Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T20:16:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2007- Valeria Castilho Onofrio-01.pdf: 1096515 bytes, checksum: 2a3f7ffa9dd8714994722615b87f96c0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-03-07 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / Fifty nine tick species of the genus Amblyomma are known to occur in the Neotropical region. Of these, 47 species are exclusively Neotropical, 11 occur in the Nearctic region as well and only one is not endemic to the Americas. To date, 33 species were described from Brazil, of which only two are endemic. The genus presents a wide range of hosts, including most orders of mammals. Birds are frequently infested by the immature forms of some species. Amphibians and reptiles are also among the genus' hosts. In order to revise the genus Amblyomma in Brazil, the present study was divided into two chapters. The first includes the diagnosis of each species as well as an identification key, based on electron micrographs. The second chapter presents new information on the genus Amblyomma, including data on geographic distribution and hosts for each species. A few type specimens, deposited in Brazilian and foreign institutions were examined as well as material deposited in the main Brazilian collections. The data obtained was compared to that available in literature. Of those species for which DNA sequencing was carried out, A. auricularium and A. pseudoconcolor showed 98.3% identity between them. However, the latter species showed 88.8% similarity with A. pseudoconcolor deposited in GenBank. Thus, it is necessary to repeat the analyses using a larger number of ticks from different localities and until further studies are carried out A. auricularium and A. pseudoconcolor should be treated as separate species. The taxonomic status of A. nodosum and A. calcaratum as two distinct taxa was confirmed, since the identity between sequences was 89%. Similarly, the sequences of A. parkeri and A. longirostre were different, with 87% similarity confirming the validity of both species. Based on morphological characters and on molecular biology A. parkeri was separated from A. longirostre and A. geayi and its validity confirmed. The distribution range of A. auricularium was expanded, including the states of Tocantins, Piau? and Mato Grosso. The presence of A. cajennense was confirmed for Amazonas and Amap? was cited as a new record for this species. Amblyomma coelebs and A. dissimile were recorded for the first time from Roraima, A. dubitatum from Amazonas and A. naponense from Acre, Bahia, Tocantins and Esp?rito Santo. The states of Roraima and Amazonas were included in the distribution range of A. oblongoguttatum, and Paran? and Roraima in the distribution range of A. scalptutarum. The occurrence of A. ovale was confirmed from the state of Acre and A. triste from Mato Grosso do Sul. After many years, A. parkeri was again recorded from Brazil and it's distribution range expanded to the states of Rio de Janeiro and Paran?. The states of Esp?rito Santo, Sergipe and Tocantins were considered new locality records for A. rotundatum. The record of A. dissimile from Rio Grande do Sul was not considered since the host was already infested when it reached the state. The record of A. humerale from S?o Paulo was also not considered since the specimen was actually A. rotundatum. The occurrence of A. geayi in the state of Paran? was considered doubtful. / Na regi?o Neotropical, ocorrem 59 esp?cies de carrapatos do g?nero Amblyomma, das quais 47 s?o exclusivas, 11 ocorrem tamb?m na regi?o Ne?rtica e apenas uma n?o ? aut?ctone das Am?ricas. Atualmente no Brasil, existem 33 esp?cies descritas, das quais duas s?o end?micas. Neste g?nero, a variedade de hospedeiros ? grande, compreendendo a maioria das ordens de mam?feros. Aves s?o freq?entemente parasitadas pelas formas imaturas de algumas esp?cies. Anf?bios e r?pteis tamb?m est?o entre os hospedeiros deste g?nero. Com a finalidade de revisar o g?nero Amblyomma no Brasil, o presente estudo foi dividido em dois cap?tulos. O cap?tulo 1 ? composto pela diagnose de cada esp?cie e por uma chave de identifica??o, baseada em microscopia eletr?nica de varredura. O segundo cap?tulo teve por objetivos apresentar novas informa??es sobre o g?nero Amblyomma, acrescentando dados de distribui??o geogr?fica e de hospedeiros para cada esp?cie. Foram examinados alguns tipos depositados nas cole??es brasileiras e estrangeiras, assim como o material das principais cole??es brasileiras. Os dados obtidos foram comparados ?queles citados na literatura dispon?vel. Das esp?cies em que foi realizado o sequenciamento g?nico, A. auricularium e A. pseudoconcolor mostraram 98,3% de identidade entre si, por?m esta ?ltima esp?cie mostrou 88,8% de similaridade com A. pseudoconcolor depositada no GenBank. Dessa forma ? necess?rio repetir as an?lises, utilizando um n?mero maior de exemplares de carrapatos de diferentes localidades. Assim, at? que mais estudos sejam realizados A. auricularium e A. pseudoconcolor devem ser mantidas como esp?cies distintas. As esp?cies A. nodosum e A. calcaratum tiveram sua posi??o taxon?mica confirmada como dois t?xons distintos, uma vez que a identidade entre as seq??ncias g?nicas foi de 89%. Igualmente as seq??ncias de A. parkeri e A. longirostre foram diferentes apresentado 87% de similaridade confirmando a validade das duas esp?cies. Com base em caracter?sticas morfol?gicas e na biologia molecular, A. parkeri foi separada de A. longirostre e A. geayi e sua validade foi confirmada. A distribui??o geogr?fica de A. auricularium foi ampliada, incluindo os estados do Tocantins, Piau? e Mato Grosso. A presen?a de A. cajennense no Amazonas foi confirmada e o Amap? foi citado como um novo relato de localidade para esta esp?cie. Amblyomma coelebs e A. dissimile foram relatadas pela primeira vez para o estado de Roraima, A. dubitatum para o Amazonas e A. naponense para o Acre, Bahia, Tocantins e Esp?rito Santo. Para A. oblongoguttatum foram acrescentados os estados de Roraima e Amazonas, e para A. scalpturatum os estados do Paran? e Roraima. Foi confirmada a ocorr?ncia de A. ovale no estado do Acre e de A. triste no Mato Grosso do Sul. Ap?s muitos anos, A. parkeri foi novamente reportada para o Brasil e sua ?rea de ocorr?ncia ampliada com os registros para o Rio de Janeiro e Paran?. Os estados do Esp?rito Santo, Sergipe e Tocantins foram considerados novos relatos de localidade para A. rotundatum. O registro de A. dissimile para o Rio Grande do Sul foi desconsiderado, uma vez que o hospedeiro j? se encontrava parasitado quando chegou ao estado e o de A. humerale para S?o Paulo, tamb?m, pois se tratava de A.rotundatum. A ocorr?ncia de A. geayi foi considerada duvidosa para o estado do Paran?.

The American pika (Ochotona princeps) finds moderately warm temperatures (>25°C) lethally stressful, and at the end of the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago was forced to disperse to cooler, "sky island" mountaintops where they are almost exclusively found today. Thirty six subspecies are recognized, all established using morphological characters, and it is uncertain whether these subspecies' designations are corroborated by genetic analyses. This study elucidates three hypotheses regarding populations in Oregon and southern Washington: 1) O. p. fumosa constitutes a subspecies distinct form O. p. brunnescens, 2) the Columbia River constitutes a barrier to gene flow giving rise to two subspecies rather than the single subspecies O. p. brunnescens, and 3) populations in eastern Oregon ( O. p. jewetti and O. p. taylori) are genetically distinct from populations in the Cascade Range ( 0. p. brunnescens and O. p. fumosa).

The morning duet calls of eastern tarsiers (Tarsius spp.) in North Sulawesi were recorded and analyzed to examine the effects of geography and geologic history on their call structure. Tarsius species exhibit interspecifically variable duet calls shown to correlate with species differentiation and distribution. They are distributed across Sulawesi, a biogeographically complex island in the Indonesian archipelago, where tectonic activity and multiple glaciations during the Pleistocene generated and modified barriers to their dispersal and gene flow. Recordings were made at ten locations from November of 2012 through June of 2014. Two locations were categorized as mainland, while eight island locations were categorized as either shallow or deep, according to the distance and bathymetric depth separating them from the mainland. The first hypothesis was that tarsier calls on islands separated by depths of less than 130 meters would be more strongly correlated to calls found on the mainland than would the calls from islands separated by deeper water, due to dispersal and possible hybridizations during glaciations. There was a higher degree of similarity between the mainland locations and the shallow water islands than was found between the deep water islands and either shallow water islands or the mainland. The second hypothesis was that a stepping stone pattern of colonization would be evidenced in the acoustic structure of tarsiers from the Sangihe Arc, with each island showing vocalizations more similar to its immediate neighbors than to other islands. Since tarsiers were not found to be present on two of the islands, it was not possible to trace the entire arc as planned. It was found, however, that Sangihe (the largest island and the farthest north of the islands) was the most acoustically unique, as expected. Both genetic drift and environmental factors play a role in evolving animal communication, but I hypothesize that it is more likely the former at work in this case, as the habitats are similar, and I found no strong evidence of short term habitat adaptations or frequency partitioning. The spectral and temporal structure of the duet calls on the mainland and shallow water islands showed no clear geographical bias or patterns, suggesting that panmixia and hybridization during recurring glaciations may function in preventing subdivisions among the populations.

Hector�s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori) is an endangered coastal species endemic to New Zealand. Their distribution, like other marine organisms, is intertwined with the dynamics of their local habitats, and at a larger scale, the coastal waters around New Zealand. The main purpose of this thesis was to identify specific habitat requirements of this rare dolphin. Hector�s dolphin distribution around the South Island was quantified along several temporal and spatial scales. Large-scale density analyses of abundance surveys found over half of the South Island�s current population occurred within only three main regions. Two of these strongholds are along the west coast and the third is located around Banks Peninsula on the east coast. Smaller-scale analyses at Banks Peninsula found the majority of the dolphin community was preferentially using core regions within the marine mammal sanctuary. Monthly surveys showed that in summer and autumn statistically more dolphins occurred within inshore regions ([less than or equal to]one kilometre), spread throughout the surveyed coastline. From May through winter, dolphin densities rapidly declined. Remaining dolphins were significantly clumped in more offshore waters of eastern regions. The lowest encounter rates occurred between August and September. Certain 'hotspots' consistently had higher dolphin densities throughout the study period while others were preferred seasonally. To address habitat preferences, surveys simultaneously collected oceanographic samples using a CTD profiler. In general, physical variables of the Peninsula�s eastern and southeastern waters varied less, despite being regularly exposed to upwellings and the varied presence of sub-tropical waters. Semi-sheltered bays and shallow inshore waters were highly variable and more susceptible to spatially discrete influences, such as localised river outflows and exchange events. Several hydrographic features were seasonally predictable due to their dependence on climate. The stratification and location of the two dominant water masses (neritic and sub-tropical) accounted for over half of the temporal and spatial variability observed in oceanographic data. Possible relationships between oceanographic features and aggregations of dolphins within Banks Peninsula were examined using global regression and a spatial technique known as geographical weighted regression (GWR). GWR models out-performed corresponding global models, despite differences in degrees of freedom and increased model complexity. GWR results found relationships varied over localised scales that were concealed by global methods. Monthly GWR models suggested the seasonal presence and strength of local oceanographic fronts influenced dolphin distribution. Dolphin aggregations coincided with the steepest gradients between water masses along eastern regions of the Peninsula, and strong exchange events along the edges of the study area. The continued survival of this endangered species is contingent on its protection. Long-term monitoring programmes are needed for the three main strongholds identified in this study. The occurrence of Hector�s dolphin 'hotspots' along frontal zones within Banks Peninsula also suggests alternative and increased protection strategies are needed for this sanctuary to be effective. In light of this thesis� findings and based on marine protection research, future sanctuaries need to consider why Hector�s dolphins are preferentially using particular regions and how their association with certain oceanographic features can help make informed decisions on more appropriate protected areas.

Bibliography: leaves 176-189 / xiii, 223 leaves, [2] leaves of plates : ill. (2 col.) ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Zoology, 1987

Most ecologists work at scales where complexity is greatest ( i.e. local ), and it is not surprising, therefore, that we tend to be captivated by the description and explanation of local variation whilst being pessimistic about the existence of broader patterns. Using a character ( kelp morphology ) known for its local and unaccounted variation, the morphology of the canopy - forming algae Ecklonia radiata ( Phaeophyta ) was quantified across > 5000 km of temperate Australian coastline, ( i ) between different configurations of algal stand ( i.e. monospecific vs mixed - species stands ) and ( ii ) across multiple spatial scales. A key result was that despite variation at local scales ( km ), differences between stands became increasingly clear at broad scales ( 1000 ' s km ), which supports the idea that large - scale patterns can emerge from apparent stochasticity at small scales. Within each stand, regional scale differences in morphological characters were evident ( i.e. Western Australia = South Australia ≠ Eastern Australia ). These characters correlated with geographic and environmental variables to indicate that the majority of morphological variation across temperate Australia was accounted for by longitude, wave exposure, water temperature and plant density. Morphological differences associated with environmental factors may reflect a plastic response to the local environment, or alternatively may reflect genetically fixed traits ( i.e. ecotypes ). An independent test of morphological variation associated with wave exposure environments, using a reciprocal transplant experiment, revealed that morphological plasticity was the mechanism enabling E. radiata to adopt different morphologies between exposure environments. The presence of kelp canopies has strong spatial relationships with organisms growing underneath them, and variation in the morphology of these canopies may facilitate distinct assemblages within the understorey habitat. Variation in the morphology of E. radiata was found to be associated with the structure of understorey assemblages, over broad spatial scales. This canopy - understorey association revealed two ' types ' of kelp forest ; one characteristic of Western and Southern Australia and the other of Eastern Australia. Patterns of canopy - benthos association have mostly been done on horizontal surfaces and experimental tests showed that such patterns on horizontal surfaces were not representative of vertical surfaces, which enables us to recognize the conditions for which we can reliably anticipate the structure of benthic organisms, thereby improving the predictive power of models that account for widespread patterns in subtidal heterogeneity. In conclusion, this thesis suggests that there are fundamental differences between the ecology of kelp forests at local scales ( i.e. between types of stand ) and at regional scales ( i.e. between the south and east coast of temperate Australia ), reflecting differences in kelp morphology that may be caused by environmental conditions ( e.g. exposure ) and may influence associated taxa ( e.g. understorey ). Consideration of such local - scale variation ( specificity ) when testing for the existence of broad - scale phenomena ( generality ) not only strengthens our understanding of the ecology of subtidal forests, but will also improve the predictive power of further research in this system. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2005.

Graduation date: 1997

Graduation date: 2005

Plantago ovata Forssk. (Plantaginaceae) is a winter annual species which, in North America, inhabits desert and Mediterranean habitats of the southwest United States, northwest Mexico and the Channel Islands of California and Mexico. In the eastern hemisphere P. ovata inhabits desert regions ranging from the Canary Islands, across northern Africa to western India. The wide disjunction between P. ovata in the western and eastern hemispheres poses an interesting question as to the origin and biogeography of the species. Previous authors have hypothesized that P. ovata was introduced to North America over the Bering land bridge, from Asia, during the Miocene, or introduced anthropogenically from Europe during the 18th century by Spanish settlers. In this study we examined sequence data from the chloroplast trnL-trnF, trnS-trnG and psbA-trnH regions, the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and a region 5' of the TCP region of a CYCLOIDEA gene. Using a molecular clock based on an ITS calibration within the Plantago genus, and a clock for plant chloroplast, we date a non-anthropogenic introduction event, from the Old World to North America, approximately 200,000-650,000 years ago. This is consistent with a Pleistocene origin, and does not support a Miocene origin of the disjunction. Based on a morphological survey of 552 specimens, from throughout the world range of P. ovata, we suggest the recognition of four subspecific taxa. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of chloroplast DNA and nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS sequences support this taxonomic treatment. Furthermore, phylogenetic sequences of the CYCLOIDEA gene support the morphological data. Both suggest the origin of North American P. ovata as a result of hybridization between Old World P. ovata varieties. This event provides further evidence that hybridization may serve as a predictor of invasiveness in plants. / Graduation date: 2005

Two studies were conducted to determine the factors influencing distribution of cattle on northeastern Oregon mixed-conifer forested rangelands. The objective of the first study was the quantification of differences in distribution of cattle of different ages. Beginning in 1991, and continuing through 2001, radio telemetry collars were placed on a minimum of 30 cattle per year, prior to turnout. Cattle graze the forest from approximately 15 Jun until 15 Oct each year, and were grouped into four age classes: two and three year old cattle (group 1), four and five year old cattle (group 2), six and seven year old cattle (group 3), and cattle eight years of age and older (group 4). The objective of the second study was to determine differences in landscape thermal regimes between riparian and upland areas. Ambient and "black body" thermal probes were placed in a grid pattern in riparian and upland areas at a height of one meter (mid height of a cow), to encompass the entire pasture. For study 1, all groups of cattle preferred areas with shallow slopes (P<0.05), westerly aspects (P<0.05). All age classes of cattle also preferred areas farther from water than the mean distance to water in the pasture (P<0.05) as well as areas with higher quantities of forage (kg/ha) than the mean value of forage production for the pasture (P<0.05). Cattle in age classes two, three and four selected areas with lower percent canopy closure of trees greater than 12 cm diameter, breast height (dbh), than the mean value for the pasture (P<0.05) Cattle in age class one selected for areas of lower elevation and slightly steeper slopes than cattle in age class four (P<0.05). Cattle in age class two were not affected by slope or elevation in their distribution (P<0.05). Cattle in age class three were not influenced by elevation in their distribution, but selected areas of the pasture with shallower slopes (P<0.05). For the second study, the trial was conducted from 5 Aug to 25 Sep in 2001, and from 15 Jul to 1 Sep in 2002. Year was found to be significant (P<0.0001), therefore results from each year were analyzed separately. Each six week grazing period was divided into three-week intervals, and deemed early and late season for each year. Season was found to be highly significant (P<0.0001), and therefore analyzed separately within each year. Least significant means were utilized to determine differences in temperatures. Differences were considered significant at the P<0.05 level for all analysis. Thermal probes were divided into two types within two areas; ambient and blackball, within riparian and upland areas. Analysis conducted examined the differences between riparian and upland ambient and blackball thermal probes. Area and type of probe were both highly significant (P<0.0001) for all classifications, however, there was not an area by type interaction. / Graduation date: 2004