Thesis (M.A.)--Carleton University, 1988. / Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

No description available.

Cichlids are among the most species rich and ecologically diverse families of freshwater fishes. Life history attributes vary greatly among cichlids across their global range, and in the Neotropics alone studies have revealed a great deal of diversity in cichlid ecology, morphology and behavior. This study investigated the habitat use, diet, and ecomorphology of an assemblage of cichlids in the Upper Bladen River, Belize. Mesohabitats, including riffles, runs, deep pools, vegetated areas and adjacent streams, were surveyed and snorkeled, and physicochemical and habitat variables were measured at each site where cichlids were observed or collected. Between 12 and 65 stomachs of each cichlid species were analyzed for diet composition. In addition, traditional morphometrics were completed on five individuals of each species in order to investigate the relationships between morphology, diet, and habitat use. The present study revealed patterns of trophic and morphological diversity consistent with a hypothesis of resource partitioning in accordance with adaptive divergence in morphological traits that influence ecological performance. The Bladen cichlid assemblage has one algivore with a long, coiled gut (Archocentrus spilurus), one piscivore with an elongated body and highly protrusbile jaws (Petenia splendida), two substrate sifters that feed extensively on benthic invertebrates (Astatheros robertsoni and Thorichthys meeki), one midwater invertebrate feeder ('Cichlasoma' salvini), and one large-bodied, trophic generalist (Vieja maculicauda). Species in this assemblage display divergent ecological patterns supported by morphological and behavioral adaptations that yield a degree of diet and habitat segregation. The present study provides not only basic ecological data essential for effective conservation, but also evidence of niche diversification within a local assemblage of heroine cichlids that will be useful for ecological and evolutionary analyses at larger scales of taxonomy, geography, and time.

The current research takes place at La Milpa, the third largest Maya center in Belize, Central America. The primary aim of this research was to investigate the development and function of "palace" courtyard complexes within Maya centers. More specifically, this research chronicles transformations in the built environment and activities taking place, particularly rituals, in the Los Pisos Courtyard from the Late Preclassic to the Late/Terminal Classic periods (400 B.C.-A.D. 900). Consequently, an attempt to correlate shifts in the built environment with changing sociopolitical fields and ritual practice was engaged. The role of agents in the construction and use of the built environment is of particular importance to the study of Maya monumental architecture. Therefore, the incorporation of social theories of structure and agency were employed in order to create a dialogue between the built environment and the people of La Milpa. This research project explored how the Los Pisos Courtyard developed in concert with the central precinct and its role within the La Milpa community. Excavations conducted by the author coupled with LaMAP (directed by Drs. Norman Hammond and Gair Tourtellot) excavations revealed that during the Late Preclassic period the Los Pisos Courtyard and Plaza A were cleared and leveled as the central precinct began to take form. During this time it is argued that the 3 m natural hillock on which the Los Pisos Courtyard rests was an open space used for ritual activity and community engagement. By the Early Classic period, a massive construction program occurred and the courtyard began to take its present configuration. The most significant change occurred during the Late/Terminal Classic period, when colossal construction efforts took hold of the entire site. Through monumentality and verticality, the Los Pisos Courtyard became an exclusive and segregated space designated for the most important inhabitants of La Milpa. Although the Los Pisos Courtyard became an exclusive locale, it may have remained an important symbol that served as a mnemonic device used to invoke memories that legitimated the power and authority of the elite. / text

No description available.

Bats were collected in Belize, Central America during the summers of 1972, 73, 75, and 76. A variety of collecting techniques were utilized but most success was obtained with mist nets and capturing by hand at roostsites. The majority of the bats were collected between 15 June and 12 July on Glenwood Farm located on the Sibun River, Belize District, Belize (17017' N, 88°33' W)A total of 108 bats including 13 species representing 5 families was collected on Glenwood Farm. In the family Emballonuridae three species, R'gvnchonycteris naso,,Saccouteryx,bilineata, and Balantio-oteryx io, were collected. The six species belonging to the family Phyllostomatidae Glossophaga,soriciria, Carollia brevicauda,, Carollia, perspicillata,, Sturnira lilium, Artibeus phaeotis, Artibeus lituratus.. Desmodus rotundus was the only member of the family Desmodontidae collected. In the family Vesroertilionidae two species, Myotis,keaysi and Eptesi.cus,furinalis,, were collected. Only one species of the family Nolossidae, Molossus,molcasus, was collected.Eighteen bats of five species were collected in mist nets. All but one of these species, D. rotundus, were frugivorous. An additional 90 bats of 7 species were collected at various roostsites, two caves, a fig tree, and the farmhouse. All but one of these bat species were insectivorous. The exception was G. soricina, a frugivorous species, which was the only species represented in both the mist net and the roostsite samples. Collected specimens had a sex ratio of 68 males to 40 females or 1 male:0.6 female. Classified by age they represented 83 adults (55 males, 28 females) and 25 juveniles (13 males, 12 females).Body and skull measurements were taken from the adults. Ectoparasites were removed and identified. The reproductive morphology and histology were described for all specimens. The reproductive condition of species was discussed. In addition, published data on Neotropi-cal bat reproduction were compiled and correlated to determine annual patterns for the various species and families.The influence of phylogenetic relationships, food habits, climate, and vegetation were considered in the discussion of the reproductive patterns exhibited by the various species collected. The reproductive patterns identified in this study were monestrous and seasonal polyestrous.Adult specimens of all species collected between 15 June and 12 July showed signs of reproductive activity. The monestrous pattern, having one estrus per year, was found in the insectivorous S. bilineata and M. molossus. A seasonal polyestrous pattern, having more than one estrus per year with a definite anestrus period, was found in the insectivorous B. io and the frugivorous G. soricina and C. brevicauda.of each species was discussed. In additon to the G. soricina collected on Glenwood Farm, 10 adult females were collected in a small cave near Augustine, Cayo District. Three of these females were lactating but none were pregnant. Of eight specimens examined, five had multiovular follicles in one or both ovaries. Biovular, triovular, and tetraovular follicles were present. One binucleated oocyte was present indicating that the probable source of the multiovular follicles was due to an abnormal mitotic division of the oocyte.A complete maternal colony of M. malossus individuals was captured in the attic of the farmhouse on Glenwood Farm. The colony consisted of an adult male, 10 lactating females, 1 subadult male, 4 juvenile males, and 5 juvenile females. A colony of adult males was discovered in one corner of the farmhouse only a short distance away from the maternal colony.New records of bat species for the country of Belize include: B. io, Peropteryx,kanpleri (family Mormoopidae), and R. tumida,(family Vespertilionidae). A single P. kappleri,female was taken from a small cave near Augustine, Cayo District. A R. tumida female was collected in an insect sweepnet at Blancaneaux Dodge, Cayo District, and two pregnant females were collected at Mile 30, Western Highway, Belize District. The latter were taken from a hollow tree stump. These R. tumida specimens represent the first records of this species from the mainland of Belize.

This study examines the evolution of preschool, primary and secondary education in Belize for the period 1816 to 1994 in relation to access, quality, effectiveness and efficiency in the use of available resources. Qualitative analysis of documentary evidence and interviews with 40 Belizean educators was combined with quantitative analysis of enrollment and other statistics. The data collected identified the major development milestones including compulsory attendance for primary students, the Primary School Leaving Certificate, the Belize National Selection examination for primary students, the Caribbean Examination Council examinations for secondary students and local teacher training. Major continuing issues include: lack of proper planning, inadequate human and financial resources, shortages of qualified teachers, high dropout rates, irrelevant curricula, and imbalance between rural and urban educational opportunity. This study concludes that although preschool, primary and secondary education has expanded, much still remains to be done to provide equal access, and improve its quality, effectiveness and efficiency.

Tesis abogado--Facultad de derecho y ciencias sociales--México--Universidad nacional autónoma de México, 1947. / Notes bibliogr. Bibliogr. p. 89-90.

No description available.

No description available.