This thesis describes the results of a three year study which collected larvae of the acorn barnacles Semibalanus balanoides on a rocky coastline in Fife, East Scotland. The nauplii larvae of S. balanoides are released from their parent in springtime in the United Kingdom and develop in the plankton for approximately one to two months. During this period they are transported some distance from the parent population and eventually return to the intertidal shoreline as a cyprid larval stage. The ‘decision’ to settle is a crucial point in the life history of the organism as most sessile organisms cannot move once this has occurred. The supply of larvae to intertidal shorelines was historically neglected until the 1980s. Patterns of settlement were largely considered irrelevant to distribution patterns of adults relative to postsettlement processes such as predation and competition. Despite the resurgence in “supply-side ecology” in the past 20 years there has been little development towards the measurement of larval supply. Consequently there has been very little description of fine scale or large spatio-temporal studies involving larval supply. This study demonstrates the first study directly addressing larval supply independently from larval settlement at mesoscales (metres to kilometres; days to years). Improvements were made to the passive larval trap described by Todd (2003). A conical opening was combined with the spiral trap design and a number of inlet areas were trialled (0.25cm², 0.5cm², 1cm² and 2cm²). These were tested across typical wave regimes measured with a new autonomous pressure sensing wave transducer and the 1cm² inlet was selected as the most appropriate trap design due to a balance between an increased per unit inlet larval capture and sufficient absolute larval capture so as to identify daily variation in larval supply to a site. Larval settlement has been studied extensively and is often used as a direct measure of rates of larval supply. It is widely assumed therefore that rates of settlement are a direct reflection of rates of supply, as long as settlement substrates and adult conspecific responses remain uniform. This thesis provides a means of accurately characterising the supply-settlement relationship for S. balanoides independent of substrate based responses and demonstrates that this is not the case. The relationship was found to be asymptotic, even at sites where there was low larval supply. It was concluded that density-dependent larva-larva interactions were present during the settlement of larvae and were relevant at daily temporal scales, limiting the rates of larval settlement proportional to larval density. There was no obvious effect on this relationship due to wave action however differences were observed between sites and years. Saturation of preferential environments within the tiles was observed resulting in a settlement preference cascade, with larvae being forced to settle in increasingly less preferable areas of the tiles with increasing larval density. Larva-larva interactions are demonstrated as having a considerable effect on the rates of settlement of S. balanoides.

My dissertation research focused on the behavior, movement patterns, and foraging ecology of dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) off the east coast of New Zealand's South Island. Information on growth, morphometrics, parasites and life history was also collected. Movement patterns and foraging behavior of New Zealand dusky dolphins were much different from those of dusky dolphins observed off the Argentine coast by Bernd Wursig, the only other study of dusky dolphin behavior. Unlike the Argentine dolphins, which cooperatively herd anchovy to the surface and contain them there for feeding, New Zealand dusky dolphins behave and forage more like Hawaiian spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris). In summer and fall, New Zealand dusky dolphins remain near shore in morning and early afternoon hours, then move into deeper water with greatly increased activity levels in late afternoon. In winter and spring they remain farther from shore at all times of day, are found in somewhat larger groups, and appear to travel along shore more often than in other seasons. In summer, dive times of radio-tagged dolphins also varied on a daily cycle, most long dives occurring during crepuscular and night periods. Stomach contents of incidentally-netted and beachcast dolphins contained primarily a demersal fish and a few types of mesopelagic fishes and squid. Acoustic surveys along the east coast of South Island show a dense layer of mesopelagic fishes and squid that move to within 50-100 m of the surface at night. Like Hawaiian spinners, New Zealand dusky dolphins feed primarily on prey in and associated with the vertically migrating layer, probably as a means of increasing foraging efficiency. External measurements of L. obscurus specimens were analyzed using canonical variate analysis, which revealed measurements useful in discrimination of age/sex classes, including dorsal fin dimensions, and positioning of dorsal fin and flipper insertions. Tooth-section age analysis of specimens allowed construction of growth curves; life span maximum was about 35 years. The very large size of active testes (over 1 kg each) during summer breeding represents a large proportion of total body weight. Along with observations of group composition variability, this suggests a promiscuous mating system and a fluid, extended-group social system.

Declines in breeding populations of most migrants across much of the Palearctic have been linked to environmental conditions in their African non-breeding grounds. Studying winter distribution dynamics for these species is necessary to understand how factors in these areas may influence their overall population dynamics. This thesis explored in detail the distribution ecology of migrants in the Guinea savannah, the region from where wintering migrants currently show the greatest breeding population declines. In particular, I investigated some prevailing but hitherto little tested ecological hypothesis concerning impacts of geographical, vegetation and anthropogenic characteristics on the densities and winter distribution of migrants in Africa. Migrant distribution seemed to fit a pattern where decisions leading to winter habitat choice and association were hierarchical and jointly influenced by factors extrinsic and intrinsic to the habitats at large and finer scales respectively. Migrants were distributed in reasonable densities across a wide range of habitats. There was also evidence for an independent effect of latitude on densities and distribution, even after controlling for habitat characteristics. There was no evidence of large changes in latitudinal density patterns within a given winter season and site density patterns were generally consistent over the study duration. Migrants and taxonomically-related/ecologically similar Afrotropical residents showed similarities in habitat requirements and utilization, although migrants utilized habitats over a wider latitudinal range. Some migrants tended to show correspondence in site occurrence between consecutive winters but less so within a given winter season and there was an overall low transferability of habitat models for Palearctic migrants between sites in Nigeria. Collectively, the results describe distribution mechanisms typical for ecologically flexible species that can best be described as habitat generalists. As generalists, migrants are expected to show some resilience, especially in dealing with local and small scale changes on their wintering grounds such that these are unlikely to be the primary limiting factor in their population dynamics. However, the scale of ongoing habitat change across much of Africa is perhaps contributing to overcome the resilience engendered by their generalism. Conservation efforts for these mainly generalists species may therefore aim to preserve habitat on a large scale, perhaps through the promotion of sustainable land use practices.

Two sympatric species of dolphins (Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus) have been long-term residents to Little Bahama Bank. This study assessed whether there was a change in residence patterns or diurnal foraging depths of bottlenose dolphins following a large emigration event in the resident spotted dolphin community on this sandbank. Photo-identification was used to identify individual bottlenose dolphins and compare pooled years before (2010-2012) and after (2013-2015) the spotted dolphin emigration. The identified community size and overall residency of the bottlenose dolphins remained similar, although two bottlenose dolphins emigrated over deep water to the site spotted dolphins emigrated. Bottlenose dolphins diurnally fed in shallower water but remained in the same geographic foraging locations. Reasons remain unknown for this depth change, but potential changes in the productivity of primary bottlenose dolphin foraging habitats or reduction of spotted dolphins from shallower depths remain possibilities. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

A ocorrência do ácaro vermelho das palmeiras (AVP), Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), foi relatada no Novo Mundo em 2004 e desde então este ácaro tem colonizado várias espécies de aceráceas e musáceas, assim como plantas ornamentais de outras famílias nas ilhas do Caribe, Florida (USA), Venezuela, Brasil e Colômbia. Desde aquele primeiro relato, essa espécie tem produzido consideráveis perdas econômicas em coqueiro nos países onde foi encontrada, o que tem conduzido a um interesse cada vez maior em se conhecer o impacto da praga às plantas em que este ácaro tem sido encontrado. Com o objetivo de conhecer aspectos bioecológicos do AVP na Venezuela foram feitas amostragens para determinar a distribuição geográfica nesse país assim como as plantas hospedeiras e inimigos naturais com os quais a praga tem sido encontrada. A biologia da praga foi estudada em plantas ornamentais e em espécies de palmeiras nativas do Neotrópico, para avaliar o seu potencial em causar dano a estas plantas. Além disso, foi estudada sua distribuição intra-planta, sua flutuação populacional em plantios comerciais de coqueiro e também as variações na expressão das enzimas oxidativas (POD e PPO) e o grau de peroxidação de lipídeos em genótipos de coqueiro, como respostas à alimentação deste ácaro. Foram verificados altos níveis populacionais do AVP em plantios comerciais de coqueiro e em outras plantas crescendo naturalmente no litoral na Venezuela. Em apenas oito espécies de Arecaceae, uma de Musaceae e uma de Strelitziaceae foram verificados todos os estágios de desenvolvimento do AVP, sugerindo que este se desenvolve e se reproduz nestas plantas. O ácaro fitoseídeo Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) foi o predador mais frequentemente associado com o AVP em todos os locais estudados. Maiores densidades do AVP foram observadas nas regiões mediana e basal das folhas coletadas nos estratos mediano e basal da copa da planta. Em 2010, os níveis populacionais do AVP foram mais elevados que em 2011, aparentemente em função dos níveis menores de precipitação naquele ano. O AVP conseguiu se desenvolver sobre as espécies de plantas ornamentais, mas não nas espécies de arecáceas nativas do Novo Mundo. Com relação às enzimas oxidativas, as atividades das POD, PPO e a peroxidação de lipídeos foram maiores em plantas infestadas dos cultivares Anão Amarelo da Malásia (AAM) e Gigante do Caribe (GC) quando comparadas com os respectivos controles. Além disso, maiores atividades de POD e PPO foram detectadas no cultivar AAM que no cultivar GC, tanto em plantas infestadas quando não infestadas. Em contraste, maior peroxidação de lipídeos foi verificada em plantas do cultivar GC infestadas. Estes resultados sugerem que provavelmente esses genótipos de coqueiro possuim mecanismos de resistência ao AVP, porem estudos complementares precisam ser realizados. / Occurrence of the red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), was related in the New World in 2004 and since then this mite species has colonized several arecaceaous and musaceous plant species, but also ornamental species in the Caribbean Islands, Florida (USA), Venezuela, Brazil and Colombia. Since firstly reported, this mite species has provoked considerable economic losses in coconut in countries where it has been found thus raising more interest to know pest impact on plant species on which mite has been found. In order to know biological aspects of R. indica samplings were made to determine geographical distribution, and also host plants and natural enemies which are found with it. Pest biology was assessed in ornamental plants and also on palms species native to Neotropical region in order to evaluated potential to cause damage on these plant species. Besides intra-plant distribution and population fluctuation was evaluated in coconut commercial plots and also variations in oxidative enzyme expression (POD and PPO) and extent of lipid peroxidation in coconut genotypes as response to R. indica feeding. Higher population levels of RPM were verified in coconut commercial plots but also in naturally growing plants in the coastal line in Venezuela. All developmental stages of the RPM were verified only on eight Arecaceae species, one Musaceae and one Strelitziaceae species thus suggesting that mite is able to develop and reproduce on these plant species. Phytoseiid mite Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) was the most frequent predator species associated to the RPM in all of the sampling areas. Higher mite densities were observed in middle and basal portions from leaf collected from middle and basal canopy. In 2010, RPM population levels were higher than in 2011, probably as function to lower rainfall levels in that year. The RPM completed development on ornamental plant species but did not on arecaeous native to New World. In regard to oxidative enzymes, POD and PPO activities and lipid peroxidation were higher in infested plants from Malaysian Yellow Dwarf (MYD) and Caribbean Tall (CT) as compared to respective controls. Besides higher POD or PPO activities were detected in MYD cultivar than in CT both in infested or no infested plants. In contrast, higher lipid peroxidation was verified in infested CT cultivar. Our results suggest that probably these coconut genotypes exhibit resistance mechanism to the RPM, however more detailed studies are required.

No presente trabalho foram estudadas 8 espécies lenhosas dos gêneros Cinchona (C. amazonica Standl.), Croton (C. billbergianus Müll.Arg., C. floribundus Spreng., C. lechleri, Müell.Arg., C. matourensis Aubl., C. palanostigma Klotzsch) e Uncaria (U. guianensis (Aubl.) J.F. Gmel. e U. tomentosa (Willd. ex Roem. & Schult.) DC.) de interesse medicinal e ocorrentes no Estado do Acre, Brasil. Dessas plantas foram analisadas as características dendrológicas, a estrutura anatômica do lenho, sua distribuição geográfica e "status" de conservação. A pesquisa consistiu de visitas de campo a diferentes regiões do Estado, coleta de material botânico e do lenho das plantas, levantamento e estudo das exsicatas das espécies em herbários nacionais e internacionais da América do Sul, revisão bibliográfica das espécies na literatura e "sites" especializados, descrição dos parâmetros dendrológicos e da estrutura antômica do lenho das espécies em laboratório, possibilitando a identificação das espécies dos 3 gêneros. As características dendrológicas vegetativas das plantas mostraram variações, resultado das adaptações ao meio ambiente, da idade e de sua ampla distribuição geográfica. A estrutura anatomica do lenho foi mais distinta entre famílias (Euphorbiaceae e Rubiaceae) e gêneros (Cinchona, Croton, Uncaria) e menos nas espécies, constituindose em parâmetro importante e auxiliar na sua identificação. As plantas de Cinchona amazonica apresentaram baixa intensidade populacional, embora com ampla distribuição no Estado do Acre, em outros estados brasileiros e nos países amazônicos. No gênero Croton, as plantas de C.palanostigma mostraram distribuição quase pontual no Acre e extensa na Amazônia e menos ampla na América Latina; C. floribundus com ocorrência pontual no Acre, distribuição concentrada no Estado de São Paulo e em outros estados brasileiros e no Paraguai; C. matourensis encontram-se bem distribuídas no Acre e em outros estados brasileiros e países amazônicos, até o Panamá; C. lechleri ocorrem somente no sudeste do Estado do Acre, na Bolívia, Colômbia, Peru e Equador; C. billbergianus encontram-se bem distribuídas no Estado do Acre, escassa em outros estados amazônicos, ocorrendo em outros países da América Latina até o México. As plantas de Uncaria guianensis e U. tomentosa foram as de maior abundância no Estado do Acre e em toda a Amazônia brasileira, sendo U. tomentosa de menor abundância e distribuição muito ampla ocorrendo, inclusive, até a América Central. Com respeito ao "status" de conservação, as plantas de Croton billergianus, C. matourensis e Uncaria guianensis foram incluídas na categoria LC (comuns e abundantes ou fora de perigo), Cinchona amazonica, Croton lechleri e C. palanostigma em CR (perigo crítico), Uncaria tomentosa em VU (perigo a médio prazo) e Croton floribundus em DD (informação insuficiente). A presença destas espécies não foi constatada nas unidades de conservação do Estado do Acre e, no momento, as florestas onde ocorrem estão sendo exploradas para a extração da madeira, de fármacos e para a ampliação da fronteira agropecuária. Nos herbários das instituições de pesquisa e de ensino do Estado do Acre as coleções de plantas das espécies de Cinchona, Croton e Uncaria são escassas em comparação com as de outros Estados do Brasil e dos países visitados. / This research studied eight wood species of the genus Cinchona (C. amazonica Standl.), Croton (C. billbergianus Müll.Arg. C. floribundus Spreng.; C. lechleri, Müll.Arg.; C. matourensis Aubl. and C. palanostigma Klotzsch) and Uncaria (U. guianensis (Aubl.)J.F. Gmel. and U. tomentosa (Willd. ex Roem. & Schult.)DC.). All of them with medicinal interest, grown in the state of Acre (Brazil). The research consisted mainly in: field work in different regions of the state of Acre and botanical and plants collections, raising the exsiccates of the mentioned species in the most important national and international herbariums of South America, a wide bibliographical review concerning these species, dendrology description and the macro and microscopy description of the wood. The ve getative dendrological characteristics of these species showed variations with age adaptations and geographical distribution. The anatomy structures were different between families (Euphorbiaceae and Rubiaceae) and genus (Cinchona, Croton, Uncaria) and less within species. These results can be used for identification of these genus. In the order hand, this study shows that Cinchona amazonica had low distribution in Acre State, other Brazilian states and Amazonian countries. For Croton genus as C. palanostigma showed an almost punctual distribution in Acre, although had high distribution on the Amazon region and lowest on Latin America; C. floribundus with punctual occurrence on the Acre State and concentrated distribution in Sao Paulo State, other Brazilian States and in Paraguay; C. matourensis had high distribution in Acre, other Brazilian states and Amazonian countries, reaching up to Panama; C. lechleri grew only in the south east of Acre, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador; C. billbergianus was found well distributed in Acre, less abundant in other Amazon states and Latin countries and reaching up to Mexico. Uncaria guianensis and U. tomentosa were the most abundant species in Acre state and in all the Brazilian Amazon, and the U. tomentosa in Brazil can be considered less abundant, although with a wider distribution reaching inclusive the Central America. Concerning the conservation "status", C billbergianus, C. matourensis and U. guianensis were included in the category LC (common and abundant or out of danger); Cinchona amazonica, Croton lechleri and C. palanostigma on CR (critical danger), Uncaria tomentosa on VU (medium term danger) and Croton floribundus on DD (insufficient information). One of the most important aspects to mention is that there were no evidence of any presence of these species in the conservation unites in the State of Acre, and in the forests where they occur. Also, they are cuttings for raw material for wood, pharmacological exploration and farm and cattle frontiers amplification.. This situation was verified in the State of Acre for the lower collection of plants of Cinchona, Croton and Uncaria in relation to other states in Brazil and in other countries visited.

For over a decade, researchers at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) have conducted surveys of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) population of Indian River Lagoon (IRL) in Florida. I have constructed a 4-stage population model using the statistical program R. The model is used to conduct a viability analysis by analyzing the relationship between birth, calf and adult survival rates. The power analysis compares survey frequency to expected confidence intervals in estimating abundance. The sensitivity analysis shows that the population is most sensitive to changes in adult survival, followed by birth rate and calf survival. The model shows a strong chance of viability over a 50 year time span. The population is vulnerable to long periods of decline if birth, calf or adult survival rates fall below certain thresholds. Overall, the model simulates the future impacts of demographic change, providing a tool for conservation efforts. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Acompanhamos, nas últimas décadas, a temática ambiental se transformar em um dos principais desafios para a humanidade. Sua dimensão transnacional, alcançada quando os limites naturais não coincidem com os limites políticos, potencializa a complexidade da problemática. Em conseqüência, temas como sustentabilidade e segurança ambiental passam a ocupar posições de destaque na agenda internacional, fato que demanda novas interpretações da concepção clássica de soberania. A questão das águas transfronteiriças superficiais - águas que escoam sobre bacias hidrográficas internacionais - representa uma materialização dos desafios mencionados acima, sobretudo porque esses recursos correspondem a maior parcela da água doce superficial e estão sujeitos a severas ameaças. Entre elas: o consumo excessivo de estoques hídricos limitados, que vem provocando uma crise de escassez; além dos antagonismos inerentes à necessidade de compartilhamento desses recursos, que motivam concorrências entre distintos interesses nacionais. Em função disso, surgem preocupações e questionamentos referentes à capacidade de a água gerar, ou acirrar, tensões internacionais. Partindo das intrínsecas relações entre território e política, essa dissertação identifica as variáveis ligadas ao potencial conflitivo/cooperativo das águas transfronteiriças superficiais. Em meio a essa tarefa, temos oportunidade de discutir como os novos temas da agenda internacional incidem nessa questão. A análise da bacia do rio Danúbio, como estudo de caso, comprova que as águas transfronteiriças superficiais podem deteriorar as relações entre países e que circunstâncias geográficas e políticas são cruciais na definição dos interesses dos Estados e, conseqüentemente, na qualidade do desfecho da questão. / In the last decades we have seen the environmental issues being transformed into one of the main challenges for humanity. Their transnational dimension is reached when natural limits do not coincide with political ones, enhancing, therefore, the complexity of the problem. Consequently, topics such as sustainability and environmental security start to acquire an outstanding position in the international agenda, which demands new interpretations of the classic concept of sovereignty. The concern related to superficial transboundary waters - waters that flow on international river basins - represents a materialization of the challenges mentioned above, mainly because these sources correspond to the greatest share of superficial fresh water and are submitted to severe threats. Among them we can mention: the excessive consumption of limited water supplies, which has been provoking a lack of water crisis; in addition to it there are the inherent antagonisms related to the necessity of sharing these sources, which motivates the competition between distinct national interests. On account of these interests, worries and questions appear referring to the capability the water has to generate or instigate international tensions. Taking as a starting point the intrinsic relationship between territory and politics, this dissertation identifies the variables linked to the conflictive/cooperative potential of the superficial transboundary waters. Whilst pursuing this task, we have the opportunity to discuss the way the new topics of the international agenda approach this matter. The analysis of the Danube river basin, as a case study, proves that superficial transboundary waters can spoil the relationships between countries and that geographic and political circumstances are crucial for the definition of the countries interests and, consequently, for the quality of the outcome of this matter.

Acompanhamos, nas últimas décadas, a temática ambiental se transformar em um dos principais desafios para a humanidade. Sua dimensão transnacional, alcançada quando os limites naturais não coincidem com os limites políticos, potencializa a complexidade da problemática. Em conseqüência, temas como sustentabilidade e segurança ambiental passam a ocupar posições de destaque na agenda internacional, fato que demanda novas interpretações da concepção clássica de soberania. A questão das águas transfronteiriças superficiais - águas que escoam sobre bacias hidrográficas internacionais - representa uma materialização dos desafios mencionados acima, sobretudo porque esses recursos correspondem a maior parcela da água doce superficial e estão sujeitos a severas ameaças. Entre elas: o consumo excessivo de estoques hídricos limitados, que vem provocando uma crise de escassez; além dos antagonismos inerentes à necessidade de compartilhamento desses recursos, que motivam concorrências entre distintos interesses nacionais. Em função disso, surgem preocupações e questionamentos referentes à capacidade de a água gerar, ou acirrar, tensões internacionais. Partindo das intrínsecas relações entre território e política, essa dissertação identifica as variáveis ligadas ao potencial conflitivo/cooperativo das águas transfronteiriças superficiais. Em meio a essa tarefa, temos oportunidade de discutir como os novos temas da agenda internacional incidem nessa questão. A análise da bacia do rio Danúbio, como estudo de caso, comprova que as águas transfronteiriças superficiais podem deteriorar as relações entre países e que circunstâncias geográficas e políticas são cruciais na definição dos interesses dos Estados e, conseqüentemente, na qualidade do desfecho da questão. / In the last decades we have seen the environmental issues being transformed into one of the main challenges for humanity. Their transnational dimension is reached when natural limits do not coincide with political ones, enhancing, therefore, the complexity of the problem. Consequently, topics such as sustainability and environmental security start to acquire an outstanding position in the international agenda, which demands new interpretations of the classic concept of sovereignty. The concern related to superficial transboundary waters - waters that flow on international river basins - represents a materialization of the challenges mentioned above, mainly because these sources correspond to the greatest share of superficial fresh water and are submitted to severe threats. Among them we can mention: the excessive consumption of limited water supplies, which has been provoking a lack of water crisis; in addition to it there are the inherent antagonisms related to the necessity of sharing these sources, which motivates the competition between distinct national interests. On account of these interests, worries and questions appear referring to the capability the water has to generate or instigate international tensions. Taking as a starting point the intrinsic relationship between territory and politics, this dissertation identifies the variables linked to the conflictive/cooperative potential of the superficial transboundary waters. Whilst pursuing this task, we have the opportunity to discuss the way the new topics of the international agenda approach this matter. The analysis of the Danube river basin, as a case study, proves that superficial transboundary waters can spoil the relationships between countries and that geographic and political circumstances are crucial for the definition of the countries interests and, consequently, for the quality of the outcome of this matter.

"April 2002" Includes bibliographical references and list of the publications and papers submitted. Pt. 1: section 1. Ostracod taxonomy and ecology -- section 2. Limnology of salt lakes -- section 3. Ostracod palaoecology - Quaternary environments -- section 4. Palaolimnology - Quaternary paleoenvironments and geology -- pt. 2: section 5. Geochemistry of ostracod shells -- section 6. Palaeoceanography Contains the majority of the author's scientific publications. Aims at reconstructing Quaternary paleoenvironments, mostly from the Australian region, using the fossil remains of organisms as well as new geochemical techniques.