The master thesis works measures of phenotypic traits and unique data of pairing of wild living grey partridges. The secondary sexual traits and theirs variability is described. Especially the relationship between the ornamental traits and the pairing success was researched. The results proved the greater pairing success of males with the larger melanin breast patch and the greater quality of the mate in females with the larger breast patch. The strategy of male floaters, which are realatively well ornamented is discussed.

Abstract The impact of hand-rearing on the morphology and physiology of captive and wild grey partridges (Perdix perdix) and capercaillies (Tetrao urogallus) was studied in three feeding trials conducted under laboratory conditions, and two comparative studies between wild and captive birds. Finally, wild and hand-reared grey partridges from several localities in Europe were sampled and the control region 1 of mitochondrial DNA was sequenced to reveal genetic variation between populations, as well as to compare wild and captive stocks. Wild capercaillies had heavier pectoral muscles, hearts, livers and gizzards, longer small intestines than hand-reared ones, and a higher cytochrome-c oxidase activity in muscle and heart. Invertebrates were essential to the growth, primary and temperature regulation development in grey partridge chicks. Fish was not sufficient to replace invertebrates in the diet. A change in diet from commercial to natural decreased the assimilation efficiency in the grey partridge. It also increased the mass of gizzard reflecting the need for greater grinding ability. Of hepatic P450 enzymes used in this study 7-ethoxyresorufin-0-deethylase and 7-pentoxyresorufin-0-deethylase differed between wild and hand-reared birds. Coumarin-7-hydroxylase activity was higher in grey partridges than capercaillies. Diet differences may have caused these differences. Quebracho tannin added to the diet lowered nitrogen concentration in caecal feces, and elevated the level of excreted tannin. Otherwise its effects were slight. Mitochondrial control region revealed 14 variable sites between two main lineages detected. Nucleotide and haplotype diversities varied greatly between populations. The markedly deep divergence between the two lineages indicated most probably post-glacial recolonisations from geographically isolated refuges. In Finland, wild birds represented the eastern lineage, while the farmstock represented the western lineage. Surprisingly little trace, contrary to expectations, from the large-scale releasing of imported partridges could be seen in the European populations.

[pt] Nos últimos anos, vários estudos têm sido realizados na aplicação dos microrganismos na biotecnologia mineral, atuando como coletores, depressores ou espumantes amigáveis com o meio ambiente, e induzindo propriedades hidrofóbicas, uma vez que eles podem-se aderir seletivamente sobre a superfície do mineral. O objetivo deste trabalho é estudar e avaliar o comportamento da cepa Rhodococcus ruber com a hematita. Entre os estudos efetuados estão à adesão microbiana à superfície mineral, medida do potencial zeta e análise no infravermelho antes a após interação do biorreagente com a hematita, assim como o estudo dos ensaios de microflotação. A amostra foi condicionada com a suspensão de biomassa por meio de agitação sob condições específicas, tais como tamanho das partículas, concentração da biomassa, pH da solução e tempo de condicionamento. Os resultados mostraram uma mudança no perfil do potencial zeta da hematita após interação com a R.ruber, e sua adesão na superfície do mineral foi maior ao redor do pH 3, e na concentração de 0.60g.L(-1) (10(9) células). Estudos de flotação foram realizados na célula de flotação modificada Partridge-Smith de 0.23L, e a maior valor de flotabilidade (84 por cento) foi atingido na fração menos 53 mais 38 um. Estudos complementários de flotabilidade foram realizados utilizando o espumante comercial Flotanol D24 combinado com a biomassa R.ruber, encontrando resultados interessantes em função do tamanho de partícula. Assim esta pesquisa visa avaliar a eficiência da bioflotação de minerais, particularmente da hematita, e do uso potencial do Rhodococcus ruber como biocoletor, projetando-se a uma futura aplicação na indústria da flotação mineral. / [en] In the recent years, research has been developed in the application of microorganisms in mineral technology, acting as environmental friendly collectors, depressors and/or frothers and inducing hydrophobic properties, since they can be selectively adhere onto the surface of the mineral. This research work deals with the fundamental aspects of hematite flotation using the bacterial strain Rhodococcus ruber. The aim of this research was to study and evaluate the behavior of Rhodococcus ruber strain before and after interaction with hematite particles. The sample was conditioned with the biomass suspension by stirring under specific conditions such as particle size, biomass concentration, pH solution and conditioning time. Among the studies conducted are the microbial adhesion to the mineral surface, zeta potential measurements and analysis of infrared spectra before and after interaction of Rhodococcus ruber with hematite, as well as microflotation studies. The results showed a change in hematite zeta potential profile after interaction with Rhodococcus ruber, and its adhesion onto the mineral surface was higher at pH 3 and at concentration of 0.60 g.L(-1) (10(9) cells). Flotation studies were carried out in a 0.23L modified Partridge-Smith flotation cell, and the highest floatability (84 percent) was achieved at size fraction any less 53 more 38 um. Also, floatability studies were performed using frother Flotanol D24 combined with the Rhodococcus ruber biomass, concluding with interesting results in function of the particle size range. This work aims to evaluate the efficiency of bioflotation of minerals, particularly hematite, and the potential use of Rhodococcus ruber as biocollector, projecting its future application in mineral flotation industry.

Free water can be a limiting factor to wildlife in arid regions of the world. In the western United States, management agencies have installed numerous, expensive wildlife water developments (e.g. catchments, guzzlers, wells) to: 1) increase the distribution or density of target species, 2) influence animal movements, and 3) mitigate for the loss of available free water. Despite over 50 years as an active management practice, water developments have become controversial for several species. We lack an integrated understanding of the ways free water influences animal populations. In particular, we have not meshed understanding of evolutionary adaptations that reduce the need for free water and behavioral constraints that may limit use of otherwise available free water with management practices. I propose a conceptual framework for understanding more generally how, when, and where wildlife water developments are likely to benefit wildlife species. I argue that the following five elements are fundamental to an integrated understanding: 1) consideration of the variable nature in time and space of available free water, 2) location and availability of pre-formed and/or metabolic water, 3) seasonal temperature and precipitation patterns that influence the physiological need for water, 4) behavioral constraints that limit use of otherwise available free water, and 5) proper spacing of water sources for target species. I developed this framework from work done primarily with chukars (Alectoris chukar). I also report supporting evidence from research with mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Chukars demonstrated a spatial response to available free water when estimates of dietary moisture content were < 40%. Mule deer photo counts were reduced at water sources with small-perimeter fencing, suggesting increased predation risk caused mule deer to behaviorally avoid use of otherwise available free water. When all five framework elements are considered, I found strong evidence that wildlife water developments have benefited some chukar populations. Historic chukar counts suggested a population benefit following installation of wildlife water developments. Experimental removal of access to free water caused increased movements and decreased survival of adult chukars.

Naturalists for many years have known that birds sing most at dawn and at dusk, but to which of many physical variables they are responding has not been completely determined. This problem has taken on importance in the field of wildlife management because calling rate has been used as an index of abundance for numerous game birds, namely the Pheasant, Phasianus colchicus( Kimball, 1949); the Mourning Dove, Zenaidura macroura (McClure, 1939); the Bobwhite Quail, Colinus virginianus (Bennitt, 1951; Rosene, 1957): and the Woodcock, Philohela minor (Pitelka, 1943). Of the possible variables which can influence calling in birds, light intensity has received the most attention. Haecker (1916), using a crude optical light meter, found a definite and high correlation between time of beginning morning song and light intensity. In 1924 he published findings with the same conclusion after measuring light intensity photometrically. Dorno (1924), in repeating part of Haecker's work, came to the conclusion that light was significant, but that the variation in the time of beginning morning song; and sunrise was due to differences in dispersal of light rays rather than actual light intensity. This dispersal was due, in his opinion, to latitude and season of the year. Since that time many workers have been concerned with the problem . The first American to deal with light intensity as the factor that governs time of morning calling was Craig (1926). He found a close correlation between early morning song of the Eastern Wood Pewee ( Contopus virens) and the curve of civil twilight. Walker (1928) found that the length of time before sunrise a bird sings is probably dependent on the total amount of light present, but that weather factors influence song to a great extent. In agreement with these findings were those of Lutz (1931) studying singing in the House Wren (Troglodytes musculus). He found that one individual began to sing at almost the same time on each of 24 mornings. If the morning was bright, song came earlier; if couldy, it came later, but time never varies more than 15 minutes. Wiens (1960) stated that the song of the Cardinal (Richmondena cardinalis) was closely associated with sunrise during April. He recorded calls beginning 10 minutes )plus or minus 3 minutes) before sunrise during this month. Eynon (1960), in compiling field notes of the late Aldo Leopold, showed that the first morning songs of several passerine and game birds are closely associated with very low light intensities that occur during the twilight before sunrise. Studies showing effect of light intensity on animal activity are not limited to birds. Alexander and Moore (1958), studying singing in two species of Cicada (insects), found that both are sensitive to changes in light intensity. Singing increased as the sun came up and decreased as the sun passed behind a cloud. They attempted to stimulate singing with taped song under cloudy conditions, but only one species responded.Steven (1959) showed that schools of fish occurring during daylight hours break up as light falls below 0.1 foot-candle. He stated that there was no sudden change from day to night behavior patters at an level of light; the change was progressive. Other factors which have been shown to affect time and rate of bird calling are temperature, wind, and rain. Groebbels (1925) believed that early morning singing was a direct response to prevailing low temperatures. This study measure the composite and individual effects of time of day, season, light intensity, wind, rain, and temperature on calling. An attempt was made to apply correction factors to make possible more standardized calling counts. Observations were made on penned Chukars to relate sex and social organization to rally calling.

The importance of surface water to chukar partridges (Alectoris graeca) and the feasibility of rain-catchment devices for improving chukar habitat were studied on the Thomas and Dugway Mountain Ranges in western Utah during 1969 and 1970. Sources of surface water were removed from one mountain rang~ and chukar populations on that range were compared with populations on an adjacent range with permanent sources of water. Providing drinking water did not improve chukar productivity, survival, or availability to hunters. Although most birds concentrated around water supplies in the summer, some chukars appeared to live completely independent of any permanent sources of surface water. Food habits of chukars near water did not differ from those in waterless areas. It was concluded that in habitats comparable to those studied, installation of rain-catchment devices is not a feasible technique for improving chukar habitat.

Edward Partridge (1793-1840) became the first bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1831, two months after joining the church. He served in this capacity until his death in 1840. The first chapter examines his preparation for his role as bishop. Having no precedent to follow, he drew extensively upon his background and experiences in civic leadership, business management, and property ownership in order to succeed in his assignment. Partridge moved to Missouri in 1831 at the forefront of Mormon settlement in the state, where on behalf of the church he ultimately purchased hundreds of acres, which he then distributed to the gathering saints as part of the law of consecration. In addition, he prepared consecration affidavits and oversaw each family's contributions and stewardships. The second chapter examines Partridge's ability to succeed in his assignment, and the tensions that he felt between seeing the vision of Zion and administering the practical details. Forty years after his death, his children began to write extensively about their father. The third chapter of this thesis examines their writings, focusing on how their memories of their father illuminate their own lives as well as their father's. The final chapter finds that the three published descendants' modern attempts to chronicle the life of Edward Partridge each fall short in at least one of the following: the field of history, literature, or a faithful representation of his life.

This thesis is the biography of Edward Partridge (1793-1840), the first bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As one of the first members of the Latter-day Saint faith, his life is a representation of the struggles, persecutions and sacrifices of early Mormon history. As a leader, he was the subject of many of the instructions and pronouncements of the Doctrine and Covenants, a volume of "revelations" cannonized by Mormondom. And as the first Bishop of the Church, he was specifically designated to administer the Mormon scheme for utopia, known as the Law of Consecration and Stewardship. He was, therefore, the first administrator of the Zion economic system under the Prophet, Joseph Smith, and as such much of his life is a scenario of the project's development and scope, revealing many definitive insights into this utopian scheme. His biography serves readily as a case study for exploring the compelling influence and transforming nature of the millennial ferver so prevalent during this era of American history.

This thesis explores Mormon women's experiences with death as revealed in their personal writings from 1847-1900. The study includes an examination of women's involvement in caring for the sick and tending to the dead, as well as an exploration of women's personal reactions to death. A careful reading of Mormon women's writings from this period reveals that Mormonism equipped believers with powerful doctrines and rituals which helped women cope with the sorrow and profound grief that accompanied the deaths of those they loved. In addition, members living in Mormon communities rendered invaluable physical, emotional, and spiritual support to each other as they cared for the sick and dying, prepared the dead for burial, and dealt with the lingering sense of loss brought on by death. Significantly, special community-sanctioned customs and traditions associated with illness and death provided solace in difficult times.

This theses focuses on olfactory and visual components of mate choice in grey partridge. The aim is to evaluate the importance of melanin-based ornametnation and olfaction in mate choice and to explain the role of sexual selection in the evolution of secondary ornamentation in this socially monogamous galliform bird. To do that several experiments were conducted to (1) assess the ability of individuals to recognize conspecific odour and (2) to estimate the significance of melanin based feather ornamentation in male-male and male-female interactions. In some experiments I manipulated the expression (size) of feather maleanin- based ornamentation while in others I used birds forced to pair randomly to find out how the size of ornament and similarity in ornament expression between males and females (assortative pairing) affects reproductive success and investments (egg hatchability and number of eggs laid).