Malaise traps are a common tool for collecting insects used by many researchers. Although there have been variations in the models and materials used for Malaise traps, the potential for sampling bias due to mesh gague has been explored inadequately. This study compared coarse and fine mesh Townes model Malaise traps in two habitats on the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The two habitats next to the Lick Wash trailhead were defined by dominant vegetation type – sagebrush and grasses or Piñon-Juniper. We collected from three sites per habitat type, over three consecutive days in June in both 2006 and 2007. A pair of Malaise traps consisting of one coarse mesh and one fine mesh trap were used at each site in order to compare differences in the diversity and in the average size of individuals collected by each type of Malaise trap. We measured diversity using both presence-absence data such as richness scores and Jaccard's Index of Similarity, and abundance-based measures of comparison, including Simpson's Index of Diversity and non-metric multidimensional scaling. We identified all individuals according to Order, and because of our interest in flies and their abundance, we further identified the Dipter ta to the Family level. Average insect size was determined by categorizing individuals according to one of 14 distinct size-classes. In sum, 71 samples totaling approximately 62,500 insects were identified and sized. Because we sampled from two adjacent habitats, we also discuss beta diversity across the sample sites. Although mesh-size appears to have a significant effect on the diversity of the catch according to some tests, not all of our analysis agrees. In addition, the gain in the amount of diversity collected by incorporating both mesh-sizes may not be worth the costs of that kind of sampling. Other means of collection may adequately make up that difference. Habitat on the other hand was a clear marker for difference in diversity. Size was not found to be significant overall, but there still may be reasons to examine the effect of mesh-size with respect to the Hymenoptera.

Les écologistes reconnaissent depuis longtemps que les organismes sont soutenus par le flux, l’emmagasinage et le renouvellement d’énergie et de matériel de l’écosystème, puisqu’ils sont nécessaires au métabolisme biologique et à la construction de biomasse. L’importance des organismes dans la régularisation des processus écosystémiques est maintenant de plus en plus considérée. Situé au centre des chaînes trophiques aquatiques, le zooplancton influence les flux d’énergie et de matériel dans les écosystèmes. Plusieurs de leurs caractéristiques sont connues comme étant de bons indicateurs de leur effet sur l’environnement, notamment leur taille, contenu corporel et taux métabolique. La plupart de ces caractéristiques peuvent être appelées « traits fonctionnels ». Alors que l’emploi des traits devient de plus en plus populaire en écologie des communautés aquatiques, peu ont su utiliser cette approche afin de concrètement lier la structure des communautés zooplanctoniques aux processus écosystémiques. Dans cette étude, nous avons colligé les données provenant d’une grande variété de littérature afin de construire une base de données sur les traits du zooplancton crustacé contribuant directement ou indirectement aux flux de C, N et P dans les écosystèmes. Notre méta-analyse a permis d’assembler plus de 9000 observations sur 287 espèces et d’identifier par le fait même ce qu’il manque à nos connaissances. Nous avons examiné une série de corrélations croisées entre 16 traits, dont 35 étaient significatives, et avons exploré les relations entre les unités taxonomiques de même qu’entre les espèces marines et d’eaux douces. Notre synthèse a entre autres révélé des patrons significativement différents entre le zooplancton marin et dulcicole quant à leur taux de respiration et leur allométrie (masse vs. longueur corporelle). Nous proposons de plus une nouvelle classification de traits liant les fonctions des organismes à celles de l’écosystème. Notre but est d’offrir une base de données sur les traits du zooplancton, des outils afin de mieux lier les organismes aux processus écosystémiques et de stimuler la recherche de patrons généraux et de compromis entre les traits. / Ecologists have long recognized that organisms are sustained by the flux, storage and turnover of ecosystem energy, which fuels biological metabolism, and material, used to construct biomass. Over the past three decades, the importance of individual organisms in regulating ecosystem processes, such as consumer-driven nutrient cycling, has been increasingly recognized. Occupying a central position in aquatic food webs, zooplankton are known to influence other trophic levels and exert a strong influence on energy fluxes or material processing in ecosystems. Several species’ characteristics have been pointed out as being good indicators, or predictors, of the effect of zooplankton on their environment, including individual body size, corporal stoichiometry and specific physiological rates. Most of these characteristics can also be termed “functional traits”. While the use of traits has recently gained popularity amongst aquatic community ecologists, few have applied this approach to concretely link zooplankton community structure to ecosystem processes. In the present study, we compiled data from a wide variety of literature to construct a database of crustacean zooplankton species and their traits contributing directly or indirectly to C, N or P ecosystem fluxes. Our literature search yielded over 9000 empirical observations on 287 different species and thereby allowed identification of knowledge gaps in the literature. We explored trait relationships amongst taxonomic units and between marine and freshwater habitats. Of all cross-correlations tested among 16 zooplankton traits, 35 were significant, with most traits being related to body mass. Our synthesis revealed significantly different patterns between freshwater and marine zooplankton respiration and allometry (body mass vs. length). We propose a novel trait classification scheme according to both organismal and ecosystem functions. Our goal is to provide a database for zooplankton functional traits, tools to link organisms to ecosystem processes, and to promote a search for general patterns and trade-offs amongst traits.

Introdução: O nascimento de recém-nascidos pré-termo tardios (RNPT-T), geralmente tratados como \"quase termo\", vem aumentando nas últimas décadas. Vários fatores são atríbuídos à sua etiologia e contribuem para aumentar as taxas de morbimortalidade perinatal e infantil. Atualmente se dispõe de poucos estudos sobre esses recém-nascidos, especialmente sobre o seu crescimento. Objetivos: Analisar o crescimento de RNPT-T nos seis primeiros meses de idade corrigida. Métodos: Estudo observacional, analítico de uma coorte de 64 RNPT-T, coletados nos quatro maiores hospitais de Cuiabá, entre janeiro e setembro de 2013 e acompanhados até 6 meses de idade corrigida. Os dados foram coletados ao nascer, às 40 semanas, 3 e 6 meses de idade corrigida. Foram realizadas análises de correlação entre os parâmetros antropométricos perímetro braquial (PB) e prega cutânea tricipital (PCT) em função dos índices antropométricos PB/PC (perímetro cefálico), peso/comprimento (P/C) e Índice de Massa Corpórea (IMC) e realizada regressão linear múltipla. Resultados: Ao nascimento, 81,3% foram classificados como adequados para a idade gestacional, com a média de peso de 2343,80g ± 430,50. Todos os recém-nascidos apresentaram crescimento contínuo nos seis meses de idade corrigida para os valores de peso, comprimento e perímetro cefálico (PC). Já os valores médios de PCT, de PB/PC e de IMC não mostraram diferença aos 6 meses de idade corrigida. Todos os coeficientes de correlação (r) dos parâmetros PCT e PB em relação aos índices antropométricos apresentaram significância estatística, sendo os valores mais altos para PB versus PB/PC e P/C e menores para PB versus IMC. No modelo final da regressão linear múltipla da PCT, o PB/PC contribuiu significantemente para predizer o depósito de gordura ao nascimento, às 40 semanas e aos 3 meses de idade corrigida (33,8%%, 46,07% e 18,08% respectivamente); aos 6 meses o melhor preditor foi a razão P/C (10,45%). O melhor preditor para o PB foi o PB/PC, que permaneceu no modelo com valores de 73,71%% em todos os tempos avaliados. Conclusão: Os parâmetros peso, comprimento, perímetro cefálico e perímetro braquial e a relação P/C aumentaram nos quatro tempos de aferição, enquanto o PCT e as relações PB/PC e IMC não se modificaram do primeiro para o segundo trimestre e o PB/PC foi o melhor preditor do depósito de gordura subcutânea tricipital (PCT) e de massa gorda e muscular (PB) / Introduction: The birth of newborns late preterm (RNPT -T), usually treated as \"near term\", has been increasing in recent decades. Several factors are attributed to its etiology and contribute to increased rates of perinatal and infant morbidity and mortality. Currently there are few studies of these newborns, especially about their growth. Objectives: To analyze the growth pattern of late preterm infants from birth to six months of corrected age. Methods: This cohort study included 64 RNPT-T, in four major hospitals in Cuiabá, between January and September 2013 and followed until 6 months corrected age. Data were collected at birth, at 40 weeks, 3 and 6 months corrected age. Correlation analyzes between anthropometric parameters mid- arm circumference (MAC) and triceps skinfold (TS) on the basis of anthropometric indices MAC / HC (head circumference), weight / length (W / L) and body mass index (BMI) were performed multiple linear regression. Results: At birth, 81.3 % were classified as appropriate for gestational age, with the average weight of 2343.80 ± 430.50 g. All newborns had a continuous growth in the six months corrected age for the values of weight, length and head circumference (HC). The average value of TS values of MAC / HC and BMI showed no difference at 6 months of corrected age. All correlation coefficients (r) of the TS and MAC parameters in relation to anthropometric indices showed statistically significant, with the highest values for MAC versus MAC / HC and W / L and lower for MAC versus BMI. At the end of the TS model of multiple linear regression, the MAC / HC contributed significantly to predict the deposition of fat at birth, at 40 weeks and at 3 months\' corrected age (33.8 %, 46.07 % and 18.08 % respectively); at 6 months was the best predictor of the ratio W/ L (10.45%). The best predictor for the MAC was the MAC / HC, which remained in the model with values of 73.71 % at all evaluated times. Conclusion: The parameters weight, length, head circumference and arm - circumference and the ratio W / L increased in the four times of measurement, while the TS and MUAC / HC relations and BMI did not change from the first to the second quarter and MAC / HC was the best predictor of subcutaneous fat deposit triceps (TS) and fat and muscle (MAC) mass

Introdução: O nascimento de recém-nascidos pré-termo tardios (RNPT-T), geralmente tratados como \"quase termo\", vem aumentando nas últimas décadas. Vários fatores são atríbuídos à sua etiologia e contribuem para aumentar as taxas de morbimortalidade perinatal e infantil. Atualmente se dispõe de poucos estudos sobre esses recém-nascidos, especialmente sobre o seu crescimento. Objetivos: Analisar o crescimento de RNPT-T nos seis primeiros meses de idade corrigida. Métodos: Estudo observacional, analítico de uma coorte de 64 RNPT-T, coletados nos quatro maiores hospitais de Cuiabá, entre janeiro e setembro de 2013 e acompanhados até 6 meses de idade corrigida. Os dados foram coletados ao nascer, às 40 semanas, 3 e 6 meses de idade corrigida. Foram realizadas análises de correlação entre os parâmetros antropométricos perímetro braquial (PB) e prega cutânea tricipital (PCT) em função dos índices antropométricos PB/PC (perímetro cefálico), peso/comprimento (P/C) e Índice de Massa Corpórea (IMC) e realizada regressão linear múltipla. Resultados: Ao nascimento, 81,3% foram classificados como adequados para a idade gestacional, com a média de peso de 2343,80g ± 430,50. Todos os recém-nascidos apresentaram crescimento contínuo nos seis meses de idade corrigida para os valores de peso, comprimento e perímetro cefálico (PC). Já os valores médios de PCT, de PB/PC e de IMC não mostraram diferença aos 6 meses de idade corrigida. Todos os coeficientes de correlação (r) dos parâmetros PCT e PB em relação aos índices antropométricos apresentaram significância estatística, sendo os valores mais altos para PB versus PB/PC e P/C e menores para PB versus IMC. No modelo final da regressão linear múltipla da PCT, o PB/PC contribuiu significantemente para predizer o depósito de gordura ao nascimento, às 40 semanas e aos 3 meses de idade corrigida (33,8%%, 46,07% e 18,08% respectivamente); aos 6 meses o melhor preditor foi a razão P/C (10,45%). O melhor preditor para o PB foi o PB/PC, que permaneceu no modelo com valores de 73,71%% em todos os tempos avaliados. Conclusão: Os parâmetros peso, comprimento, perímetro cefálico e perímetro braquial e a relação P/C aumentaram nos quatro tempos de aferição, enquanto o PCT e as relações PB/PC e IMC não se modificaram do primeiro para o segundo trimestre e o PB/PC foi o melhor preditor do depósito de gordura subcutânea tricipital (PCT) e de massa gorda e muscular (PB) / Introduction: The birth of newborns late preterm (RNPT -T), usually treated as \"near term\", has been increasing in recent decades. Several factors are attributed to its etiology and contribute to increased rates of perinatal and infant morbidity and mortality. Currently there are few studies of these newborns, especially about their growth. Objectives: To analyze the growth pattern of late preterm infants from birth to six months of corrected age. Methods: This cohort study included 64 RNPT-T, in four major hospitals in Cuiabá, between January and September 2013 and followed until 6 months corrected age. Data were collected at birth, at 40 weeks, 3 and 6 months corrected age. Correlation analyzes between anthropometric parameters mid- arm circumference (MAC) and triceps skinfold (TS) on the basis of anthropometric indices MAC / HC (head circumference), weight / length (W / L) and body mass index (BMI) were performed multiple linear regression. Results: At birth, 81.3 % were classified as appropriate for gestational age, with the average weight of 2343.80 ± 430.50 g. All newborns had a continuous growth in the six months corrected age for the values of weight, length and head circumference (HC). The average value of TS values of MAC / HC and BMI showed no difference at 6 months of corrected age. All correlation coefficients (r) of the TS and MAC parameters in relation to anthropometric indices showed statistically significant, with the highest values for MAC versus MAC / HC and W / L and lower for MAC versus BMI. At the end of the TS model of multiple linear regression, the MAC / HC contributed significantly to predict the deposition of fat at birth, at 40 weeks and at 3 months\' corrected age (33.8 %, 46.07 % and 18.08 % respectively); at 6 months was the best predictor of the ratio W/ L (10.45%). The best predictor for the MAC was the MAC / HC, which remained in the model with values of 73.71 % at all evaluated times. Conclusion: The parameters weight, length, head circumference and arm - circumference and the ratio W / L increased in the four times of measurement, while the TS and MUAC / HC relations and BMI did not change from the first to the second quarter and MAC / HC was the best predictor of subcutaneous fat deposit triceps (TS) and fat and muscle (MAC) mass

The hand has the highest surface area-to-volume ratio of any body part. This property offers the potential for the hand to serve an important function in thermoregulation through radiative heat loss. Theoretically, the capacity for heat loss may be influenced by hand and digit proportions, but the extent to which these proportions influence the hand's radiative properties remains under-investigated. Although hand morphology is highly constrained by both integration and functional dexterity, phenotypic variation in hand and digit proportions across human populations shows broad ecogeographic patterns. These patterns have been associated with climate adaptation. However, the theory linking climate adaptation to such ecogeographic patterns is based on underlying assumptions relating to thermodynamic principles, which have not been tested in vivo. This study sought to determine the influence of hand and digit proportions on heat loss from the hands directly, the additional anthropometric factors that may affect this relationship, and the impact of variation in hand proportions on dexterity in the cold. The relationship between hand proportions and thermoregulation was tested through both laboratory-based investigation and a field study. The laboratory investigation assessed the relationship between hand proportions and heat loss, the influence of body size and composition on this relationship, and the effect of morphological variation on manual dexterity. Participants (N=114; 18-50 years of age), underwent a 3-minute ice-water hand-immersion. Thermal imaging analysis was used to quantify heat loss. Hand and digit proportions were quantified using 2D and 3D scanning techniques; body size and composition were measured using established anthropometric methods and bio-impedance analysis. After accounting for body size, hand width, digit-to-palm length ratio, and skeletal muscle mass were significant predictors of heat loss from the hand, whilsthand length and fat mass were not. A separate set of participants (N=40) performed a Purdue pegboard dexterity test before and after the immersion test, which demonstrated that digit width alone negatively correlated with dexterity. The field study tested whether phenotypic variation in upper limb proportions could be attributed to cold adaptation or selection for dexterity in living populations exposed to significant energetic stress. Upper limb segment lengths were obtained from participants (N=254; 18-59 years of age), from highland and lowland regions of the Nepalese Himalayas using established anthropometric methods, and relative hand proportions were assessed in relation to severe energetic stress associated with life at high altitude. Relative to height, hand length and hand width were not reduced with altitude stress, whilst ulna length was. This indicates that cold adaptation is not shaping hand proportions in this case, although phenotypic variation in other limb segments may be attributed to cold adaptation or a thrifty phenotype mechanism. The current study provides empirical evidence to support the link between surface area-to-volume ratio, thermodynamic principles and ecogeographical patterns in human hand morphology. However, this research also demonstrates the complexity of the hand's role in thermoregulation; not only do other factors such as muscularity affect heat loss from the hand, but hand morphology is also highly constrained by integration and dexterity.

Although musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and other health complaints are an occupational problem for ambulance personnel, there is a lack of knowledge regarding work-related factors associated with MSDs and other health complaints. The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate the relationships between occupational demands, individual characteristics and health-related outcomes among ambulance personnel. A random sample of 234 female and 953 male ambulance personnel participated in a national questionnaire survey on work-related factors, and musculoskeletal and other health complaints. Physical demands was associated with activity limitation due to neck-shoulder and low-back complaints among the female personnel. Among the male personnel, physical demands was associated with low-back complaints and activity limitation due to low-back complaints. Psychological demands was significantly associated with neck-shoulder complaints, sleeping problems, headache and stomach symptoms among both female and male ambulance personnel. Worry about work conditions was associated with musculoskeletal disorders and sleeping problems, headache and stomach symptoms. A local sample of 26 ambulance personnel was followed during a 24-hour work shift and for the next two work-free days. Subjective stress- and energy levels, and cortisol levels were measured at regular intervals, and heart rate was registered continuously by electrocardiogram (ECG). Autonomic reactivity to standardized tests before (pre-work) and at the end of the work shift (post-work) was also investigated. For the whole group, baseline values of heart rate were higher pre-work than post-work, but autonomic reactivity did not differ. Increased reactivity to the mental test, modest deviation in heart rate variability (HRV) pattern during the late night hours at work and higher morning cortisol values during work than during leisure time were observed in personnel with many health complaints, but not among their co-workers without or with few complaints. Ambulance personnel with many health complaints also reported higher psychological demands and tended to be more worried about work conditions. Heart rate (HR), lactate level (LL) and perceived exertion (RPE) were investigated in 17 female and 48 male ambulance personnel during a simulated standardized work task “carry a loaded stretcher”. The ambulance personnel had to carry the loaded stretcher (920 N) up and down three flights of stairs twice. The high physiological strain (HR, LL, RPE) for the male, and near or at maximal strain for the female ambulance personnel, implied the importance to identify what kind of physical capacity is most important for ambulance personnel. Therefore, the explained variance of developed fatigue by tests of cardiorespiratory capacity, muscular strength and endurance, and coordination was investigated. The results showed that VO2max and isometric back endurance were important predictors for development of fatigue when carrying a loaded stretcher. The influence of body size on the relationships between maximal strength and functional performance was investigated in a methodological study. The results confirm that the assessment of physical performance could be confounded by the body weight. Therefore, the models for explaining development of fatigue when carrying the loaded stretcher were adjusted for height and weight. Including height in the models significantly increased the explained variance of accumulated lactate among female, but not among male personnel. Lactate levels were higher among short compared to tall female personnel. Weight had no effect on any of the models. In conclusion, the national survey showed that self-reported physical demands was a risk factor of having MSDs, and that self-reported psychological demands and worry about work were important risk factors of having MSDs and other health complaints. Stress monitoring of ambulance personnel during work and leisure time showed that physiological and subjective stress markers did not show any differences between the 24-hour ambulance work shift and leisure time afterwards. However, ambulance personnel with many health complaints had certain physiological changes during the work shift in comparison with the next two work-free days. The physiological and subjective responses during carrying a loaded stretcher, especially among the female ambulance personnel, showed that female and male ambulance personnel could be exposed to internal exposures at different levels when performing the same work task. A better understanding of the relationships between occupational demands and health-related outcomes require further studies on age- and gender matched groups in long-term perspective studies.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-23T13:47:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Giovanni Ribeiro Loiola.pdf: 928388 bytes, checksum: 78051849b34ce27fbc12468e5563d739 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-02-22 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Heteragrion consors Selys (Odonata: Megapodagrionidae) é uma espécie de libélula que habita riachos em matas fechadas. Machos permanecem pousados em poleiros as margens de córregos, enquanto fêmeas adquirem parceiros e visitam locais de oviposição. A variação diária da abundância de machos e da temperatura ambiental, o orçamento temporal dos machos; o comportamento reprodutivo e sistema de acasalamento da espécie, a distribuição espacial dos machos e hipóteses de que o comportamento (pousado inerte, pousado flexionando o abdômen, voo de deslocamento, voo de forrageio e voo agonístico) e tamanho corporal dos machos afetam a permanência e mobilidade em poleiros preferenciais e determinam estratégias territoriais distintas foram investigadas. Para alcance dos objetivos, incluindo testes de hipótese, uma população de H. consors foi monitorada por 40 dias na Reserva Biológica de Duas Bocas, Espírito Santo, registrando-se o comportamento de 152 indivíduos, localização no ambiente e tomando-se medidas corporais de 63 indivíduos. A espécie apresenta tolerância térmica limitada a alta incidência de radiação solar e recorre a poleiros sombreados nos horários mais quentes do dia, evitando o aquecimento corporal excessivo. Analisando-se 35 horas de amostragem comportamental, machos permanecem pousados e inertes a maior parte do tempo ( x =98,17%, DP= ± 7,58%), utilizando o mesmo poleiro por vários dias consecutivos ( x =4,06 dias; DP= ± 4,08; amplitude=1-20 dias), raramente realizando voos de deslocamento ( x =0,16%; DP= ± 0,85%), forrageio ( x =0,58%; DP= ± 1,06%) e agonístico ( x =0,34%; DP= ± 2,48%); ou acasalamentos (0,4 acasalamentos/dia). O macho permanece em contato com a fêmea em tandem précopulatório ( x =4,55 minutos; DP= ± 5,13; n=27,3 minutos), cópula ( x =15,98 minutos; DP= ± 7,13; n=79,9 minutos) e guarda pós-copulatória com contato ( x =10,07 minutos; DP= ± 7,8; n=40,3 minutos) de longa duração, evitando a perda do sucesso reprodutivo e competição espermática com rivais. As características comportamentais investigadas e o tamanho corporal não exerceram influência sobre a capacidade de monopolização de pontos específicos no ambiente, embora machos com tamanho corporal menor frequentem poleiros mais altos (r=-0,3; P=0,01; n=135). Não foi possível dissociar diferentes estratégias territoriais com base nas características comportamentais investigadas e tamanho corporal dos machos, mas conflitos aéreos e permanência no mesmo poleiro por vários dias podem significar territorialidade. A seleção sexual (intrasexual e intersexual) aparentemente opera em intensidade baixa na espécie, que apresenta baixo grau de dimorfismo sexual. O sistema de acasalamento não se baseia na monopolização de recursos pelos machos, consistindo em um sistema de acasalamento por encontro limitado, com encontros raríssimos entre machos e fêmeas e disponibilidade abundante de locais oviposição. O impacto da longevidade dos machos sobre o sucesso reprodutivo merece investigação futura, pois tende a ser característica influente na aquisição de parceiras, havendo maior vantagem para machos que vivam mais e explorem maior número de eventos reprodutivos extremamente raros. A abundância de fêmeas, gordura e simetria corporal dos machos, características do substrato submerso nos segmentos com poleiros e a velocidade da corrente hídrica também são variáveis que podem definir a permanência dos machos em um mesmo poleiro e a visitação de fêmeas, merecendo também futuras pesquisas / Heteragrion Consors Selys (Odonata: Megapodagrionidae) is a species of dragonfly inhabits streams in dense forests. Males remain resting perches on the banks of streams, while females acquire partner and visit places of oviposition. The daily variation of the abundance of males and ambient temperature, the time budget of males, the reproductive behavior and mating system of the species, the spatial distribution of males and assumptions that behavior (perching inert, perching flexing the abdomen, transition flight, foraging flight and agonistic flight) and body size of males affect retention and mobility in preferred roosts and determine distinct territorial strategies were investigated. To achieve these goals, including hypothesis tests, a population of H. Consors was monitored for 40 days in Duas Bocas Biological Reserve, Espírito Santo, southeastern region of Brazil, registering the behavior of 152 individuals, location in the environment and taking body measurements of 63 individuals. The species has a limited thermal tolerance to high incidence of solar radiation and uses shaded perches in the hottest times of the day, avoiding excessive body heat. Analyzing the 35 hours of sampling behavioral male inert and remain resting most of the time ( x =98.17%, SD= ± 7.58%), using the same perch for several consecutive days ( x =4.06 days; SD= ± 4.08; range=1-20 days), rarely performing transition flights ( x =0.16%, SD= ± 0.85%), foraging flights ( x =0.58%, SD= ± 1,06%) and agonistic flights ( x =0.34%, SD= ± 2.48%), or mating (0.4 matings/day). The male remains in contact with the female pre-copulatory tandem ( x =4.55 minutes, SD= ± 5.13, n=27.3 minutes), copulation ( x =15.98 minutes, SD= ± 7.13, n=79.9 minutes) and contact post-copulatory guarding ( x =10.07 minutes, SD= ± 7.8, n=40.3 minutes) of long duration, avoiding the loss of reproductive success and sperm competition with rivals. Behavioral characteristics investigated and body size had no influence on the ability to monopolization of specific points in the environment, although males with smaller body size perches attend higher (r=-0.3, P=0.01, n=135). It was not possible to separate different spatial strategies based on behavioral characteristics investigated and body size of males, but air conflicts and stay on the same perch for several days can mean territoriality. Sexual selection (intrasexual and intersexual) apparently operates at low intensity in the species, which has a low degree of sexual dimorphism. The mating system is not based on the monopolization of resources by males, consisting of an encounter-limited mating system, with rare encounters between males and females and abundant availability of oviposition sites. The impact on the longevity of male reproductive success deserves further investigation, because it tends to be characteristic influential in acquiring partner, with greater advantage for males to live longer and explore more reproductive events extremely rare. The abundance of females, fat and body symmetry in males, characteristics of the substrate submerged in segments with perches and speed of the water current are also variables that can determine the permanence of males in the same perch and visitation of females, also deserves further research

Submitted by Marlene Santos (marlene.bc.ufg@gmail.com) on 2018-07-12T20:09:09Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - João Fabrício Mota Rodrigues - 2017.pdf: 7026938 bytes, checksum: bb5eb1fc81f363b414aa3c9e80fb3429 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2018-07-13T10:42:29Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - João Fabrício Mota Rodrigues - 2017.pdf: 7026938 bytes, checksum: bb5eb1fc81f363b414aa3c9e80fb3429 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-07-13T10:42:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - João Fabrício Mota Rodrigues - 2017.pdf: 7026938 bytes, checksum: bb5eb1fc81f363b414aa3c9e80fb3429 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-05-03 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Understanding the processes that shape the current distribution patterns of species is one of the main goals of Ecology. In this thesis, we aimed to understand which factors are related to the distribution of the turtle diversity, a group of ectothermic animals whose diversity patterns are still little known, over time and space. To that end, we used distribution data from continental chelonian species, as well as life history information (habitat type and body size), and reconstructed a phylogenetic hypothesis for the group using molecular data. Turtles had a burst of lineage diversification during the irradiation of the Emydidae family, which is probably linked to an event of ecological opportunity. In addition, aquatic animals had higher rates of diversification than terrestrial animals, which helps to explain the current greater diversity of aquatic animals. Turtle richness distribution along the continents is mainly influenced by climatic variables such as temperature and precipitation, but the time when lineages first colonized the continental regions also influences this pattern. Beta diversity among chelonian communities is mainly influenced by the geographical distance between communities, and communities from different biogeographic realms are structured by different drivers. Finally, body size diversity of turtles is also influenced by temperature, and small animals are more common in cold areas. / Compreender os processos responsáveis pelos padrões de distribuição atuais das espécies é um dos principais objetivos da Ecologia. Nesta tese, visamos entender quais fatores estão relacionados à distribuição da diversidade de quelônios, grupo de animais ectotérmicos cujos padrões de diversidade ainda são pouco conhecidos, ao longo do tempo e do espaço. Para esse fim, usamos dados de mapas de distribuição das espécies de quelônios continentais, além de informações de história de vida (tipo de hábitat e tamanho corporal), e reconstruímos uma hipótese filogenética para o grupo usando dados moleculares. O grupo dos quelônios apresentou uma explosão de diversificação durante a irradiação da família Emydidae, o que está provavelmente ligado a um evento de oportunidade ecológica. Além disso, animais aquáticos apresentaram taxas de diversificação mais elevadas que os animais terrestres, o que ajuda a explicar a maior diversidade de animais aquáticos atuais. A distribuição da riqueza de quelônios ao longo dos continentes é influenciada principalmente por variáveis climáticas tais como temperatura e precipitação, porém o intervalo de tempo desde o qual as áreas foram colonizadas também influencia nesse padrão. A diversidade beta entre as comunidades de quelônios é influenciada principalmente pela distância geográfica entre as comunidades, e comunidades de diferentes de domínios biogeográficos são estruturadas de modo diferenciado. Finalmente, a diversidade de tamanhos corporais dos quelônios também é influenciada pela temperatura, de modo que animais menores são mais comuns em áreas mais frias.

Nutritional quality and availability is thought to regulate geographic patterns of variability in animal body size due to phenotypic plasticity. The purpose of this study is to determine how vegetation quality, abundance and population density influence white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) body size on a subregional spatial scale at Fort Hood, Texas. Harvest and census records are used to test the hypothesis that white-tailed deer exhibit phenotypic plasticity (e.g. larger body size) in response to differences in vegetation quality and availability. Results from these analyses suggest that forage quality and abundance alone is not a main driver of white-tailed deer body size. Analysis of deer population density (generally) resulted in an inverse relationship with body size. Areas with high quality forage and low population density support larger deer while areas with low quality forage and high density support smaller than average deer. The few exceptions occur in areas exhibiting poor quality forage and low population density or high forage quality and high density. Results from this study suggest that continued overcrowding of deer within isolated areas may eventually lead to efficiency phenotypic conditions producing smaller sized deer. These results could prove useful in interpreting deer population responses to harvest management. For successful local management of deer, studies examining the combined influence of habitat variables (such as forage quality, abundance and population density) on deer health offer managers valuable information needed to establish annual harvest goals and understand deer-habitat relationships relative to carrying capacity.

The sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is widespread among animals but proximate mechanisms of its ontogeny are still poorly understood even in important groups of vertebrates such as reptiles. Previous experiments in geckos showed that growth of both sexes slows substantially at their older age. Their SSD develops considerably a long time after sexual maturity, it is associated with earlier growth deceleration in the smaller sex and it is controlled by ovarian rather than testicular steroids. The aim of the thesis was to explore the previous knowledge by studying the ontogenesis of the sexually-dimorphic bone growth of the gecko Paroedura picta, the male- larger species with the most explored proximate mechanisms of SSD among geckos. I was most interested in the ontogeny of the growth plates activity and the epiphyseal ossification of the femur in both sexes and their relationship to age, body length, gonadal activity and levels of sex-specific steroids (estradiol and testosterone). The results show that P. picta has determinate growth and that epiphyseal ossification does not contribute to the SSD. The femoral growth plates close at the same age in both sexes; however, their closure occurs at smaller body length in females than in males. In the context of this and the previous studies, estradiol or other...