ABSTRACT Wildebeest are part of the sub family Alcelaphinae and the genus Connochaetes. There are two extant species of wildebeest namely Connochaetes gnou (black wildebeest) and Connochaetes taurinus (blue wildebeest). From fossil evidence, it is thought that co-generic blue and black wildebeest diverged ca. 1Ma. Historically, geographic ranges of these two species have overlapped, but different social behaviour and habitat preference prevented sexual interaction. It has been proposed that reproductive isolation between C. taurinus and C. gnou may have disappeared due to artificial management. This has caused mate choice to change in the absence of species-specific mates, resulting in hybridisation. Most documented cases of hybridisation have occurred from dispersing blue wildebeest bulls introgressing into black herds however, the opposite has been observed. Genetic studies on a population where the blue males have introgressed with black females, show that the blue wildebeest populations are “pure” and that the black wildebeest populations are receiving an influx of blue alleles. In this research, 14 skeletons of modern hybrid Connochaetes taurinus and Connochaetes gnou, from more than one post-hybridisation generation from the Spioenkop reserve, were morphologically as well as metrically compared with a sample of ten modern “pure” blue and 15 black wildebeest. This project showed that univariate, bivariate statistical analyses of selected measurements of the skeletons were successful in identifying all of the Spioenkop individuals as hybrids. Morphologically, the hybrids exhibit a general increase in body size, and have unusual horns. The auditory bullae of the Spioenkop specimens are highly deformed, as are some axes. There is unusual bone growth on most of the post crania, morphological differences are observed on the distal ends of the metapodials, and the radius and ulna are fused in many specimens.

This dissertation looks at themes of identity construction rooted in place. It takes the notion of people and the environment having a reciprocal relationship with architecture being at the interface - facilitating the localised formation of identity and sense of place. I examine current themes of Creole culture and related hybridization, and the important role architecture and place plays in the affirmation of identity. This is done in the context of Mitchells Plain located on the Cape Flats. I critique the original apartheid modernist planning in creating a ‘community’ detached, and with no ‘proper’ social network and basis for identification. In response, I propose a re-establishment of identity and pride in place. Dealing with key social issues, stitching together. ABSTRACT fragmented natural, physical and cultural elements by providing opportunity for experience and expression through concepts of event (active public space), programme, and network. By drawing on cultural and ecological lessons of the vernacular it seeks to create a sustainable, symbiotic place and a platform for individual identity development rooted in contemporary life, uniqueness of place and identity.

Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 63-68).

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Texas at Arlington, 2009.

Thesis (M.S.)--Georgia Southern University, 2004. / "A thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Georgia Southern University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science." Includes bibliographical references (p. 34-42).

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 83-102).

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