Download or read book Factors Affecting Abundance Physiology and Fine scale Genetic Differentiation of the Western Slimy Salamander Plethodon Albagula written by William Earl Peterman and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 95 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Inferring process from pattern can be a challenging undertaking when dealing with ecological complexity. The distribution and abundance of organisms on the landscape is often interpreted through the lens of competition, movement, or physiology, as well as interactions with the abiotic environment. Further, movement, distribution, and abundance often coincide with favorable abiotic environments such as temperature, moisture, or nutrients. At its core, landscape genetics seeks to identify the spatial processes shaping the observed patterns of genetic diversity across the landscape, but most landscape genetic studies are predominantly exploratory and lack well-established hypotheses. To increase understanding of process-driven patterns in landscape genetics, I studied the western slimy salamander (Plethodon albagula) in east-central Missouri with three specific questions: (1) Where are salamanders on the landscape, and what environmental factors influence local abundance? (2) Is there a physiological constraint underlying the observed patterns of distribution and abundance? (3) How is spatial genetic structure shaped by abundance and physiology across the landscape? I utilized a combination of abundance modeling, spatial quantification of water loss using plaster of Paris models, and landscape genetics analyses to assess the factors contributing to genetic differentiation across a 1300 ha landscape. Plethodontid salamanders are highly sensitive to water loss, in part due to their lack of lungs and cutaneous respiration. I found that abundance of salamanders was best predicted by canopy cover, topographic position (ridge, slope, ravine), and the interaction between wetness and solar exposure. The spatial relationships of these factors are such that abundance is predicted to be highest in forested ravines with lower solar exposure. Plaster models deployed across the landscape served as surrogates for live salamanders to quantify rates of water loss. I found that rates of water loss across the landscape were inversely related to predicted abundance, suggesting that water loss is likely a physiologically-limiting process underlying the distribution of salamanders. Finally, I determined that genetic distances were significantly correlated with ecological surfaces, and that the independent landscape features underlying these processes were poor predictors of genetic differentiation. My results highlight the importance of understanding basic ecological and physiological factors as mechanisms for interpreting spatial genetic patterns.
Download or read book Nesting Behavior and Parental Care in the Western Slimy Salamander Plethodon Albagula written by Robyn Jordan and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 66 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Factors Affecting Growth Rates of the Red backed Salamander Plethodon Cinereus written by Joshua Biddle and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Phylogeography and Range Limit Evolution in the Cumberland Plateau Salamander Plethodon Kentucki written by Emily F. Watts and published by . This book was released on 2023 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Gene flow and geography are critically influential factors in shaping the genetic history of a species. Gene flow can have beneficial effects on a population that may allow for new adaptations to occur, such as increasing genetic variation. However, gene flow may also result in negative consequences for populations if their fitness is decreased through the introduction of non-optimized traits or through selection resulting in a reduction of locally adapted individuals. Asymmetrical gene flow can even prevent local adaptation in edge populations when gene flow from central populations adapted to central conditions swamps locally adapted populations. This phenomenon can prevent a species from expanding its range, as it is unable to adapt to local conditions at the range edges. Thus, patterns of gene flow can determine the extent to which gene flow slows or promotes adaptation. Gene flow can also create problems for the inference of species relationships, because it is a source of gene tree-species tree discordance. While speciation is commonly modeled as a finite event, divergence is a process. Even after divergence, hybridization is common, and neglecting to account for it can lead to incorrect species tree inference. Nonetheless, the development of species tree inference methods that account for gene flow remains in its infancy. Even with the addition of more loci from genomic-scale data, gene flow misleads phylogenetic reconstruction. Thus, it is vital to account for gene flow with phylogenetic networks when inferring species relationships. This dissertation examines the role of gene flow in constraining adaptation in the Cumberland Plateau Salamander, Plethodon kentucki, a cryptic species with respect to the sympatric Northern Slimy Salamander, Plethodon glutinosus. After its description in 1983 by Highton and MacGregor using allozyme data, its taxonomic status was unclear, as the authors reported extreme levels of genetic differentiation for a single species with a narrow distribution, and follow-up studies found patterns of genetic variation that were discordant with the allozyme data. In chapter 1, I describe genetic variation within P. kentucki and conclude it is best recognized as a single species with substantial genetic structure within its limited distribution. In chapter 2, I describe the heterogeneity of the landscape within the range of P. kentucki. I also quantify the genetic connectivity across the range of P. kentucki and describe how the two interact to maintain the range of P. kentucki. I also test a novel theory about how different types of range edges impact adaptation at the periphery of a species’ range. This dissertation also examines the role of gene flow in confounding phylogenetic inference using two prominent phylogenetic network methods. In chapter 3, I use computer modeling to examine how these two methods perform under varying degrees of gene flow and population history, as well as how they perform under two different datasets. This dissertation explores the role of gene flow, or lack thereof, in maintaining species boundaries, inhibiting range expansion, and confounding the inference of species relationships.
Download or read book Genetic Structure Due to Variation in Breeding Time in a Salamander Population written by Scott A. Thomas and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 28 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The fine-scale genetic structure of populations is traditionally thought to be shaped primarily by geographic barriers to reproduction among local populations. However, other mechanisms of isolation have been recognized, but little has been done to determine their relative roles in shaping genetic variation in natural populations. In this study, I test whether genetic structure within and among breeding ponds of spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) is influenced by within-pond variation in breeding time. I found significant genetic structure attributable to variation in breeding time within ponds. This temporal structure was not consistent across ponds, indicating it is a local and not a regional effect. However, this temporal structure did not fully resolve strong patterns of inbreeding within ponds, indicating that reproductive barriers operating with in ponds are more effective than either spatial or phenological ones. Together, these findings reveal complex relationships between genetic structure and variation in breeding phenology that would not be uncovered by spatial or temporal analyses alone.
Download or read book Assessing the Relative Influence of Abiotic and Biotic Impacts to Range Limits in Two Terrestrial Salamander Species Plethodon Glutinosus and Plethodon Mississippi written by Heather Renee Cunningham and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 166 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: My research investigated the impact of abiotic factors and species interactions on the geographic distribution of two terrestrial salamander species, Plethodon glutinosus(Northern Slimy Salamander) and P. mississippi (Mississippi Slimy Salamander) at different spatial scales. I addressed the influence of ecological factors such as climate and topography on the relative strength of competitive interactions at broad and local scales. Often these factors are studied as independent determinants of species range limits; therefore, my research was designed to address how interactions between different ecological factors affected populations across geographic space. The novelty of my research was the methodological approach used. To my knowledge, this is the first use of ecological niche modeling in conjunction with fine scaled studies of competitive interactions to empirically test the influence of ecological factors on the relative strength of competitive interactions. At broad spatial scales the cost of competitive interactions for P. glutinosus and P. mississippiwas found to increase at the range margin relative to the interior of the range. However, along the range margin, the influence of climate and species interactions did not vary in a predictable manner. It is likely that interactions between microclimatic conditions, habitat structure, and land cover are stronger constraints on species interactions at the range margin than broad scale climate patterns. Subtle alterations in aggressive behavior, due to the introduction of a non-native congener, had little impact in local scale distribution. This is likely due to habitat structure and local abiotic conditions at the site of introduction. Overall the distributions of P. glutinosus and P. mississippi are shaped by multiple interactions between abiotic and biotic factors that differ in their relative strength at different spatial scales across geographic space. My work demonstrates the importance of considering interactions among various ecological causes of range limits and the spatial scale of investigation.
Download or read book Reptile Biodiversity written by Roy W. McDiarmid and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 2012-01-10 with total page 424 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Authoritative and comprehensive—provides an up-to-date description of the tool box of methods for inventorying and monitoring the diverse spectrum of reptiles. All biodiversity scientists will want to have it during project planning and as study progresses. A must for field biologists, conservation planners, and biodiversity managers.”—Jay M. Savage, San Diego State University “Kudos to the editors and contributors to this book. From the perspective of a non-ecologist such as myself, who only occasionally needs to intensively sample a particular site or habitat, the quality and clarity of this book has been well worth the wait.”—Jack W. Sites, Jr.
Download or read book The Biology of Plethodontid Salamanders written by Richard C. Bruce and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2000-04-30 with total page 506 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume offers a state-of-the-art overview of plethodontid salamanders. Readers will find the best current understanding of many aspects of the evolution, systematics, development, morphology, life history, ecology, and field methodology of these animals.
Download or read book Amphibian Declines written by Michael J. Lannoo and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 2005-06-15 with total page 1124 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Documents in comprehensive detail a major environmental crisis: rapidly declining amphibian populations and the disturbing developmental problems that are increasingly prevalent within many amphibian species.
Download or read book Wildlife Habitat Management written by Brenda C. McComb and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2007-06-20 with total page 338 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In recent years, conflicts between ecological conservation and economic growth forced a reassessment of the motivations and goals of wildlife and forestry management. Focus shifted from game and commodity management to biodiversity conservation and ecological forestry. Previously separate fields such as forestry, biology, botany, and zoology merged
Download or read book Cave Biology written by Aldemaro Romero Díaz and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2009-07-23 with total page 318 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A critical examination of current knowledge and ideas on cave biology, with emphasis on evolution, ecology, and conservation.
Download or read book Herpetology written by Laurie J. Vitt and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2012-12-02 with total page 544 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Herpetology has always been one of the most exciting disciplines of zoology. During the past few years the field has continued to grow, yet it has been plagued by scarcity of comprehensive, up-to-date textbooks containing the most important developments. This timely book fills that void. Through skillful synthesis, the author summarizes the diversity in the biology of living amphibians and reptiles and describes the breadth of current herpetological research. Topics covered include the evolution, classification, development, reproduction, population, and environmental issues surrounding the study of amphibians and reptiles. Designed as an advanced undergraduate textbook, Herpetology is a valuable resource for students, practitioners, and interested amateurs alike. Provides an incisive survey and much needed update of the field Emphasizes the biological diversity among amphibians and reptiles Details the most recent research findings, citing ke
Download or read book Ouachita and Ozark Mountains Symposium written by and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 334 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume presents 5-year results of silvicultural treatments associated with ecosystem management research in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. Results from stand-level treatments include regeneration dynamics of pine and hardwood species, effects of treatment on birds and small mammals, mast production, visual quality, oak decline, and organic matter. Pretreatment landscape findings include measurements of woody vegetation; birds, mammals, and herpetofauna; fish communities and trophic structure; hydrology; and evaluation of susceptibility to gypsy moth outbreaks.
Download or read book The Science of Speleology written by Trevor David Ford and published by . This book was released on 1976 with total page 620 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Introduction to Genetic Algorithms written by S.N. Sivanandam and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2007-10-24 with total page 453 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book offers a basic introduction to genetic algorithms. It provides a detailed explanation of genetic algorithm concepts and examines numerous genetic algorithm optimization problems. In addition, the book presents implementation of optimization problems using C and C++ as well as simulated solutions for genetic algorithm problems using MATLAB 7.0. It also includes application case studies on genetic algorithms in emerging fields.
Download or read book Epigenetic Principles of Evolution written by Nelson R Cabej and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2011-11-22 with total page 847 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the first and only book, so far, to deal with the causal basis of evolution from an epigenetic view. By revealing the epigenetic "user" of the "genetic toolkit", this book demonstrates the primacy of epigenetic mechanisms and epigenetic information in generating evolutionary novelties. The author convincingly supports his theory with a host of examples from the most varied fields of biology, by emphasizing changes in developmental pathways as the basic source of evolutionary change in metazoans. Original and thought provoking--a radically new theory that overcomes the present difficulties of the theory of evolution Is the first and only theory that uses epigenetic mechanisms and principles for explaining evolution of metazoans Takes an integrative approach and shows a wide range of learning
Download or read book Vertebrate Endocrinology written by David O. Norris and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2013-05-04 with total page 599 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Vertebrate Endocrinology represents more than just a treatment of the endocrine system-it integrates hormones with other chemical bioregulatory agents not classically included with the endocrine system. It provides a complete overview of the endocrine system of vertebrates by first emphasizing the mammalian system as the basis of most terminology and understanding of endocrine mechanisms and then applies that to non-mammals. The serious reader will gain both an understanding of the intricate relationships among all of the body systems and their regulation by hormones and other bioregulators, but also a sense of their development through evolutionary time as well as the roles of hormones at different stages of an animal's life cycle. Includes new full color format includes over 450 full color, completely redrawn image Features a companion web site hosting all images from the book as PPT slides and .jpeg files Presents completedly updated and revitalized content with new chapters, such as Endocrine Disrupters and Behavioral Endocrinology Offers new clinical correlation vignettes throughout
