Thesis--Auburn University, 2009. / Abstract. Includes bibliographic references.

Thesis (PhD.(Anatomy)--Faculty of Health Sciences)-University of Pretoria, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.

The stratigraphy of an archaeological site is fundamental to the understanding of that site's history of occupation, use and abandonment. Archaeological stratigraphy is subject to a variety of post-depositional processes that may damage or destroy this stratigraphy. This work focuses on one such process, faunalturbation, i.e. the process of mixing by animals. The effects of the invertebrate soil mesofauna, in particular earthworms, were studied in this work. Three archaeological sites were investigated using faunal surveys, thin section micromorphology, 137CS profiling, field recording and determinations of pH, loss on ignition, bulk density and particle size distribution. This study views faunalturbation as a system and attempts to delineate and confirm the relationships within that study. The results demonstrate that soil properties such as loss on ignition and pH have some effect on the populations of soil invertebrates and on the intensity and distribution of faunalturbation, but that there are likely to be other factors which also have a significant influence. Two models of the possible impact that invertebrate faunalturbation has on archaeological stratigraphy are advanced and tested, with one being found to be more accurate. This model posits that the most rapid and complete impact on archaeological stratigraphy is found to occur in the uppermost region of an archaeological site, with significant but lesser impact occurring more slowly in the deeper part of an archaeological site. Where a site has accumulated in an episodic fashion, there may be zones at depth within an archaeological site which have had all stratigraphic units completely reworked by invertebrate faunalturbation.

Thesis (M.S.)--Mississippi State University. Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

The aim of the study was to determine the consequences of elephant (Loxodonta africana) impact on selected nesting sites of avian fauna and other species in the Associated Private Nature Reserves. The study also aimed at answering key questions on how the architecture of trees influence nest site suitability and what landscape features affect nest site location. Furthermore the type of impact that elephants have on specific nesting sites was determined and how this would affect the short term persistence of these trees. The facillitatory role of elephants was examined by looking at the type of impact that produces gum exudants as well as what gum is selected for by primates and whether primary branch breaking may lead to the creation of nesting sites for species such as the southern ground hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri). / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)

The aim of the study was to determine the consequences of elephant (Loxodonta africana) impact on selected nesting sites of avian fauna and other species in the Associated Private Nature Reserves. The study also aimed at answering key questions on how the architecture of trees influence nest site suitability and what landscape features affect nest site location. Furthermore the type of impact that elephants have on specific nesting sites was determined and how this would affect the short term persistence of these trees. The facillitatory role of elephants was examined by looking at the type of impact that produces gum exudants as well as what gum is selected for by primates and whether primary branch breaking may lead to the creation of nesting sites for species such as the southern ground hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri). / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)