An organism's immune response may vary due to pathogen pressure in its environment, as well as due to interactions with other organisms. These factors, along with geographic rules (i.e. Gloger's rule) may influence the geographic distribution of the immune response within populations of a species. Here we use real-time quantitative PCR to measure the immune gene expression in six populations collected along the eastern U.S. of Drosophila melanogaster after mating. Antimicrobial genes did not show significant differences in expression due to location, whereas we did observe differences in anti-fungal and pro-phenoloxidase (anti-macromolecule) related genes. These differences in anti-macromolecule resistance are correlated with the latitude of the population opposite of which we would expect by Gloger's rule. We also determined that males and females from different populations tended to drive the differences we detected. Taken together, these results suggest that geographic factors influence genes involved in fungal and macro-pathogens defense post-mating.

I examined impacts of thinning on bird population densities and habitat use in Appalachian mixed-hardwood forests during 1984 and 1985 at three thinned and three unthinned stands in the Jefferson National Forest, southwestern Virginia. Densities of shrubs, saplings, trees, and snags, canopy and ground cover, and foliage volume were the structural variables most influenced by thinning. Populations of shrub/understory birds were higher in thinned stands than unthinned stands. Canopy-dwelling species showed variable population responses to thinning. Habitat use similarities were used to group 13 bird species into three categories: (1) shrub/conifer species included the tufted titmouse, blue-gray gnatcatcher, wood thrush, ovenbird, and hooded warbler, (2) generalist species included the eastern wood-pewee, red-eyed vireo, black-and-white warbler, and scarlet tanager, and (3) mature/deciduous species included the white-breasted nuthatch, solitary vireo, blackburnian warbler, and worm-eating warbler. Shrub, snag, and conifer density and ground cover were the four habitat variables most important in separating used from unused sites. Foraging behavior and resource use of seven bird species were examined in two thinned and two unthinned stands. No differences in foraging methods or niche breadth were found between the stands for all species. Differences in foraging and tree heights were due to tree height differences between the stands. For most species, foraging resource use was equal to availability. Short, small diameter trees were rarely used. Oaks were used most often, and red maple and conifers were rarely used for foraging. The opportunistic nature of avian foraging behavior and the vegetative differences between thinned and unthinned stands led to the foraging differences noted. / Master of Science

The use of Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) models for fisheries impact assessment has not been field validated for most fish species. This research sought to test several of the fundamental assumptions inherent in applications of Suitability Index (SI) curves with the Habitat Evaluation Procedures (HEP) of the u.s. Fish and Wildlife Service. Using draft SI's for rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris), tests for positive correlations between standing stocks and measures of fish habitat were conducted in 1982-1983. Multiple regression modeling and analysis of fish production were used to further evaluate the efficacy of habitat assessments for rock bass based on HSI models. Highly significant positive correlations (p<.01, R²=.68) between Habitat Units (HU's) and biomass were observed in Back Creek for November 1982. However, significant positive correlations were not observed consistently for other months, models, or streams evaluated. Factors which apparently accounted for low correlations included seasonal fish movements, fish sampling biases, habitat homogeneity, and the omission of potentially important variables, stitch as depth and cover, from HSI models. Fish production was essentially the same in Little Walker and Back Creeks and averaged 1.04 gm⁻²yr⁻¹. The factors influencing correlations between fish abundance and habitat measurements prevented meaningful comparisons of rock bass production and the related physical habitat. Results from this study suggest that summer low flow periods may not always be most limiting to rock bass habitat in Virginia streams. Furthermore, seasonal movements of fish and sampling biases, if not considered, may seriously confound attempts to relate indices of carrying capacity and habitat model outputs. Incorporating the annual home range of the evaluation species into future study designs is recommended to expedite subsequent attempts to validate HSI models. / M.S.

This dissertation delves into the security of free content websites, a crucial internet component that presents significant security challenges due to their susceptibility to exploitation by malicious actors. While prior research has highlighted the security disparities between free and premium content websites, it has not delved into the underlying causes. This study aims to address this gap by examining the security infrastructure of free content websites. The research commences with an analysis of the content management systems (CMSs) employed by these websites and their role. Data from 1,562 websites encompassing free and premium categories is collected to identify CMS usage and its association with malicious activities. Various metrics are employed, including unpatched vulnerabilities, total vulnerabilities, malicious counts, and percentiles. The findings reveal widespread CMS usage, even among websites with custom code, underscoring the potential for a small number of unpatched vulnerabilities in popular CMSs to lead to significant maliciousness. The study further explores the global distribution of free content websites, considering factors such as hosting network scale, cloud service provider utilization, and country-level distribution. Notably, free and premium content websites are predominantly hosted in medium-scale networks, known for their high concentration of malicious websites. Moreover, the research delves into the geographical distribution of these websites and their presence in different countries. It examines the occurrence of malicious websites and their correlation with the National Cyber Security Index (NCSI), a measure of a country's cybersecurity maturity. The United States emerges as the primary host for most investigated websites, with countries exhibiting higher rates of malicious websites tending to have lower NCSI scores, primarily due to weaker privacy policy development. In conclusion, this dissertation uncovers correlations in the infrastructure, distribution, and geographical aspects of free content websites, offering valuable insights for mitigating their associated threats.

Thesis (DPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Sub-Antarctic islands represent the only mid to high latitude terrestrial biomes in the Southern Hemisphere. These islands have various geological origins and histories, well-preserved terrestrial ecosystems and high levels of species endemism. In an attempt to understand the evolution and biogeography of terrestrial taxa in the South Polar Region, the first broad-scale molecular phylogeny was constructed for the unique terrestrial group, the ameronothroid mites (genus Halozetes (Oribatida)), collected from sub-Antarctic and Maritime Antarctic localities. Phylogenetic analyses based on a combined mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI)) and nuclear (histone-3 (H3)) sequence dataset indicated that the evolution of these mites were habitat specific (i.e. intertidal, supralittoral and terrestrial). Notwithstanding criticisms levelled against a molecular clock, the mites were evolutionary young (<10myo), contrary to their status as an ancient group predating Gondwana fragmentation. Biogeographic analyses indicated a complex pattern mainly sculpted by multiple independent dispersal events across the Antarctic Polar Frontal Zone similar to previous findings for other marine and terrestrial taxa. Also, the molecular phylogeny displayed considerable discourse with contemporary taxonomy suggesting the need for taxonomic revisions and reassessment of morphological characters. Sub-Antarctic Marion Island, the larger of the two islands comprising the Prince Edward Island archipelago (PEI), has experienced extensive glaciation and volcanism. To assess the impact of historical events (volcanism (including recent eruptions) and glaciation) and contemporary mechanisms (gene flow) on the genetic spatial distribution of species from Marion Island, two mite species namely Eupodes minutus (Prostigmata) and Halozetes fulvus (Oribatida) as well as a single plant species, Azorella selago (Apiaceae), were selected as model organisms. For independent phylogeographic analyses, mitochondrial sequence data (COI) were obtained for both mite species, while chloroplast sequence (trnH-psbA) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) data were generated for the cushion plant, A. selago. Since A. selago is typified by two growth forms namely discrete cushions and continuous mats, it was essential to examine the growth dynamics prior to phylogeographic analyses. The sequence and fragment data indicated that both mite and plant species were significantly substructured across Marion Island. Manual comparisons indicated unique populations on the western (Kaalkoppie for H. fulvus, La Grange Kop for E. minutus and Mixed Pickle for A. selago), eastern (Bullard Beach for H. fulvus and Kildalkey Bay for E. minutus), northern (Middelman and Long Ridge for H. fulvus) and southern side (Grey Headed for H. fulvus and Watertunnel for A. selago) of the island. Importantly, the western side had unique localities for all species. Interestingly, based on the H. fulvus data, the western populations were relatively young, characterized by high migration rates, small effective (female) population sizes with no isolation-by-distance. The opposite scenario was found for the eastern populations. This spatial genetic structure described for species on Marion Island can be ascribed to both historical events and environmental conditions. These areas with their unique genetic composition are of special conservational concern; consequently this research will contribute to an active management plan for PEI, South Africa’s only Special Nature Reserve. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Sub-Antarktiese eilande verteenwoordig die enigste terrestriële bioom in die middel tot hoër breedtegrades van die Suidelike Halfrond. Hierdie eilande besit ‘n verskeidenheid van geologiese oorspronge en geskiedenisse, goed-bewaarde terrestriële ekosisteme en hoë vlakke van endemisme. In ‘n poging om die evolusie en biogeografie van terrestriële taksa in die Suid Pool Area te verstaan, is die eerste grootskaalse molekulêre filogenie saamgestel vir ‘n unieke terrestriële groep, die ameronothoïed miete (genus Halozetes (Oribatida: Ameronothroidea)), vanaf menigte sub-Antarktiese en Maritime Antarktiese lokaliteite. Filogenetiese analises gebaseer op die saamgestelde mitochondriale (sitokroom oksidase subeenheid I (COI)) en nukluêre (histoon-3 (H3)) basispaarvolgordes het aangedui dat die evolusie van hierdie miete habitat spesifiek is (m.a.w inter-gety, supralitoraal en terrestrieël). Ongeag die kritiek teenoor ‘n molekulêre klok, is hierdie miete evolusionêr jonk (<10mjo), wat teenstrydig is met hulle status as ‘n antieke groep wat terugdateer voor Gondwana fragmentasie. Biogeografiese analises het ‘n komplekse patroon aangedui wat grotendeels gekarakteriseer word deur menigte onafhanklike verspreidingsgebeurtenisse bo-oor die Antarktiese Polêre Frontale Zone, wat ooreenstemmend is met vorige bevindinge vir ander mariene en terrestriële taksa. Die molekulêre filogenie het ook aansienlik verskil van die tradisionele taksonomie, dus is taksonomiese aanpassings en herklassifisering van morfologiese karakters noodsaaklik. Sub-Antarktiese Marion Eiland, die groter eiland van die Prins Edward eilandgroep (PEI), het uitermate glasiasie en vulkanisme ondervind. Om die impak van historiese gebeurtenisse (vulkanisme (insluitend onlangse uitbarstings) en glasiasie) en kontemporêre meganismes (geenvloei) op die genetiesgespasieërde verspreiding van spesies vanaf Marion Eiland te bepaal, was twee mietspesies naamlik Eupodes minutus (Prostigmata) en Halozetes fulvus (Oribatida) asook ‘n enkele plantspesie, Azorella selago (Apiaceae), gekies as model organismes. Vir onafhanklike filogeografiese analises, was die mitochondriale basispaarvolgorde (COI) vir beide mietspesies bepaal, terwyl chloroplast basispaarvolgorde (trnH-psbA) asook geamplifiseerde fragmentlengte polimorfisme (AFLP) data gegenereer was vir die kussingplant, A. selago. Aangesien A. selago gekenmerk word deur twee groeivorme, naamlik diskrete kussings en aaneenlopende matte, was dit noodsaaklik om eers die groeidinamika van die plant te ondersoek alvorens ‘n filogeografiese studie kon geskied. Die basispaarvolgordebepalings en fragmentdata het aangedui dat beide mietspesies sowel as die plantspesie betekenisvolle substruktuur vertoon regoor Marion Eiland. Informele vergelykings het unieke populasies aangedui op die westelike (Kaalkoppie vir H. fulvus, La Grange Kop vir E. minutus en Mixed Pickle vir A. selago), oostelike (Bullardstrand vir H. fulvus en Kildalkeybaai vir E. minutus), noordelike (Middelman en Long Ridge vir H. fulvus) en suidelike kant (Grey Headed vir H. fulvus en Watertunnel vir A. selago) van die eiland. Die westelike kant besit dus unieke lokaliteite vir al die spesies. Interressantheidhalwe het die H. fulvus data getoon dat die westelike populasies relatief jonk is en gekarakteriseer word deur hoë migrasiesyfers en klein effektiewe (vroulike) populasiegroottes met geen isolasie-oor-afstand nie. Die resultate vir die populasies aan die oostelike kant van die Marion Eiland was presies teenoorgesteld. Dié beskryfde substruktuur vir die spesies op Marion Eiland is afkomstig van beide historiese gebeurtenisse asook omgewingstoestande. Hierdie areas met hul unieke genetiese samestelling, is belangrik vir natuurbewaring. Hierdie navorsing sal bydra tot die bestuursriglyne van PEI, Suid Afrika se enigste Spesiale Natuurreservaat.

Nearshore hypoxia within the Northern California Current (NCC) system is a seasonal phenomenon caused by coastal upwelling and occurs mainly during late-summer and early fall. The effects of low oxygen levels on fish and invertebrate communities, particularly during early-life history stages, however, are poorly known for this area. I investigated the effects of hypoxia on the density, community structure, vertical and horizontal distribution of fish larvae and juveniles, as well as body condition of juveniles, along the central Oregon and Washington coasts during the summers of 2008 - 2011. During this sampling period, bottom dissolved oxygen (DO) values ranged from 0.49 to 9.85 ml l�����, and the number of hypoxic (e.g., < 1.4 ml l�����) stations sampled was low compared to 2002 and 2006 (only 54 sampling stations for the ichthyoplankton study out of 493, and only 12 stations out of 90 for the benthic juvenile study). From the ichthyoplankton study, I found that the overall density of fish larvae increased as bottom-DO values increased; however, the effect on individual species density was limited. Between 44.65 ��N and 46.00 ��N (~Florence, OR ��� Astoria, OR), fish larvae altered their vertical distribution when bottom-DO was low by rising in shallower water layers. From the benthic juvenile study, I found that English sole (Parophrys vetulus), butter sole (Isopsetta isolepis), speckled sanddab (Citharichthys stigmaeus) and Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus) dominated the catch with annual variation in abundances. Species composition, abundance and length had strong relationships with depth. Species abundance for English sole (< 75 mm), speckled sanddab (<100 mm) and Pacific sanddab also increased with increased bottom-DO. However, the body condition of butter sole (< 75 mm) and of large speckled sanddab (���100 mm) increased with decreased bottom-DO. Overall my research elucidates important patterns of larval and juvenile fish distribution within the NCC during summer. In both studies I have found a limited effect of DO on abundance, distribution and community assemblages. Variables other than DO, such as depth, season and location, dominated the explained variance of the intervening multivariate and univariate analysis. However, due to the paucity of samples during hypoxic events, continued monitoring of nearshore larval and juvenile species over varying hypoxic conditions is necessary for understanding the impact of hypoxia on these communities and subsequent adult populations. / Graduation date: 2013

The Canary Archipelago is considered one of the planet's biodiversity hotspots and the short-finned pilot whale is a key species in need of conservation measures. To address a lack of knowledge, almost 2,000 day-surveys were conducted (1999-2012) resulting in 1,094 short-finned pilot whale sightings. The species was recorded year-round and distributed non-uniformly around the archipelago, with greater densities concentrated in patchy areas mainly on the leeward side of the main islands. A total of 1,320 well-marked individuals were identified, which exhibited a large degree of variability in site fidelity (from core residents to transients). Evidence of an island-associated sub-population and a transient one was found. Longitudinal data were used to infer population structure and estimate abundance, while a spatial modelling approach was used to study spatio-temporal patterns in habitat use, distribution and abundance. Spatial modelling revealed habitat preferences in areas between depths of 1000m and 1500m, and higher densities in the south-west of Tenerife and La Gomera (117 short-finned pilot whales recaptured within the two islands). Abundance of 1,980 individuals (CV = 0.33, 95% CI=1,442 – 2,324) was estimated for the entire archipelago, with higher density predicted during the summer months. Mark-recapture analysis estimated 636 resident individuals (CV = 0.028, 95% CI=602 - 671) in the southwest waters of Tenerife between 2007 and 2009. The social and temporal analyses of the behavioural relationships between pairs of individuals revealed a well-differentiated society with long-lasting and non-random social structure built of constant companions. A hierarchical social system is proposed composed of a population encompassing several clans of pilot whales, each one containing several pods. Nine long-term units were identified with a high degree of association (0.62 - 0.83). This study, the first to provide combined results on distribution, habitat use, and social structure of the species, provides essential information towards the development of recommendations for much needed conservation measures.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The order Macroscelidea has a strict African distribution and consists of two extant subfamilies, Rhynchocyoninae with a single genus that includes three species, and the Macroscelidinae represented by the remaining three genera, Elephantulus that includes 10 species, and the monotypic Macroscelides and Petrodromus. On the basis of molecular, cytogenetic and morphological evidence, Elephantulus edwardii (Cape rock elephant-shrew), the only strictly South African endemic species, was shown to comprise two closely related taxa. A new Elephantulus taxon, described here is reported for the first time. It has a restricted distribution in the central Nama Karoo of South Africa. Apart from important genetic distinctions, Elephantulus sp. nov. has several relatively subtle morphological characters that separate it from E. edwardii. Molecular sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and the control region of E. edwardii sensu stricto suggests the presence of a northern Namaqua and central Fynbos clade with four evolutionary lineages identified within the latter. The geographic delimitation of the northern and central clades corresponds closely with patterns reported for other rock dwelling vertebrate species indicating a shared biogeographic history for saxicolous taxa in South Africa. Elephantulus rupestris (western rock elephant-shrew) and Macroscelides proboscideus (round-eared elephant-shrew) are two taxa with largely overlapping distributions that span the semi-arid regions of South Africa and Namibia. Based on mitochondrial DNA sequence data E. rupestris has a structured genetic profile associated with a habitat of rocky outcrops compared to M. proboscideus that inhabits gravel plains, where the pattern is one of isolationby– distance. Chromosomal changes, apart from heterochromatic differences, are limited to variation in diploid number among elephant-shrew species. These range from 2n=26 (E. edwardii; E. rupestris; Elephantulus sp. nov.; E. intufi; E. brachyrhynchus and M. proboscideus) to 2n=28 in both Petrodromus tetradactylus and E. rozeti to 2n=30 in E. myurus. Cross-species chromosome painting (Zoo-Fluorescence in situ hybridization or zoo-FISH) of E. edwardii flow-sorted probes that correspond to the five smaller sized autosomes (8-12) and the X chromosome showed no evidence of synteny disruption among Elephantulus sp. nov., E. intufi, E. myurus, P. tetradactylus and M. proboscideus, and reinforced the G-banding observations underscoring the conservative karyotypes in these species. A comprehensive phylogeny including all described elephant-shrew species is presented for the first time. A multigene supermatrix that included 3905 bp from three mitochondrial (12S rRNA, valine tRNA, 16S rRNA) and two nuclear segments (Von Willebrand factor [vWF] and exon 1 of the interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein [IRBP]) was analysed. Cytogenetic characters, previously described morphological, anatomical and dental features as well as allozyme data and penis morphology were evaluated and mapped to the molecular topology. The molecular findings did not support a monophyletic origin for the genus Elephantulus and suggests that both the monotypic Petrodromus and Macroscelides should be included in Elephantulus. Molecular dating suggests that an arid-adapted Macroscelidinae lineage dispersed from east Africa at ~11.5 million years ago via the African arid corridor to southwestern Africa. Subsequent speciation events within the Macroscelidinae are coincidental with three major periods of aridification of the African continent. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die orde Macroscelidea het ’n verspreiding beperk tot Afrika en sluit twee bestaande subfamilies in, die Rhynchocyoninae wat drie spesies binne ’n enkele genus insluit en die Macroscelidinae verteenwoordig deur drie genera, Elephantulus (10 spesies) en die monotipiese Macroscelides en Petrodromus. Gebaseer op molekulêre, sitogenetiese en morfologiese bewyse, bestaan E. edwardii, tot op datum die enigste streng endemiese Suid- Afrikaanse klaasneusspesie, uit twee nabyverwante taksa. Die nuwe Elephantulus takson, hierin beskryf, het ’n beperkte verspreiding in die sentraal Nama Karoo van Suid-Afrika. Afgesien van belangrike genetiese bewyse wat die beskrywing van die nuwe spesie ondersteun, word Elephantulus sp. nov. gekenmerk deur ’n aantal subtiele morfologiese karakters wat dit onderskei van E. edwardii. Binne E. edwardii sensu stricto, het mitochondriale molekulêre volgordes beduidende substruktuur aangedui regoor die spesies se verspreiding. Die data het die teenwoordigheid van ’n noordelike Namakwa en sentrale Fynbos klade aangetoon met vier evolusionêre lyne binne die laasgenoemde. Die geografiese skeiding van die noordelike en sentrale klades stem grootliks ooreen met patrone in ander rotsbewonende vertebraat spesies, wat op ’n gedeelde biogeografiese verlede in Suid-Afrika dui. Elephantulus rupestris (westelike klipklaasneus) en Macroscelides proboscideus (ronde-oor klaasneus) is twee taksa met verspreidings wat grootliks oorvleuel in die semi-woestyn streke van Suid-Afrika en Namibië. Mitochondriale DNS volgorde-bepaling dui op ’n gestruktueerde genetiese profiel binne E. rupestris, geassosieer met ’n habitat van rotskoppies, in vergelyking met ’n isolasie-deur-afstand patroon wat M. proboscideus, wat op gruisvlaktes aangetref word, karakteriseer. Chromosoom verandering, afgesien van heterochromatiese verskille, is beperk tot ’n strukturele verandering van ‘n diploïede getal van 26 (E. edwardii; E. rupestris; Elephantulus sp. nov.; E. intufi; E. brachyrhynchus en M. proboscideus) tot 2n=28 in beide Petrodromus tetradactylus asook E. rozeti en 2n=30 in E. myurus. Kruis-spesies chromosoom fluoressent hibridisasie (“zoo-FISH”) van die vloei-sorteerde merkers toegewys tot die vyf kleiner grootte outosome (8-12) asook die X chromosoom van E. edwardii tot metafase chromosome van Elephantulus sp. nov., E. intufi, E. myurus, P. tetradactylus en M. proboscideus het geen bewyse getoon van sintenie-verbreking nie en versterk G-bandbepaling waarnemings wat die konserwatiewe kariotipes in hierdie spesies ondersteun. ‘n Volledige evolusionêre filogenie, verteenwoordigend van alle erkende klaasneusspesies, word vir die eerste keer voorgestel. As sulks is ’n multigeen supermatriks wat gebaseer is op 3905 bp van drie mitochondriale (12S rRNA, valien tRNA, 16S rRNA) en twee nukluêre segmente (Von Willebrand faktor [vWF] en ekson 1 van die interfotoreseptor-retinoïed-bindende proteïen [IRBP]) ingesluit. As toevoeging, is nuwe sitogenetiese data, voorheen beskryfde morfologiese, anatomiese en dentale karakters sowel as data van allosieme-analises en penis morfologie ge-evalueer en nie-molekulêre ondersteuning aangedui op die molekulêre topologie. Die molekulêre bevindinge ondersteun nie ’n monofiletiese oorsprong vir Elephantulus nie en stel voor dat beide die monotipiese Petrodromus en Macroscelides ingesluit moet word in die genus Elephantulus. Molekulêre datering stel voor dat ’n dor-aangepasde Macroscelidinae lyn versprei het vanaf oos Afrika ~11.5 miljoen jaar gelede deur die “droeë Afrika korridor” tot in suidwestelike Afrika. Verdere spesiasie gebeurtenisse binne die Macroscelidinae kan nouliks geassosieer word met drie groot periodes van verdorring in Afrika.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Marion Island is situated approximately 2600 km southeast of Cape Town and is the larger of the two islands that comprise the Prince Edward Island group. During past glaciation events, Marion was partially covered by ice with fauna and flora confined to isolated refugia across the island. As a result of these long-term isolation events, it is postulated that species predating these glaciation events might show geographic partitioning of genetic variation. Subsequently, the majority of Southern Oceanic islands have a history of sealing activities with vessels frequenting various islands in their hunt for seals. These combined visits to several islands could have facilitated the introduction of alien species, or the reintroduction of species already present on islands. These incidents, combined with more recent scientific voyages, have led to the establishment of several exotic species on Marion Island. Two indigenous Collembola species (Cryptopygus antarcticus (Willem, 1901) and Tullbergia bisetosa (Börner, 1903)) were chosen as model species to investigate the possible effects of glaciation on the spatial distribution of genetic variation on indigenous species. Given the negative impact that alien taxa have on indigenous species and ecosystems, the phylogeographic population structure of the recently introduced Isotomurus cf. palustris (Müller, 1876) was determined and compared to those described for the two indigenous species. To address these questions, two mitochondrial DNA genes were targeted: cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII). These genes were sequenced (GENBANK accession numbers DQ147289-DQ147558) and analysed using, amongst others, AMOVA (Analysis of Molecular Variance), SAMOVA (Spatial Analysis of Molecular Variance) and NCA (Nested Clade Analysis). As expected, the two indigenous species showed distinct signs of population expansion, whilst the recently introduced species exhibits little genetic variance across its range. The life histories of species have an influence on their resultant genetic signature; therefore life history parameters were incorporated to explain differences in the phylogeographic patterns observed for these three species. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Marion Eiland is die groter van twee eilande wat die Prins Edward eilandgroep vorm, ongeveer 2600 km suid-oos vanaf Kaapstad. Gedurende glasiasie episodes in die verlede, was Marion gedeeltelik met ys bedek en fauna en flora was geisoleer in klein gedeeltes van die eiland wat beskut was. As gevolg van hierdie langtermyn isolasie word daar voorgestel dat spesies wat op die eiland was voor hierdie gebeurtenisse plaasgevind het, ‘n geografiese verdeling van genetiese variasie sal toon. Sedertdien het die meerderheid van die eilande in die Suidelike Oseaan ook ‘n geskiedenis van skepe wat op een of meer van die eilande aangedoen het in die jag op robbe. Hierdie besoeke deur die robjagters aan die eilande het meegebring dat daar eksotiese spesies op die eiland aangekom het of dat spesies wat reeds op die eiland voorgekom het, opnuut daar geland het. Hierdie, tesame met die onlangse wetenskaplike reise na Marion Eiland, het daartoe gelei dat baie eksotiese spesies ingevoer is na die eiland. Twee inheemse spesies, naamlik Cryptopygus antarcticus (Willem, 1901) en Tullbergia bisetosa (Börner, 1903) is gekies om as model spesies te dien om die moontlike gevolge van glasiasie op die geografiese verspreiding van genetiese variasie te toets. In ag geneem die moontlike negatiewe impak wat eksotiese spesies op die inheemse spesies mag hê, is die filogeografie van ‘n uitheemse spesie, Isotomurus cf. palustris (Müller, 1876) ook bepaal en vergelyk met díe van die bogenoemde inheemse spesies. Dit is gedoen deur twee gene, sitokroom oksidase I (COI) en sitokroom oksidase II (COII) te analiseer. Hierdie gene se basispaarvolgordes is bepaal (GENBANK toetreenommers DQ147289-DQ147558), en hulle is ge-analiseer deur gebruik te maak van AMOVA (Analise van Molekulêre Variasie), SAMOVA (Ruimtelike Analises van Molekulêre Variasie) en NCA (geseteldegroepsanalises). Net soos verwag, het die twee inheemse spesies albei duidelike tekens getoon van ‘n bevolkingstoename terwyl die uitheemse spesie amper geen variasie oor sy verspreidingsgebied getoon het nie. Die lewensstyle van spesies het ‘n beduidende invloed op hulle genetiese bevolkingstruktuur. As sulks is díe in ag geneem om die verskille tussen hulle genetiese strukture te verduidelik.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This project consists of two botanical investigations in an agricultural area of the Western Cape Province. A farm known as De Rust, in the Elgin Valley, was used to sample the geographic location, density, height and life stage of six prominent invasive plant species in various land-use categories. In the first investigation, the density, height and age structures of the six invasive species populations were analyzed. The density distribution of the six species was also displayed cartographically. Species were then ranked according to the potential threat that they pose to the conservation of the remaining natural areas on the farm. Results indicated that Acacia mearnsii and Acacia saligna are the major invaders at De Rust and that Hakea sericea can be considered as an emerging invader. The second investigation explores the statistical relationship between the various land-use categories and density, height and age of the six prominent invaders identified in the first investigation. The loglikelihood ratio analysis of observed frequencies resulted in statistically significant (P<0.01; P-values range between 1.35 x 10-3 and 2.7 x 10-224) relationships between certain land-use types and certain invasive species. A conclusion was reached that it could be useful to include land-use categories in simulation models of invasive plant species distribution and spread. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie projek behels twee botaniese ondersoeke in ‘n landbou gebied van die Weskaap. Die plaas bekend as De Rust, in die Elgin Vallei, was gebruik vir die versameling van data te doen met die geografiese ligging, plant digtheid, lengte en lewens stadium van ses prominente indringer plant spesies in verskeie landgebruik kategorieë. Die digtheid, lengte en ouderdomstruktuur van ses indringerspesies was in die eerste ondersoek geanaliseer. Die verspreiding van digtheid was ook in kaarte uitgelê. Spesies was daarna volgens hulle potentiële dreiging teen die bewaring van oorblywende natuurlike dele van die plaas in ‘n rangorde geplaas. Resiltate dui aan dat Acacia mearnsii en Acacia saligna die belangrikste indringer plante op De Rust is en dat Hakea sericea as ‘n opkomende indringer beskou kan word. Die tweede ondersoek kyk na die verhouding tussen verskeie grondgebruik kategorië en die digtheid, lengte en ouderdom van die ses prominente indringer spesies wat in die eerste ondersoek identifiseër is. ‘n Log tipe ratios ontleding van bewaarde frekwensies het ‘n statisties belangrike uitkoms gehad (P<0.01; P-waardes tussen 1.35 x 10-3 en 2.7 x 10-224) vir die verhoudings tussen sekere grondgebruik tipes en sekere indringer spesies. Die gevolgtrekking was dat dit handig mag wees om grondgebruik kategorieë in simulasies van indringer plant verspreiding te gebruik.