Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2001. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 84-88). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2001. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 84-88). Also available on the Internet.

M.A. dissertation, University of Hong Kong, 1976.

Noting the inadequacies of existing IR theories to explain the security policies of states in the global south and the frequent intra-state conflicts there, this research demonstrates the analytical capacity of the insecurity dilemma as an alternative framework. The research develops the insecurity dilemma first and then applies it on the Chinese-Tibetan conflict. Over sixty years of violence and dialogue has brought the Chinese and the Tibetans no closer to a resolution of their conflict. The insecurity dilemma provides a nuanced understanding of the underlying reasons for this protracted conflict. This research argues that, conscious of its weakness as a state, which has implications for state, regime and ‘national’ security, China has pursued state-building through its policies on religion, language, education and economy in Tibet. Beijing has also denied the existence of a ‘Tibet Issue’ and rejected a number of Tibetan proposals for autonomy out of fears that they threaten their state-building project in Tibet. Conversely, Tibetan identity insecurity, generated by the Chinese policies, migration and cultural influences inside Tibet, explains both the Dalai Lama’s unpopular decision to give up his erstwhile aspiration for Tibetan independence as well as his steadfast demands for autonomy and unification of all Tibetans under one administration. Identity insecurity also drives the multi-faceted Tibetan resistance both inside Tibet and in the diaspora. Although the intentions of both Beijing and the Tibetans are to increase their respective securities identified above, the outcome is greater insecurity for both, plunging them into dilemmatic cycles of state-building and hardening of policies on the Chinese side and strengthening of identity and resistance on the Tibetan side. This study gives play to a multiplicity of actors, objectives and strategies on both sides and examines the feed-back effect that exists between the Sino-Tibetan conflict and the regional and global political strategic and ideological competitions.

The anuran fauna has been found to harbor substantial cryptic diversity, and chronic, low-level population declines in evolutionarily significant units can be masked by a lack of resolution on this diversity. Numerous species previously believed to be common and widespread have been found to represent cryptic species complexes consisting of distinct genetic lineages with restricted ranges. Most research on cryptic diversity has focused on high elevation areas because they usually harbor higher diversity and levels of endemism; thus cryptic diversity from lowland areas remains poorly understood. This study investigated the population divergence of the pearly-skinned floating frog (Occidozyga lima), a lowland wetland species broadly distributed throughout Southeast Asia and considered common throughout its range. I analyzed six DNA regions (Histone H3, Tyrosinase exon-1, 28S, 16S, ND1 and 12S; a total of 4,650 base pairs) to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships among populations. Morphometric analyses were conducted to test for morphological differentiation. Both genetic and morphological data revealed substantial lineage divergence in O. lima. I found that sympatric lineages are not sister lineages, a common feature of cryptic species complexes. The current status of O. lima as a single species should be rejected. Three candidate species were delineated based on 5% mitochondrial 16S genetic divergence. The name O. lima should be restricted to populations in the type locality, Java, Indonesia (candidate species I), and two new species should be assigned to populations from South China to Northern Indochina (candidate species II) and Southern Indochina to Myanmar (candidate species III). Resolving the widely-distributed species complex into three valid species requires reassessment of the IUCN conservation status. Given observed population declines in South China and Indonesia, the new species are likely to belong to a higher threat category. Species considered to be common and widespread are under-represented in current conservation planning because conservation priority has been biased toward rare and range-restricted species. Increasing evidence suggests that species whose populations are considered stable are declining at rates exceeding those of rare species. Using habitat availability as a proxy for their occurrence, it appears that the three clades are threatened to varying degrees because of habitat loss. Populations from South China and Indonesia are the most threatened due to massive development of lowland habitats. In addition, conversion of wet agriculture to permanent dry crops and the predicted increases in persistent droughts pose threats to amphibian populations in lowland habitats. The extirpated O. lima populations should be restored in Hong Kong by means of reintroduction. A study of the reproductive ecology of O. lima followed by experimental reintroduction is necessary to restore populations and may serve as a model for public education about amphibian conservation. Given the rapid decline of this species in South China, a reintroduction plan and resources to initiate a reintroduction are urgently needed. / published_or_final_version / Biological Sciences / Master / Master of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / History / Master / Master of Philosophy

No description available.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1990. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 377-397). / Microfiche. / xiii, 397 leaves, bound ill. 29 cm

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Michigan, 1975.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1976. / Also available in print.