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The relative importance of local, regional and historical processes to patterns of distribution and diversity of lower Mesoamerican (Panama and Costa Rica, LMA) freshwater fishes are examined at two different spatial scales. Biogeographic patterns of LMA freshwater fish communities at the spatial extent of LMA indicate that biological differences among species as well as regional and historical processes are quintessential to explaining the patters of turnover of community composition and species richness across the LMA Isthmus. The study of LMA freshwater fishes permits the inference that ecological interactions among species are not independent of a region's history, suggesting that regional and historical processes probably play an ongoing role in the maintenance of LMA freshwater fish communities. In addition, the study of the natural experiment of the Panama Canal provides a clear demonstration that dispersal, rather than local deterministic processes such as competition and predation, previously set the upper limit of the number of fish species coexisting in local communities. Comparisons of species inventories established prior to Canal construction with contemporary species lists demonstrates a large net increase in species richness of local communities, suggesting that the local communities of the Panama Canal watershed were not saturated.

Attitudes of machismo are essential components of Costa Rican culture and traditions. This study examines how these attitudes manifest themselves in Costa Ricans' opinions regarding various gender role issues. Male and female Costa Ricans, both urban and rural, between the ages of 5 and 10, 15 and 25, and 60 plus were asked questions regarding gender role issues. The age category of children ages 5 to 10 revealed the least machismo as the age category of adolescents ages 15 to 25 revealed the most. Rural and urban localities appeared to make no difference. Males revealed more attitudes of machismo than did females but not significantly more overall. / Department of Anthropology

The purpose of this study was to design a development model of a process for developing, introducing, and implementing innovative curricula at the community university level. Focusing on higher education, the study examined a comprehensive, systems-based model to determine the extent to which it identified current curriculum and instruction development practices.The study involved four major parts: 1) a series of interviews with teachers and administrators of Ball State, 2) a review of literature about curriculum development to synthesize the material and information collected, and to use it as a base for designing a curriculum model, 3) a set of nine questionnaires sent to teacher and administrators of CIDE (Center for Research and Teaching in Education) at the National University-Costa Rica, 4) a model design which exemplified steps useful to the process of implementation and evaluation.The study illustrates and examines a variety of experiences and problems related to curriculum development. Suggested solutions which will be of interest to both institutional planners and faculty members are given throughout the study. The research suggests a framework for understanding the role of curriculum development in education and for demonstrating how the changes contribute to the quality of the program as a tool in the educational process.This model is based on the combination of organizational and instructional curriculum development with research being an integral part of each area. For any institution wishing to implement innovations suggested by this study, the model should be viewed as flexible and adaptable.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 57406 / Center for Lifelong Education

This thesis demonstrates how the intermittent nature of seasonal tropical fresh waters facilitates and impedes the dispersal of fish and how the variability among residual dry season pools affects the dynamics of isolated populations. I focused on the seasonal ecology of Poecilia gillii from pools in a steep gradient, intermittent stream in Costa Rica. Water temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration were affected by season, by between-pool differences, and by the interaction between seasonal and spatial influences. Seasonal flooding resulted in a catastrophic loss of fish from most pools. Population loss was influenced by the susceptibility of the pools to flooding and population density, with mortality occurring primarily in nearby desiccating "graveyard" pools. Pools increased in population size and density over the 5-month post-flood study period, and their densities converged to their pre-flood values. Variability in the rate of increase among pools was related to water quality and population density. Striking changes in the size and abundance of males over the season suggest social influences on maturation in Poecilia gillii.

Univ., Diss.--Oldenburg, 2004.

Mémoire (M.E.S.R.)--Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 1990. / Document électronique également accessible en format PDF. CaQCU

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1991. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 200-205).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1965. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 182-187).