which were associated with harmful impacts to the environment, economy, and human health. Only one established AIS, Perna viridis (the Asian green mussel), was recorded as having repeated, negative influences in Cuba. Regional trade partners of Port Mariel were identified as the most likely donors of AIS due to ecological similarity and minimal voyage duration between countries. These trade partners also represented the busiest ports and transshipment hubs in the wider Caribbean region and, therefore, could expose Port Mariel to ‘stepping-stone’ invasions. Five species associated with international trade partners were identified as potentially detrimental to Cuba if introduced into Port Mariel. There were no significant differences between the salinity and temperature tolerances of the AIS already established in Cuba and the possible AIS of concern, suggesting that these potential invaders could survive the environmental conditions of Port Mariel and subsequently become established throughout Cuba. The results presented herein are a preliminary assessment of AIS threats in Cuba and emphasize the importance of prioritizing AIS prevention and management. This study also establishes a baseline inventory of potential AIS in Cuba and a methodology that can be followed for future analyses outside of the study region.