Despite a thorough understanding of the proximate mechanisms that drive genetic diversity, we are still very poor at predicting the genetic diversity of natural populations. Understanding patterns of genetic diversity is important for many reasons, including predicting species' adaptation to climate change and predicting the spread of invasive species, but it is particularly important for species that are declining. This dissertation attempts to explain patterns in genetic diversity at multiple spatial scales across the range of the Northern Leopard Frog, Rana pipiens, which is declining across large portions of its range. Genetic diversity is often lower in edge populations than in central populations. Genetic diversity may be reduced in edge populations per se, or populations that occur at the edge of the species' range may have low diversity because they have recently expanded into new habitat and thus show signs of founder effects. In Chapter 2, we tested several alternative hypotheses to explain genetic diversity across the species' range, and to explain why some edge populations may not show reduced genetic diversity. We found that genetic diversity was reduced in edge populations relative to central populations, but was not reduced in populations in previously glaciated areas relative to previously unglaciated areas; therefore position at range edge had a stronger effect in reducing diversity than recent colonization of new habitat. We found that genetic diversity declined linearly towards the range edge in one of two transects from range center to range edge. We concluded that genetic diversity in this species is generally reduced by position at the range edge, but that this effect may differ among edges. In Chapter 3, we tested the hypothesis that eastern and western populations were genetically distinct. We found two distinct clades that introgress in some markers but are distinct and defined by narrow boundaries in the eastern Great Lakes region in others. We concluded that genetic diversity in the Mississippi River region was elevated by the introgression of descendants from two Pleistocene refugia. In Chapter 4, we analyzed genetic diversity within populations throughout Arizona to assess potential source populations for reintroductions. We also analyzed mitochondrial DNA to determine whether any populations contained genetic material not native to the region. Populations in one area had high genetic diversity and high gene flow among populations, but also contained evidence of introduction of eastern frogs. We conclude that supplementing genetic diversity in other populations with translocations from this area is not recommended.

This collection of two short stories and one novella seeks to express and embody concepts of narrative form and technique developed over the course of this graduate program with regards to the formulation of believable, nonrealist fictional realities in an American idiom which can enter into the global critical conversation of similarly-purposed international literature.

The pantherine lineage of cats diverged from the remainder of modern Felidae less than 11 million years ago. This clade consists of the five big cats of the genus Panthera, the lion, tiger, jaguar, leopard, and snow leopard, as well as the closely related clouded leopard, which diverged from Panthera approximately 6 million years ago. A significant problem exists with respect to the precise phylogeny of these highly threatened great cats. Within the past four years, despite multiple publications on the subject, no two studies have reconstructed the phylogeny of Panthera with the same topology, showing particular discordance with respect to sister-taxa relationships to the lion and the position of the enigmatic snow leopard. The evolutionary relationship among these cats remains unresolved partially due to their recent and rapid radiation 3-5 million years ago, individual speciation events occurring within less than 1 million years, and probable introgression between lineages following their divergence. We assembled a 47.6 kb dataset using novel and published DNA sequence data from the autosomes, both sex chromosomes and the mitochondrial genome. This dataset was analyzed both as a supermatrix and with respect to individual partitions using maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogeny inference. Since discord may exist among gene segments in a multilocus dataset due to their unique evolutionary histories, inference was also performed using Bayesian estimation of species trees (BEST) to form a robust consensus topology. Incongruent topologies for autosomal loci indicated phylogenetic signal conflict within the corresponding segments. We resequenced four mitochondrial and three nuclear gene segments used in recent attempts to reconstruct felid phylogeny. The newly generated data was combined with available GenBank sequence data from all published studies to highlight phylogenetic disparities stemming either from the amplification of a mitochondrial to nuclear translocation event, or errors in species identification. We provide an alternative, highly supported interpretation of the evolutionary history of the pantherine lineage using 39 single-copy regions of the felid Y chromosome and supportive phylogenetic evidence from a revised mitochondrial partition. These efforts result in a highly corroborated set of species relationships that open up new avenues for the study of speciation genomics and understanding the historical events surrounding the origin of the members of this lineage.

ABSTRACT The zebra shark Stegostoma fasciatum is an oviparous, demersal carpet shark that forms temporary aggregations and is distributed within shallow, coastal, subtropical and tropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific (IWP) region. The IWP region encompasses various densities of human habitation leading to differences in the levels of exploitation of chondrichthyan fishes, which are targeted for local consumption and export. This is reflected in the two current regional IUCN Red List classifications for zebra sharks of ‘Least Concern’ and ‘Vulnerable’. Despite the conservation concerns for zebra sharks in the vulnerable parts of their range, as well as importance within the ecotourism industry and collection for aquarium trade, little is known about this species in the wild. The aim of this thesis was to conduct the first intensive examination of population ecology in the zebra shark by: (i) investigating the population structure and environmental parameters associated with a relatively unexploited aggregation of zebra sharks in south-east Queensland, Australia; and (ii) investigating the genetic continuity between zebra shark populations in areas with differing levels of exploitation. To investigate the size and structure of the aggregation at the site The Group in south-east Queensland, photo-identification and mark-recapture methods were employed over a three year period (2003 - 2006). In total 327 individual zebra sharks were identified from 570 photographs. Numbered dart tags on 15 zebra sharks were used to confirm pigmentation patterns were unique and persistent in wild zebra sharks for up to 810 days. Pollock’s robust design resulted in an annual population estimate of 458 individuals (95% CI = 298 – 618). The mean number of zebra sharks observed on a single day was 8 (± 8 SE) and the maximum number of zebra sharks seen on a single day was 34. In total, 27% of the sharks were sighted in more than one summer aggregation period and males had greater re-capture probabilities than females. The aggregation consisted exclusively of large (>1800 mm total length) adults with an overall female sex bias of 3.8:1, though sex-ratios varied temporally. Passive acoustic telemetry techniques were employed to investigate the seasonality and residency of the sharks and the environmental parameters associated with their presence at the study site. Five VR2 acoustic receivers were deployed for a period of 21 months (December 2004 – August 2006) and recorded ten acoustically-tagged zebra sharks (seven females and three males). The sharks showed clear seasonality in their visitation patterns with greatest presence during the austral summer months of November through to February and no presence at all during the winter months from June through to October. However their presence did not coincide with peak water temperatures. Rather there appeared to be a critical minimum water temperature of approximately 22 ºC, above which zebra sharks would be present. The tagged zebra sharks displayed greater visitation during the calmest sea conditions. The sharks further displayed diel periodicity with greater during daylight hours, and may be using The Group as a resting site during the inactive diurnal period of the day. Complementing the ecological study on the aggregation, the population genetic structure of 180 zebra sharks from 13 locations throughout the IWP was investigated to test the concordance of IUCN zones with demographic units that have conservation value. A zebra shark specific microsatellite library was developed consisting of 14 polymorphic loci of which 13 were employed for the population genetic analysis along with mitochondrial ND4 sequence data. Mitochondrial and microsatellite data-sets from samples collected throughout northern Australia and south-east Asia concord with the regional IUCN classifications. However, evidence of genetic subdivision was found within these regions, including subdivision between locations connected by habitat suitable for migration. Further, parametric FST analyses and Bayesian clustering analyses indicated the primary genetic break within the IWP is not represented by the IUCN classifications but rather is congruent with the Indonesian throughflow current. This study has demonstrated that zebra sharks form a large, predictable, shallow coastal aggregation comprised entirely of mature adults as well as display high genetic subdivision in the Indo-West Pacific region with little to no recruitment into over-exploited populations from healthy populations. These findings indicate that, if zebra sharks form similar aggregations as that which occurs at The Group in regions of high fishing pressure then, without sufficient protection and management localised depletion and extirpation will eventuate for zebra shark populations in heavily-fished areas.

The presence of ultraviolet patterns on body, as well as perception of ultraviolet spectrum by special photoreceptors, is part of sensory ecology of many animal species, including reptiles. Most current research discusses the importance of ultraviolet signs in coloration of diurnal species. The aim of our study was to find out what character have the reflective signs in ultraviolet spectrum in overall coloration of common leopard gecko (Eubplepharis macularius) through a digital photography. The reflective pattern is present in both adults and juveniles and passes as well as the rest of the coloration by significant ontogenetic changes. Another aim was to evaluate the role of ultraviolet reflecting signs in the biology of this crepuscular-nocturnal species. We expect that the pattern contributes to their antipredatory strategies during their first few months of life, and also a white reflecting surface is preserved in adulthood, especially on their tail, which is differently coloured than the rest of the body.

Landscape genetic approaches allow to study effects of landscape to population microevolution. Landscape can influence gene flow even in large carnivores with good dispersal ability. Understanding the influence of landscape to the gene flow between populations is crucial for species conservation, especially in the species with low population densities. Aim of the study was to describe genetic structure of the grey wolf (Canis lupus) and snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in selected areas and to determine the influence of the landscape features on observed structure. Non-invasive genetic samples of snow leopard from Nepal were analysed, as well as invasive and non-invasive samples of grey wolf from Central Europe. Population structure was determined a posteriori using Bayesian clustering approaches that integrate genetic and geographical data, and compared to landscape connectivity models. Population structure of snow leopards is mostly influenced by human presence and presence of frequented roads, which represent a substantial dispersal barrier. Habitat suitable for this species is greatly restricted by altitude, however, during dispersal they are able to overcome areas with higher elevation than what is optimal for them. Pronounced genetic difference was found between central European and Carpathian...

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<p>Denna undersökning påvisar möjligheten att gradera verkan med stridsvagn 122 vid en insats i Sveriges insatsområde i Afghanistan. Hotbilden som råder gör att personalen måste ha ett gott skydd och möjlighet till verkan vilket stridsvagnen erbjuder. Tyngdpunkten i undersökningen ligger på modern 120 mm ammunition där Försvarsmaktens övningsammunition kan användas för att minska effekten i målet och på så sätt gradera verkan. På marknaden finns det ammunition som skulle komplettera redan befintlig ammunitionsportfölj framförallt på korta avstånd och då även med möjligheten att skjuta varningseld. Sekundärbeväpning (kulsprutor) på vagnen kan även den användas för att gradera verkan. Vidare finns det möjlighet att med rökkastarna verka med icke dödliga medel som tårgas och chockgranater då eskaleringen i en situation är låg. De olika vapensystem som undersökningen tar upp har värderats och placerats in i en eskaleringsmodell där lägsta nivån är att visa närvaro och högsta är verkanseld med flertalet vagnar.</p> / <p>The study indicates the possibility of obtaining scalable effects with Leopard 2A5 (S) in a mission in Sweden’s area of responsibility in Afghanistan. The threat that exists against the soldiers makes the ability to have good protection and possibility to obtain effect, which the Leopard 2A5 (S) offers, amust. The main part of the study stresses on modern 120 mm munitions in which the Swedish Armed Forces’ training munitions can be used to reduce the effect in a target and thus makes it a scalable effect. In the market there are munitions that would complement the existing portfolio of munitions, particularly at short distances, and with the ability to shoot warning shots. Secondary Armament (machine guns) on the tank can also be used to obtain a scalable effect. Furthermore, there is an opportunity to use the smoke launchers with non lethal means such as teargas and stun grenades when the level of escalation in a situation is low. The different weapon systems that is discussed in the study has been valued and placed into aescalation model where the lowest level is to show presence and the highest is fire for effect withmultiple tanks.</p>

Denna undersökning påvisar möjligheten att gradera verkan med stridsvagn 122 vid en insats i Sveriges insatsområde i Afghanistan. Hotbilden som råder gör att personalen måste ha ett gott skydd och möjlighet till verkan vilket stridsvagnen erbjuder. Tyngdpunkten i undersökningen ligger på modern 120 mm ammunition där Försvarsmaktens övningsammunition kan användas för att minska effekten i målet och på så sätt gradera verkan. På marknaden finns det ammunition som skulle komplettera redan befintlig ammunitionsportfölj framförallt på korta avstånd och då även med möjligheten att skjuta varningseld. Sekundärbeväpning (kulsprutor) på vagnen kan även den användas för att gradera verkan. Vidare finns det möjlighet att med rökkastarna verka med icke dödliga medel som tårgas och chockgranater då eskaleringen i en situation är låg. De olika vapensystem som undersökningen tar upp har värderats och placerats in i en eskaleringsmodell där lägsta nivån är att visa närvaro och högsta är verkanseld med flertalet vagnar. / The study indicates the possibility of obtaining scalable effects with Leopard 2A5 (S) in a mission in Sweden’s area of responsibility in Afghanistan. The threat that exists against the soldiers makes the ability to have good protection and possibility to obtain effect, which the Leopard 2A5 (S) offers, amust. The main part of the study stresses on modern 120 mm munitions in which the Swedish Armed Forces’ training munitions can be used to reduce the effect in a target and thus makes it a scalable effect. In the market there are munitions that would complement the existing portfolio of munitions, particularly at short distances, and with the ability to shoot warning shots. Secondary Armament (machine guns) on the tank can also be used to obtain a scalable effect. Furthermore, there is an opportunity to use the smoke launchers with non lethal means such as teargas and stun grenades when the level of escalation in a situation is low. The different weapon systems that is discussed in the study has been valued and placed into aescalation model where the lowest level is to show presence and the highest is fire for effect withmultiple tanks.

The aim of this thesis was to elucidate the role of carbonic anhydrase (CA) in the modulation of central pH/CO2-sensitive fictive breathing (measured using in vitro brainstem-spinal cord preparations) in leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) following exposure to chronic hypercapnia (CHC) and chronic hypoxia (CH). CHC caused an augmentation in fictive breathing compared to the controls (normoxic normocapnic). Addition of acetazolamide (ACTZ), a cell-permeant CA inhibitor, to the superfusate reduced fictive breathing in the controls and abolished the CHC-induced augmentation of fictive breathing. ACTZ had no effect on preparations taken from frogs exposed to CH. Addition of bovine CA to the superfusate did not alter fictive breathing in any group, suggesting that the effects of ACTZ were due to inhibition of intracellular CA. Taken together, these results indicate that CA is involved in central pH/CO2 chemoreception and the CHC-induced increase in fictive breathing in the leopard frog.