A literature review shows that qualitative dichotomies describing interspecific differences in the movement patterns of foraging animals are widely-used and biologically important, but fraught with ambiguity. Consistent use of the terminology from foraging theory and stronger quantification are proposed to increase clarity and facilitate more rigorous tests of hypotheses. Greater consideration of intraspecific variation is also needed. In forest bird and lizard communities, move-frequency distributions are bimodal, supporting a dichotomous view, but there is important variation within the statistical modes. Fish species with more red muscle are more mobile than species with less red muscle, but the frequency distribution of the proportion of red muscle does not match subjective, dichotomous classifications. A quantitative field investigation of foraging young-of-the-year brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) reveals significant individual differences in movement patterns that are more strongly related to microhabitat use and diet, than to morphological and environmental parameters thought to influence swimming capability.

The backwards swimming behavior exhibited by American weakly electric fishes (Gymnotiformes) is thought to be an important component of foraging, particularly in the electrolocation of prey items. Previous studies of Eigenmannia virescens and Apteronotus albifrons have shown that backwards swimming appears to allow a fish to scan a potential prey item across its cutaneous electroreceptor array, then put itself in position for a short, forward lunge preceding ingestion. Adult gymnotiforms exhibit considerable variation in size, shape, and electric organ characteristics. For example, gymnotiforms produce either a wave or a pulse electric organ discharge (EOD). Given this variation, we ask whether the results reported previously can be completely generalized to all gymnotiforms. To address this question we observed the foraging patterns of phylogenetically and ecologically distinct gymnotiforms: three wave species, E. virescens, A. albifrons and Sternopygus macrurus; and three pulse species, Gymnotus carapo, Brachyhypopomus cf. brevirostris, and Rhamphichthys rostratus. Electric organ placement and body shape were also noted in these species to determine if morphological differences correlate with variations in foraging behaviors. Results demonstrate that following prey detection the wave species examined primarily swim backwards during prey approach, prior to lunging forward and ingesting prey. This result is similar to previous findings. In contrast, the pulse species examined detect, approach, and ingest prey primarily in the forward direction, swimming backwards only to reposition themselves. / Department of Biology

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Texas, May, 2007. / Title from title page display. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--College of William and Mary. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Nevada, Reno, 2008. / "December, 2008." Includes bibliographical references. Online version available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.S. in natural resource sciences)--Washington State University, May 2009. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on May 21, 2009). "Department of Natural Resource Sciences." Includes bibliographical references (p. 19-24).

Thesis(M.S.)--Auburn University, 2006. / Abstract. Includes bibliographic references (p.51-52).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1997. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 49-50). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1997. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 49-50). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, Riverside, 2009. / Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references. Issued in print and online. Available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations.