The Ross Sea polynya is characterized by high spatial and temporal variability and by an annual cycle of sea ice retreat, water column stratification, large phytoplankton blooms, and months of complete darkness. This region is also highly susceptible to increasingly changing climatic conditions that will significantly affect the hydrography, iron supply, primary production patterns and carbon cycling. This project focused on analyzing how differences in photosynthetic traits between the two major bloom-forming functional groups in the polynya, diatoms and the prymnesiophyte Phaeocystis antarctica, and investigate if these differences can explain their dominance and succession. The study was conducted as part of the Controls on Ross Sea Algal Community Structure (CORSAC) program during two cruises in December 2005-January, 2006, and November-December, 2006. A fast repetition rate fluorometer (FRRF) was used to assess photochemical efficiency on natural phytoplankton assemblages and on monoclonal cultures. Measurements were made on cultures to determinate differences in photorecovery kinetics, as well on a suite of experiments performed to test the effects of temperature, iron, CO2 and micronutrients had on natural assemblages. In addition, FRRF measurements were made on 1,182 discrete samples representative of 98 profiles collected over the two cruises. Phaeocystis antarctica consistently photorecovered faster than the diatoms Pseudo-nitzschia sp., indicating different photosynthetic strategies and ecological niches; in addition, temperature and iron significantly promoted photosynthetic quantum yields, indicating a diffuse iron limitation of the natural assemblages used for the experiments and a high susceptibility to forecasted temperature increases in the region. Experiments also demonstrated that the Ross Sea phytoplankton is capable of maintaining high photosynthetic capacity after extensive periods in the dark. The dominance and successions in the blooms appears to be controlled by a combination of hydrography and in particular by the relative depths of the mixed layer and euphotic zone, as well by the water temperatures and possibly by iron concentrations. Diatom-dominated blooms were found in shallow mixed water layers characterized by higher temperature and fresher waters in the summer in the western part of the polynya, while Phaeocystis antarctica prevailed in colder regions with deeper mixed layer depths in the eastern part of the polynya. The dominance in the bloom significantly affected the relative macronutrient drawdown. Photosynthetic characteristic of natural assemblages were also modeled based on variable fluorescence rapid light curves (RLCs), and photophysiological differences were found between diatoms and Phaeocystis antarctica, with the latter having higher Ek and lower functional absorption cross sections (sigmaPSII) and alpha values, but similar maximum electron transport rates (ETRs). Lastly, correlation between RLC-based modeled photosynthetic rates and 14C based primary production presented some discrepancies due to limitations and differences in methodologies.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are hypothesized to have been key players in facilitating thetransition from aquatic to terrestrial plants and continue to benefit plants through their symbioticassociation after 450 million years. These fungi form mycelia that can contain hundreds of nucleiwithin one aseptate cytoplasm, which leads to the ongoing debate on whether thesemultinucleated fungi are homokaryotic or heterokaryotic. Not only is there evidence to supportthe hypothesis of the nuclei as genetically identical, but also the other hypothesis of divergentnuclei within a single strain. There has been no evidence of sexual reproduction, howeverspecialized genomic regions specific to meiosis and a putative mating-type (MAT) locus haverecently been identified and may help answer the ongoing debate between homokaryosis andheterokaryosis. In this study I applied de novo genome assembly and annotation of 24 individual nuclei from asingle spore of Claroideoglomus candidum. The full length of the de novo genome assembly was87.6 Mb with 17,542 genes. Estimated polymorphism between the nuclei was very low. Iidentified the MAT locus in C. candidum, using a previously sequenced MAT locus fromanother congeneric species. Only one of the MAT locus alleles was found in the examined spore.The evidence points towards homokaryosis as the genetic organization of Claroideoglomuscandidum.

This study documents the timing of seasonal events and associated changes in body weights of Uinta ground squirrels (Spermophilus armatus) that live at three different altitudes. The investigation provides detailed field data for biologists investigating circannual rhythms and hibernation in the laboratory. Ground squirrels aroused and subsequently emerged from hibernation in an overlapping sequence: adult males first, followed by adult females, yearling females and yearling males. Within limits some climatic condition(s) delayed emergence and increased the over lap in emergence sequence. The duration of seasonal activities above ground averaged about 90 days for adult and yearling squirrels. Juveniles were active above ground for 60-70 days. Each summer, adult males and adult and yearling females immerged into estivation-hibernation about the same date. Yearling males immerged later and juveniles immerged last. Adult and yearling squirrels gained body weight rapidly except for brief periods during reproduction. Males began to gain weight after the breeding season. Female weights started to increase immediately after emergence but leveled off during lactation. Juveniles gained weight steadily after emergence from the natal burrow. Mean body weights of squirrels leveled off late in the active season. Seasonal activities and changes in body weights of Uinta ground squirrels were shifted back 6 weeks in time at higher elevations. The annual cycle of Uinta ground sqUirrels appeared to be the result of an interaction between an endogenous timing mechanism and the immediate environmental conditions. Arousal from hibernation occurred about the same date each year and was probably under endogenous control. After arousal, exogenous factors acted to shorten or lengthen subsequent phases in the annual cycle. Later arousal of squirrels at high altitudes indicated that endogenous timing mechanisms of the species are entrained to the enVironmental conditions encountered at the respective altitudes.

Learning from mother begins early in the developmental process and can have lifelong effects when it comes to forage preferences. Recent research suggests that mothers are a powerful and positive influence before birth. Pregnancy is not an incubation period buy a staging period for well-being and disease later in life. Better understanding the developmental processes which take place in utero and the effects they have later in life may help us create management plans that utilize grazing animals to their full potential as landscape manipulators. Using in utero and early-life programming as a management tool is a relatively new concept, but offers a faster approach than genetic selection to respond to environmental contingencies in the short-term. Experiences in utero and early in life may have marked effects on the ability of herbivores to consume toxin-containing plants such as sagebrush. This is because environmental experiences cause epigenetic alterations in consumers which are translated into neurological, morphological, and physiological changes that influence foraging behavior. This change in behavior can reduce the competitive ability of toxin-containing plants in the community and allow for greater primary production and diversity. However, information regarding herbivores' exposure early in life to plant toxins and their subsequent physiological and behavioral responses is limited. Moreover, no information is available on early life experiences to toxin-containing shrubs like sagebrush and their subsequent influence on feeding behavior by herbivores. Thus, the objective of my research was to explore how experience in utero and early life with sagebrush affected intake of and preference for sagebrush by sheep later in life.

The vegetation of Canyonlands National Park, Utah, has been described from 157 samples located throughout the Park. Species frequency, density and cover were recorded along with measurements of soil thickness, slope, aspect, elevation and geologic substrate at each site. Measurements of soil texture, pH, and electrical conductivity were taken for a representative subsample. A map of the vegetation of the Park was made by relating the sample points to their corresponding spectral signatures on vertical aerial photographs and locating boundaries between vegetation units by means of changes in photo signatures. Vegetation in these arid to semi-arid environments appears to be strongly related to particular combinations of regolith thickness, bedrock composition and depth to water table. Elevation and slope exposure control vegetation patterns to a much smaller extent. Vegetational units are distinct, and can be readily visualized. The six units mapped, in order of relative importance, (area covered) were: blackbrush, juniper-pinyon woodlands, semi-desert grasslands, sagebrush-fourwing saltbush shrublands, salt-desert shrublands and riparian tall shrublands. These vegetational units are related to specific combinations of environmental factors. Boundaries between units are sharp vegetationally and environmentally. Moisture availability appears to be the key factor, but effective soil moisture is largely controlled by regolith/bedrock relationships. Grasslands predominate at all elevations where regolith is over 50 cm in thickness and there is no access of plant roots to the water table. Regolith that is uniformly thinner than 50 cm supports vegetation dominated by blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima). Sandy areas that provide immediate root access to the water table support thickets of Salix, Tamarix, and other riparian shrubs. Shrublands dominated by Atrinlex canescens and Artemisia tridentata occur on thicker sand deposits with seasonal root access to capillary water. Where competent bedrock is exposed and joints are developed, Pinus edulis, Juniperus osteosperroa and various upland shrubs dominate. Several species of Atrinlex dominate the salt-desert shrublands where clayey shales crop out. Historical grazing use by domestic livestock has altered the composition and cover in grasslands, chiefly in the southern part of the Park. Elsewhere, grassland modification is slight because of more difficult access. other vegetation types have experienced less obvious changes. The many abandoned roads within the Park date chiefly from extensive mineral exploration in the early 1950's. Secondary succession on these disturbed areas is extremely slow.

The effects of different daily temperature regimes and food availability on growth rates of Colorado squawfish (Ptychocheilus lucius) were determined using field and laboratory experiments. Daily temperature and food gradients were observed in river backwaters (important nursery habitat for juvenile Colorado squawfish). High fluctuating temperatures (+- 5-8 C) were observed daily in the shallow, terminal ends of backwaters. Where backwaters were in contact with the river (mouth), daily temperature fluctuations decreased (+- 2 C). Food availability also varied spatially between the mouth and end of each backwater. To test whether Colorado squawfish growth rates varied in different areas of backwaters along these gradients, a series of cage experiments was performed. Cages were placed in each backwater at the end (high temperature fluctuation), middle (moderate temperature fluctuation), and mouth (low temperature fluctuation). Colorado squawfish growth rates were significantly higher near the mouth of the backwater where temperatures were more constant. In laboratory aquaria, Colorado squawfish growth rates were observed at three different temperature regimes, similar to those found in backwaters (+-0, +-3, and +-7 C). As with field experiments, growth rates were high in the low fluctuating temperature treatment; however, they were not significantly different from the highly fluctuating temperature treatment. Behavioral observations of Colorado squawfish movement performed using a large (5 m x 1 m x 0.5 m) Plexiglas tank with a temperature regime similar to that found in backwaters suggested that Colorado squawfish spent the majority of their time in the deeper part of the tank where the least amount of temperature fluctuation occurred.

Wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) are a persistent problem that threaten public safety and can negatively affect wildlife populations. Wildlife crossing structures in combination with wildlife exclusion fencing can significantly reduce WVC rates. However, these measures can become ineffective if access roads that bisect fencing to not include barriers to deter animals from entering the highway. My objectives were to: 1) evaluate the relative effectiveness of barriers currently used to exclude mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) from highways, and 2) determine whether cattle guards augmented with segments of electrified pavement could reduce wildlife intrusions through fence openings. Currently, transportation departments are seeking innovative methods to cost-effectively upgrade, augment, or replace cattle guards with barriers capable of reducing wildlife access to transportation infrastructure. In chapter 2, I evaluated the effectiveness of existing wildlife barriers at access roads in Utah. I placed camera traps at 14 vehicle access points in wildlife fencing equipped with one of five different barrier designs. Double cattle guards (two adjoining cattle guards) and wildlife guards (steel grates) were > 80% effective in excluding deer. In contrast, electrified mats (plastic planks with embedded electrodes), standard cattle guards, and cattle guards without excavations were80% effective in excluding deer and >95% effective in excluding elk (Cervus canadensis) from wildlife exclosures constructed in a natural area. However, when installed in the road surface in front of an existing cattle guard, a segment of electrified pavement (0.91-m-wide) was 54% effective in preventing deer intrusions into the fenced highway corridor. Electrified pavement appears to have potential as an effective tool to reduce ungulate access to roadways and other protected areas. However, to fully assess the viability of this emerging technology for use in excluding wildlife from highways, results from ongoing long-term monitoring at replicated in-road installations are needed.

This study examines the influence of atmospherics on consumer perceptions of service quality, merchandise price, and merchandise quality influencing behavioral intentions in an outlet mall environment. The research design was a survey method and data were collected through a mall intercept questionnaire. A pilot test of the instrument was conducted with 43 subjects. The final questionnaire contained 30 items and a demographic section. A total of 586 questionnaires were collected from three different outlet malls. The results indicated that the atmospheric variables and the human variable of crowding are related to consumer’s perceptions of the service quality, merchandise price, and merchandise quality at an outlet mall. However, the atmospheric variables and the human variable of crowding were determined to not have a significant relationship to consumer behavioral intentions at the outlet mall. Other findings indicate that the consumer perception of service quality was determined to be significantly related to consumer behavioral intentions. However, the consumer perceptions of merchandise price and merchandise quality at the outlet mall were determined to not have a significant relationship with consumer behavioral intentions. Managerial and theoretical implications are discussed along with future research suggestions.

This correlational and descriptive study synthesizes previous research regarding the impact of work ethic on job satisfaction when moderated by demographics, work dynamics, and occupational choice. Data from a sample of both exempt and non-exempt workers working at a Japanese-owned manufacturing plant was used to explore the relationship between the levels of job-satisfaction and work ethic reported by workers in various job categories and working environments. The sample consisted of 462 individuals who were identified using a stratified sampling of equal size. The study obtained responses from 328 workers through a respondent and non-respondent survey, representing 70% response rate. The researcher concluded that the 66 non-respondents could be included in the statistical analysis without prejudice toward the OWEI instrument; however, special attention should be given to any findings involving the JSS subscale Fringe Benefits due to differences between respondents and non-respondents. Specials examination was also given to the demographic variables of age and country. The researcher employed two robust tests, Wilks’s Lambda and Pillai’s Trace, to mitigate differences between respondents and non-respondents. Exempt workers made up 46.6% of the sample, and non-exempt workers represented 53.4%. The researcher used the Pearson r and the Multiple Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) in analyzing data. The OWEI and JSS instruments showed an overall positive, by low though significant correlation. Differences were identified between exempt and non-exempt workers in various job categories. This study should be of value to human resource practitioners interested in improving the level of job satisfaction among varied work groups.

Temperate zone bats are subject to serious energetic constraints due to their high surface area to volume relations, the cost of temperature regulation, the high metabolic cost of flight, and the seasonality of their resources. To my knowledge, there are no individual-based mathematical models for any bat species. The model developed here for a female bat is primarily based on life history and energetics. It describes the growth of an individual female bat using a system of differential equations modeling the dynamics of two main compartments: storage (lipids) and structure (proteins and carbohydrates). The model is parameterized for the little brown bat, Myotis lucifugus, because of information available on energy budgets and changes in body mass throughout its life history. However, with appropriate modifications the conceptualization might be applied to other species of bats with similar life histories. The dynamic estimates of daily energy budgets resulting from the model reasonably compare to previous estimates obtained through different methodologies. Sensitivity analysis using statistical screening design techniques identifies the individual parameters driving the model output and indicates the individual characteristics that might play an important role in survival, reproduction, and consequently in population dynamics. The individual model is used to test hypotheses related to strategies used by temperate bats to meet their energy demands. A complete corroboration of the model is not possible due to the lack of a data set independent of that used to construct and calibrate the model. The individual model is integrated into a structured population model. Characteristics of the individuals determine the structure and, subsequently the dynamics of the population. This methodology uses and integrates the information on bat biology and physiology that has been collected primarily at the individual level. Survival and reproductive rates estimated from simulated populations under varying density dependence are comparable to those reported in the literature for natural populations of M. lucifugus. The population model provides insight into possible regulatory mechanisms of bat population sizes and dynamics of survival and extinction. A better understanding of population dynamics can assist in the development of management techniques and conservation strategies, and to investigate stress effects.