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Pages
- Title
- A Rising Tide.
- Creator
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Nation, Molly, Feldman, Allan, Wang, Ping
- Abstract / Description
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The article discusses the need for students to have a clear understanding of climate change and how it affects the Earth. Topics covered include the increasing concentration of atmospheric greenhouse gases, placed-based education, and the sea-level increase as a significant problem for people living near the coasts..
- Date Issued
- 2015-09-01
- Identifier
- fgcu_ir_000987
- Format
- Citation
- Title
- American Green Caviar: Analysis of sea grape algae (Caulerpa racemosa var. peltata) for bio-filtration and valuable co-production.
- Creator
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Gamel, Matt, College of Arts & Sciences
- Abstract / Description
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Rising global demand for seafood and declining catches have resulted in the volume of mariculture doubling each decade. The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) expects such a growth to persist in the years to come. This exponential growth has created a subsequent need to find alternative solutions to wastewater generation. The use of marine algae as bio-filters for aquaculture wastewater treatment has been shown to be an efficient and cost effective strategy. For...
Show moreRising global demand for seafood and declining catches have resulted in the volume of mariculture doubling each decade. The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) expects such a growth to persist in the years to come. This exponential growth has created a subsequent need to find alternative solutions to wastewater generation. The use of marine algae as bio-filters for aquaculture wastewater treatment has been shown to be an efficient and cost effective strategy. For this study, I selected Caulerpa racemosa (commonly known as sea grape algae) as a potential bio-filtration candidate for the mitigation of aquaculture effluent. Sea grapes are highly valued in Asian and South-Pacific cuisine, where they are referred to as green caviar. They are also high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, representing a possible new marketing angle as a “super food.” This alga has been largely excluded from western markets, as the Pacific varieties are known invasives in the Atlantic basin. For this reason, I decided to utilize the native Floridian variety, which is poorly researched, despite being present throughout the Caribbean and parts of South America. For my study, I conducted laboratory growth trials to determine optimal conditions for both irradiance and nutrient concentrations. Floridian C. racemosa was found to be highly adaptable to a wide range of irradiance and nutrient regimes, with nutrient uptake efficiency greater than 90%. A clear set of optimal parameters could not be defined, however, as the treatment results were not significantly different. This finding demonstrates the high adaptability and resilience of this species. For the final trials, I constructed a 1500-L outdoor recirculating aquaculture system, raising juvenile pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides). The setup was designed to serve as a proof of concept, to test how good C. racemosa performed outside of the laboratory. The study produced mixed results, but found that a 4:1 fish to seaweed wet weight ratio was ideal in maintaining stable nutrient levels. Overall, the results designate C. racemosa as a strong candidate for commercial bio-filtration, and as a possible cash crop for the domestic sushi and algal supplement industries.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- Gamel_fgcu_1743_10258
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATOR’S PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR NEEDS TO BEST SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COMMUNITY.
- Creator
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Rolfe, Allison Elizabeth, College of Arts & Sciences
- Abstract / Description
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According to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (2010), the demand for STEM-educated teachers in the United States is increasing. With limited time and space in the general classroom setting, Environmental Education (EE) is becoming increasingly more important to the education system. The Environmental Education Alliance of Southwest Florida (EE Alliance) is a community of practice that relies on participation of local experts to create successful environmental...
Show moreAccording to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (2010), the demand for STEM-educated teachers in the United States is increasing. With limited time and space in the general classroom setting, Environmental Education (EE) is becoming increasingly more important to the education system. The Environmental Education Alliance of Southwest Florida (EE Alliance) is a community of practice that relies on participation of local experts to create successful environmental education programs. This study identifies the needs of environmental education in Southwest Florida through the EE Alliance by eliciting the perspectives of local EE professionals. A survey was sent to a total of 219 participants of the EE Alliance listserv; 50 responses were received. This study collects quantitative data from Likerttype survey response as well as qualitative data obtained from open response comments sections. The study identifies the perceived needs of material resources (resources that can be bought with funding), human resources (the knowledge, amount, and adequacy of staff), and social resources (the ability to create partnerships, relationships, and professional development opportunities) in order to run successful environmental education programs.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- Rolfe_fgcu_1743_10265
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Carbon Sequestration and Sedimentation in Mangrove Swamps Influenced by Hydrogeomorphic Conditions and Urbanization in Southwest Florida.
- Creator
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Marchio, Daniel, Savarese, Michael, Bovard, Brian, Mitsch, William
- Abstract / Description
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This study compares carbon sequestration rates along two independent tidal mangrove creeks near Naples Bay in Southwest Florida, USA. One tidal creek is hydrologically disturbed due to upstream land use changes; the other is an undisturbed reference creek. Soil cores were collected in basin, fringe, and riverine hydrogeomorphic settings along each of the two tidal creeks and analyzed for bulk density, total organic carbon profiles, and sediment accretion. Radionuclides 137Cs and 210Pb were...
Show moreThis study compares carbon sequestration rates along two independent tidal mangrove creeks near Naples Bay in Southwest Florida, USA. One tidal creek is hydrologically disturbed due to upstream land use changes; the other is an undisturbed reference creek. Soil cores were collected in basin, fringe, and riverine hydrogeomorphic settings along each of the two tidal creeks and analyzed for bulk density, total organic carbon profiles, and sediment accretion. Radionuclides 137Cs and 210Pb were used to estimate recent sediment accretion and carbon sequestration rates. Carbon sequestration rates (mean ± standard error) for seven sites in the two tidal creeks on the Naples Bay (98 ± 12 g-C m−2·year−1 (n = 18)) are lower than published global means for mangrove wetlands, but consistent with other estimates from the same region. Mean carbon sequestration rates in the reference riverine setting were highest (162 ± 5 g-C m−2·year−1), followed by rates in the reference fringe and disturbed riverine settings (127 ± 6 and 125 ± 5 g-C m−2·year−1, respectively). The disturbed fringe sequestered 73 ± 10 g-C m−2·year−1, while rates within the basin settings were 50 ± 4 g-C m−2·year−1 and 47 ± 4 g-C m−2·year−1 for the reference and disturbed creeks, respectively. These data support our hypothesis that mangroves along a hydrologically disturbed tidal creek sequestered less carbon than did mangroves along an adjacent undisturbed reference creek.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016-05-30
- Identifier
- 10.3390/f7060116, fgcu_ir_000086, http://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/7/6/116
- Format
- Citation
- Title
- Characterization of the putatively introduced red alga Acrochaetium secundatum (Acrochaetiales, Rhodophyta) growing epizoically on the pelage of southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis).
- Creator
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Rosen, Barry, Bentall, Gena B., Kunz, Jessica M., Miller, Melissa A., Saunders, Gary W., LaRoche, Nicole L.
- Abstract / Description
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Ecological associations between epibionts (organisms that live on the surface of another living organism) and vertebrates have been documented in both marine and terrestrial environments, and may be opportunistic, commensal, or symbiotic (Lewin et al . 1981, Holmes 1985, Allen et al . 1993, Bledsoe et al . 2006, Pfaller et al . 2008, Suutari et al . 2010). Although epibiont proliferation is frequently reported on slow‐moving, sparsely haired organisms such as manatees and sloths, reports from...
Show moreEcological associations between epibionts (organisms that live on the surface of another living organism) and vertebrates have been documented in both marine and terrestrial environments, and may be opportunistic, commensal, or symbiotic (Lewin et al . 1981, Holmes 1985, Allen et al . 1993, Bledsoe et al . 2006, Pfaller et al . 2008, Suutari et al . 2010). Although epibiont proliferation is frequently reported on slow‐moving, sparsely haired organisms such as manatees and sloths, reports from densely furred, highly mobile mammals are much less common. There are reports of epizoic algae for several species of pinnipeds (Kenyon and Rice 1959, Scheffer 1962, Baldridge 1977, Allen et al . 1993), which rely to varying degrees on both pelage and blubber for thermoregulation, but the phenomenon has not been widely described. Scheffer (1962) noted that red algae was fairly common on the pelage of northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus ), pinnipeds for which fur likely makes a comparatively high contribution to thermoregulation (Donohue et al . 2000). For species with pelage that plays a critical role in thermal insulation, it seems implausible that an epibiont would persist on healthy individuals that devote significant energy resources toward grooming and actively maintaining their coat. Biological characteristics of epibiont settlement and attachment, and physiological requirements of epizoic species play key roles in their successful colonization and potential host impacts. To investigate this relationship, we explore a novel discovery of an epizoic alga from southern sea otters, including describing algal development on sea otter hair and molecular identification of the algae.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016-04-01
- Identifier
- fgcu_ir_000988
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Codling moth control in apples.
- Creator
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Evers, Chad, Van Steenwyk, Robert A., Coates, William W.
- Abstract / Description
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This trial was designed to evaluate reduced-risk insecticides as possible replacements for the grower standard insecticides. This trial was conducted on 'Granny Smith' apple trees in a commercial orchard near Hollister, CA. Fifteen treatments were replicated four times in a RCB design. Each replicate was a group of three trees with one buffer tree between each replicate. The trees were about 12 ft tall. Treatments were applied with a handgun orchard sprayer operating at 200 psi and delivering...
Show moreThis trial was designed to evaluate reduced-risk insecticides as possible replacements for the grower standard insecticides. This trial was conducted on 'Granny Smith' apple trees in a commercial orchard near Hollister, CA. Fifteen treatments were replicated four times in a RCB design. Each replicate was a group of three trees with one buffer tree between each replicate. The trees were about 12 ft tall. Treatments were applied with a handgun orchard sprayer operating at 200 psi and delivering a finished spray volume of 150 gpa (5.0 gal per replicate). Application timings were based on degree-days (DD). DD were calculated with a biofix of 22 Mar for the first generation, a biofix of 19 Jun for the second generation, and a biofix of 13 Aug for the third generation using a single sine horizontal cutoff model with a lower threshold of 50°F and an upper threshold of 88°F. Maximum and minimum air temperatures were obtained from the Ausaymas Touchtone #56 weather station in San Benito County, CA. Control of CM was evaluated at the end of the first generation on 19 Jun by inspecting 250 fruit per replicate. CM infestation damage was evaluated on 17 Sep at commercial harvest by inspecting 250 fruit per replicate. Control of motile TSSM and WPM was evaluated by brushing and counting under magnification 20 leaves per replicated on 4, 11 and 18 Aug. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and means were separated using Fisher's protected LSD, (P ≤ 0.05).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009-01-01
- Identifier
- fgcu_ir_000939
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Codling moth control in apples.
- Creator
-
Evers, Chad, Van Steenwyk, Robert A., Kiss, Attilla B., Coates, William W.
- Abstract / Description
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This trial was designed to evaluate reduced risk insecticides as possible replacements for the grower standard insecticides. This trial was conducted on ‘Granny Smith’ apple trees in a commercial orchard near Hollister, CA. Nineteen treatments were replicated four times in a RCB design. Each replicate was a group of two to four trees. The trees were about 12 ft tall. Treatments were applied with a handgun orchard sprayer operating at 200 psi and delivering a finished spray volume of 150 gpa ...
Show moreThis trial was designed to evaluate reduced risk insecticides as possible replacements for the grower standard insecticides. This trial was conducted on ‘Granny Smith’ apple trees in a commercial orchard near Hollister, CA. Nineteen treatments were replicated four times in a RCB design. Each replicate was a group of two to four trees. The trees were about 12 ft tall. Treatments were applied with a handgun orchard sprayer operating at 200 psi and delivering a finished spray volume of 150 gpa (5 gal/replicate). Application timings were based on DD. DD were calculated with a biofix of 1 Apr for the first generation of CM and a biofix of 26 Jun for the second generation using a single sine horizontal cutoff model with a lower threshold of 50°F and an upper threshold of 88°F. Maximum and minimum air temperatures were obtained from the HOLLISTR. A (CIMIS #126) weather station in San Benito, CA. Flight activity of male CM was monitored weekly from 18 Mar through 24 Aug with a Suterra 1X Patch and a Trécé DA Combo lure in Trécé 1CP traps placed high in the canopy of two trees and was used to determine biofix. Control of CM was evaluated at the end of the 1st generation on 24 Jun by inspecting 125 fruit per replicate on the tree. CM infestation damage was evaluated on 25 Aug at commercial harvest by removing 250 fruit per replicate and inspecting them in the laboratory. CM stings and strikes as well as total infestation were recorded for the harvest evaluation while only total infestation was determined for the first generation evaluation. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and means were separated using Fisher’s protected LSD (P ≤ 0.05).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010-01-01
- Identifier
- fgcu_ir_000938
- Format
- Citation
- Title
- Codling moth control in pears.
- Creator
-
Evers, Chad, Van Steenwyk, Robert A., Kiss, Attilla B.
- Abstract / Description
-
This trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of new reduced-risk insecticides as possible replacements for the grower standard insecticides. The trial was conducted on mature ‘Bartlett’ pear trees in a commercial orchard near Fairfield, CA. Thirteen treatments were replicated four times in a RCB design. Each replicate consisted of an individual tree. Treatments were applied with a handgun orchard sprayer operating at 250 psi and delivering a finished spray volume of 200 gpa (2.87 gal/tree...
Show moreThis trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of new reduced-risk insecticides as possible replacements for the grower standard insecticides. The trial was conducted on mature ‘Bartlett’ pear trees in a commercial orchard near Fairfield, CA. Thirteen treatments were replicated four times in a RCB design. Each replicate consisted of an individual tree. Treatments were applied with a handgun orchard sprayer operating at 250 psi and delivering a finished spray volume of 200 gpa (2.87 gal/tree). Application timings were based on degree-days (DD). DD were calculated with a 24 Mar biofix for moths from the overwintering generation and a 12 Jun biofix for moths from the first generation using a single sine horizontal cutoff model with a lower threshold of 50°F and an upper threshold of 88°F. Maximum and minimum air temperatures were obtained from the Suisun Valley CIMIS #123 weather station at Solano County, CA. Treatments were applied on 25 Apr (236 DD from the 1st biofix), 23 May (651 DD from the 1st biofix), 24 Jun (295 DD from the 2nd biofix) and 10 Jul (634 DD from the 2nd biofix). Control of the first generation CM (overwintering flight) was evaluated on 10 Jun by inspecting 100 fruit per replicate for CM infestation. Control of the second generation (first generation flight) was evaluated at commercial harvest on 5 Aug for CM infestation and damage by inspecting 250 fruit per replicate. Control of motile TSSM and PP nymphs was evaluated weekly from 2 Jun through 28 Jul by sampling 10 exterior and 10 interior leaves per replicate. The leaves were brushed and the arthropods removed from the leaves were counted under magnification (20×) in the laboratory. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and means were separated using Fisher’s protected LSD, (P ≤ 0.05).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009-01-01
- Identifier
- fgcu_ir_000936
- Format
- Citation
- Title
- Codling moth control in walnuts.
- Creator
-
Evers, Chad, Van Steenwyk, Robert A., Kiss, Attilla B.
- Abstract / Description
-
This trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of new reduced risk insecticides as possible replacements for the grower standard organophosphate insecticides. The trial was conducted on mature ‘Waterloo’ walnut trees in a commercial orchard near Fairfield, CA. Seventeen individual tree treatments were replicated four times in a RCB design. Treatments were applied with a hand-held orchard sprayer operating at 250 psi and delivering a finished spray volume of 250 gpa (3.33 gal/tree)....
Show moreThis trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of new reduced risk insecticides as possible replacements for the grower standard organophosphate insecticides. The trial was conducted on mature ‘Waterloo’ walnut trees in a commercial orchard near Fairfield, CA. Seventeen individual tree treatments were replicated four times in a RCB design. Treatments were applied with a hand-held orchard sprayer operating at 250 psi and delivering a finished spray volume of 250 gpa (3.33 gal/tree). Application timings were based on DD. DD were calculated using a 1 Apr biofix for moths from the overwintering generation and a 11 Jun biofix for moths from the first generation using a single sine horizontal cutoff model with a lower threshold of 50°F and an upper threshold of 88°F. Maximum and minimum air temperatures were obtained from the Tracy A CIMIS #167 weather station at San Joaquin County, CA. Treatments were applied on 5 May 2008 (333 DD from the 1st bioflix), 26 Jun (365 DD from 2nd biofix) and 7 Jul (612 DD from 2nd biofix). When two applications were applied, the 7 Jul application was not applied. Control of CM was evaluated at harvest on 1 Oct by inspecting 125 nuts per tree (500 nuts per treatment) for CM and NOW infestation. Although treatments were not targeted for NOW, damage from NOW will often increase due to CM infestation since NOW larvae will infest nuts previously infested by CM. Control of motile TSSM and WPM were evaluated by leaf-brushing 10 terminal leaflets per replicate collected from each tree weekly from 3 Jul to 20 Aug. The plates with the contents from the brushed leaves were counted under magnification (20X) in the laboratory. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and means were separated using Fisher’s protected LSD, (P ≤ 0.05).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008-01-01
- Identifier
- fgcu_ir_000940
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Codling moth control in walnuts.
- Creator
-
Evers, Chad, Van Steenwyk, Robert A., Kiss, Attilla B.
- Abstract / Description
-
This trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of new reduced risk insecticides for CM control as possible replacements for the grower standard organophosphate insecticides. The trial was conducted on mature 'Payne' walnut trees in a commercial orchard in Tracy, CA. Thirty treatments were replicated four times in a RCB design. Each replicate consisted of an individual tree. Treatments were applied with a hand-held orchard sprayer operating at 300 psi and delivering a finished spray volume...
Show moreThis trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of new reduced risk insecticides for CM control as possible replacements for the grower standard organophosphate insecticides. The trial was conducted on mature 'Payne' walnut trees in a commercial orchard in Tracy, CA. Thirty treatments were replicated four times in a RCB design. Each replicate consisted of an individual tree. Treatments were applied with a hand-held orchard sprayer operating at 300 psi and delivering a finished spray volume of 400 gpa (5.7 gal/tree). Application timings were based on DD. DD were calculated with a 27 Mar biofix for the first CM generation and a 7 Jun biofix for the second CM generation using a single sine horizontal cutoff model with a lower threshold of 50°F and an upper threshold of 88°F. Maximum and minimum air temperatures were obtained from the Tracy A CIMIS #167 weather station at San Joaquin County, CA. Flight activity of male CM was monitored weekly from 26 Mar through 8 Sep with two Suterra 1X and two Trece Combo lures in Trece 1CP traps placed high in the canopy of four trees and was used to calculate biofix. Treatments were applied on 21 Apr (250 from 1st biofix), 28 Apr (313 from 1st biofix), 14 May (564 from 1st biofix), 19 May (687 from 1st biofix), 16 Jun (146 DD from 2nd biofix), 23 Jun (292 DD from 2nd biofix), 7 Jul (609 DD from 2nd biofix) and 8 Jul (630 DD from 2nd biofix). Control of the first CM generation (overwintering flight) was evaluated by inspecting all dropped nuts weekly from 29 May to 18 Jun for CM infestation. Control of the second and third generations (summer flights) was evaluated at harvest on 13 Sep by inspecting 100 nuts per tree (400 nuts per treatment) for CM and NOW infestation. Although treatments were not targeted for NOW, damage from NOW will often increase due to CM infestation since NOW larvae will infest nuts previously infested by CM. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and means were separated using Fisher's protected LSD, (P ≤ 0.05).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010-01-01
- Identifier
- fgcu_ir_000937
- Format
- Citation
- Title
- Cyanotoxin occurrence in large rivers of the United States.
- Creator
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Rosen, Barry, Graham, Jennifer L., Dubrovsky, Neil M., Foster, Guy M., King, Lindsey R., Loftin, Keith A., Stelzer, Erin A.
- Abstract / Description
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Cyanotoxins occur in rivers worldwide but are understudied in lotic ecosystems relative to lakes and reservoirs. We sampled 11 large river sites located throughout the United States during June–September 2017 to determine the occurrence of cyanobacteria with known cyanotoxin-producing strains, cyanotoxin synthetase genes, and cyanotoxins. Chlorophyll a concentrations ranged from oligotrophic to eutrophic (0.5–64.4 µg L−1). Cyanobacteria were present in the algal communities of all rivers (82%...
Show moreCyanotoxins occur in rivers worldwide but are understudied in lotic ecosystems relative to lakes and reservoirs. We sampled 11 large river sites located throughout the United States during June–September 2017 to determine the occurrence of cyanobacteria with known cyanotoxin-producing strains, cyanotoxin synthetase genes, and cyanotoxins. Chlorophyll a concentrations ranged from oligotrophic to eutrophic (0.5–64.4 µg L−1). Cyanobacteria were present in the algal communities of all rivers (82% of samples, n = 50) but rarely dominated the phytoplankton (0–52% of total abundance; mean = 8.8%). Pseudanabaena and Planktothrix occurred most often, and many (64%) of the cyanobacterial genera identified (n = 25) have known cyanotoxin-producing strains. Cyanotoxin synthetase genes occurred in all but one river. The mcyE and sxtA genes were most common, present in 73% of rivers and 44% and 40% of samples, respectively. The cyrA gene was less common (22% of samples) but occurred in 64% of rivers. The anaC gene was detected in one river (4% of samples). Anatoxin-a and microcystins were detected at low levels (0.10–0.38 µg L−1) in 2 midcontinent rivers. Cylindrospermopsins and saxitoxins were not detected. Cyanobacteria, cyanotoxin synthetase genes, and cyanotoxins were present at low concentrations throughout this subset of US rivers. Eutrophic rivers located in the midcontinent region of the United States had the highest algal biomass, abundance of cyanotoxin synthetase genes, and cyanotoxin occurrence.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020-01-29
- Identifier
- fgcu_ir_000991
- Format
- Citation
- Title
- Diel movements of juvenile smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata): Implications for defining the size of a nursery hotspot.
- Creator
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Huston, Cecily Ann, College of Arts & Sciences
- Abstract / Description
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Habitat use and movements of juvenile (1-year-old fish (1–3 years old), remained along the northern shoreline of the river in a protected cove. The younger age class remained closer (
Show moreHabitat use and movements of juvenile (<3 yr old) Critically Endangered smalltooth sawfish Pristis pectinata were studied in the Peace River in southwest Florida to estimate the size of a known nursery hotspot (high-use area). A total of 23 smalltooth sawfish were tagged during the peak recruitment period of April and May 2014 and were tracked until the end of September 2014 using passive acoustic monitoring. Active tracking was used to estimate positions of individuals relative to the shoreline and major habitat types. During the day, sawfish <1500 mm stretched total length (STL; n=11), representing <1 year old fish, and those measuring 1504 to 1881 mm STL (n=12), representing >1-year-old fish (1–3 years old), remained along the northern shoreline of the river in a protected cove. The younger age class remained closer (<25 m) to red mangrove-dominated shorelines than did the older age class. At night, both age classes moved away from the shoreline and away from the protected cove; the older individuals made the longest excursions (~5 km), toward the southern shoreline of the river. The discovery of these regular diel movements has led to the expansion of the boundaries of the single recognized nursery hotspot in the Peace River, which was previously defined solely by daytime catch data. These data are crucial for aiding the conservation of this Critically Endangered species and adding an extra layer of protection within its federally-designated Critical Habitat.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017-06-13
- Identifier
- Huston_fgcu_1743_10259
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Differences in the photoacclimation and photoprotection exhibited by two species of the ciguatera causing dinoflagellate genus, Gambierdiscus.
- Creator
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Leynse, Alexander K., Parsons, Michael L., Thomas, Serge
- Abstract / Description
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In culture, Gambierdiscus spp. have been shown to prefer irradiances that are relatively low (≤250 μmol photons m−2 s−1) versus those to which they are frequently exposed to in their natural environment (>500 μmol photons m−2 s−1). Although several behavioral strategies for coping with such irradiances have been suggested, it is unclear as to how these dinoflagellates do so on a physiological level. More specifically, how do long term exposures (30 days) affect cell size and cellular...
Show moreIn culture, Gambierdiscus spp. have been shown to prefer irradiances that are relatively low (≤250 μmol photons m−2 s−1) versus those to which they are frequently exposed to in their natural environment (>500 μmol photons m−2 s−1). Although several behavioral strategies for coping with such irradiances have been suggested, it is unclear as to how these dinoflagellates do so on a physiological level. More specifically, how do long term exposures (30 days) affect cell size and cellular chlorophyll content, and what is the photosynthetic response to short term, high irradiance exposures (up to 1464 μmol photons m−2 s−1)? The results of this study reveal that cell size and chlorophyll content exhibited by G. carolinianus increased with acclimation to increasing photon flux density. Additionally, both G. carolinianus and G. silvae exhibited reduced photosynthetic efficiency when acclimated to increased photon flux density. Photosynthetic yield exhibited by G. silvae was greater than that for G. carolinianus across all acclimation irradiances. Although such differences were evident, both G. carolinianus and G. silvae appear to have adequate biochemical mechanisms to withstand exposure to irradiances exceeding 250 μmol photons m−2 s−1 for at least short periods of time following acclimation to irradiances of up to 150 μmol photons m−2 s−1.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017-11-13
- Identifier
- 10.1016/j.hal.2017.10.008, fgcu_ir_001002, https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1568988316301044
- Format
- Citation
- Title
- Draft Genome Sequence of Nitrosospira sp. Strain APG3, a Psychrotolerant Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacterium Isolated from Sandy Lake Sediment.
- Creator
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Garcia, Juan, Urakawa, Hidetoshi, Le, Vang Q, Stein, Lisa Y, Klotz, Martin G, Nielsen, Jeppe L
- Abstract / Description
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Bacteria in the genus Nitrosospira play vital roles in the nitrogen cycle. Nitrosospira sp. strain APG3 is a psychrotolerant betaproteobacterial ammonia-oxidizing bacterium isolated from freshwater lake sediment. The draft genome revealed that it represents a new species of cluster 0 Nitrosospira, which is presently not represented by described species.
- Date Issued
- 2013-11-07
- Identifier
- 10.1128/genomeA.00930-13, fgcu_ir_000051, http://genomea.asm.org/cgi/doi/10.1128/genomeA.00930-13
- Format
- Citation
- Title
- Effect of Urbanization on Predatory Defense Mechanisms of Southern Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus punctatus) Populations in South Florida.
- Creator
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Richards, Tesla, College of Arts & Sciences
- Abstract / Description
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The effect of urbanization on native wildlife is mostly negative. For example, the creation of urban habitats results in the loss of wild habitats, which can increase fragmentation, limit species dispersal and reduce access to resources. However, in some circumstances, urbanization can have positive effects on native wildlife. For example, some opportunistic and generalized species are able to tolerate urbanization by taking advantage of novel niches with reduced competition. Diadophis...
Show moreThe effect of urbanization on native wildlife is mostly negative. For example, the creation of urban habitats results in the loss of wild habitats, which can increase fragmentation, limit species dispersal and reduce access to resources. However, in some circumstances, urbanization can have positive effects on native wildlife. For example, some opportunistic and generalized species are able to tolerate urbanization by taking advantage of novel niches with reduced competition. Diadophis punctatus punctatus (Southern Ringneck Snakes) are a small, cryptic species found throughout the southeastern United States that thrive in both urban and wild habitats, indicating the snake’s tolerance to urbanization. Urbanization may have expanded D. p. punctatus’ niche. These snakes may be able to take advantage of the climate and landscape, availability of novel prey, and/ or refuge from predators within urban habitats. In this study, I examined if D. p. punctatus used urban habitats as refuge from predators by comparing the frequency of predator bite marks on clay snake models placed in urban and wild habitats. The snake models resembled different aspects of D. p. punctatus’ morphology and behavior. I also analyzed the placement of predator bite marks on the snake models to determine the function (i.e., aposematic, parasematic, or deimatic signaling) of D. p. punctatus’ tail-coiling display. The rates of predator attacks on the snake models were similar between urban and wild habitats, indicating D. p. punctatus used urban habitats for reasons other than a refuge from predators. In addition, this study supports the claim that D. p. punctatus’ tail-coiling display was an anti-predatory mechanism. Predators avoided the tail on snake models with red coloration and coiled tails, suggesting D. p. punctatus’ tail-coiling display may be used as a deimatic signal. Results of this study appear to contradict previous findings about the tail-coiling display. However, it is likely that the use of D. p. punctatus’ anti-predatory signal depends on the context. These snakes seem to show multi-modal signaling and flexible defense mechanisms, which may be important characteristics of urbanophiles.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017-07-27
- Identifier
- Richards_fgcu_1743_10263
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Engaging Students in Ethical Considerations of the Scientific Process Using a Simulated Funding Panel.
- Creator
-
Demers, Nora, Nelson, Katherine, Gunnels, Charles W., Bovard, Brian, Cassani, Mary Kay, Douglass, James, Everham, Edwin, Hartley, Anne, Herman, John, Mujtaba, Mustafa, Muller,...
Show moreDemers, Nora, Nelson, Katherine, Gunnels, Charles W., Bovard, Brian, Cassani, Mary Kay, Douglass, James, Everham, Edwin, Hartley, Anne, Herman, John, Mujtaba, Mustafa, Muller, Joanne, Nicolas, Antoine, Southard, Larry, Thomas, Serge, Buzasi, Derek
Show less - Abstract / Description
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All undergraduates majoring in a physical or natural science in the College of Arts and Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) are required to take an interdisciplinary-science methods course entitled Scientific Process. This course is designed to help professionalize students by introducing them to the history, practice, philosophy, and ethics associated with being a working scientist (Meers, Demers and Savarese 2003). Most students take the course early in their junior year as the...
Show moreAll undergraduates majoring in a physical or natural science in the College of Arts and Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) are required to take an interdisciplinary-science methods course entitled Scientific Process. This course is designed to help professionalize students by introducing them to the history, practice, philosophy, and ethics associated with being a working scientist (Meers, Demers and Savarese 2003). Most students take the course early in their junior year as the first class in a sequence of research courses that culminates in conducting and presenting independent research during their senior year.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015-10-01
- Identifier
- fgcu_ir_000397
- Format
- Citation
- Title
- Environmental Factors Affecting Enterococcus and Fecal Coliform Bacteria in Beach Waters of Sarasota County, Florida.
- Creator
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Clemente, Jennifer Elaine, College of Arts & Sciences
- Abstract / Description
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The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) conducts sampling at recreational beaches for Enterococcus and fecal coliform bacteria, and posts advisories recommending against beach swimming when reported concentrations exceed 104 #CFU/100mL for enterococcus and 400#CFU/100mL for fecal coliform). County agencies select beaches to sample, and collect surf-zone samples once weekly. Bacteria concentrations fluctuate rapidly and over short distances, and beach advisories are posted up to four days...
Show moreThe Florida Department of Health (FDOH) conducts sampling at recreational beaches for Enterococcus and fecal coliform bacteria, and posts advisories recommending against beach swimming when reported concentrations exceed 104 #CFU/100mL for enterococcus and 400#CFU/100mL for fecal coliform). County agencies select beaches to sample, and collect surf-zone samples once weekly. Bacteria concentrations fluctuate rapidly and over short distances, and beach advisories are posted up to four days after high bacteria is first observed (field resampling and laboratory testing consume several days), seriously compromising FDOH's capability to protect beachgoers from exposure to harmful conditions. Precautionary measures could be improved if we could reliably predict conditions under which high bacteria concentrations are likely to occur. The objective of this research is to identify conditions statistically related to high bacterial concentrations using data from ten years of weekly sampling at 16 beaches in Sarasota County, FL. Previous studies in California, Miami FL, and elsewhere, analyzing the immediate vicinity of ocean stormwater outfalls, have identified modest relationships to factors including: magnitude and intensity of storm events that may mobilize bacteria from coastal watersheds; length of antecedent dry period before mobilizing storm, during which bacteria may propagate in conveyances; and tide/surf conditions that may either mobilize bacteria propagating in beach sand, break up bacterial colonies in the surf zone, or generate where bacteria may survive near the shore. The present study attempted multiple regression relating bacteria conditions to explanatory factors including: watershed rainfall in days prior to the sample date; total rainfall over several months, a surrogate for saturation of soils in the tributary watershed as well as for dry periods when bacteria may multiply in conveyances; seasonality, a surrogate for high air and water temperatures that promote propagation in the environment; and tidal stages and levels. Results found no correlation greater than 20%, for Sarasota County beaches in aggregate or for any beach individually, with the magnitude of bacteria measured in samples. Relationships are, however, identified between frequency of high-count bacteria samples and environmental conditions including flood level and stage, one-day antecedent rainfall, and seasonal rainfall (wet vs dry season). Results show the relationships are stronger for beaches influenced by stormwater outfalls, and less evident in beaches where no outfalls are nearby. This demonstrates that different mechanisms affect high-bacteria conditions on different beaches in this region, implying that prediction of potentially unhealthful bacteria conditions may be possible on a site-specific basis but may not be supported for a uniform set of environmental parameters across multiple sites, even for a group of beaches in close proximity with similar precipitation, tidal, and seasonal characteristics
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- Clemente_1743_10253
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Fish Community Responses Following Restoration of Vallisneria americana in the Caloosahatchee River.
- Creator
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Cooper, Charles Michael, College of Arts & Sciences
- Abstract / Description
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Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) has long been recognized as a critical habitat for macrofauna and megafauna in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems. Historical and current anthropogenic activities such as canal construction, land development, and water management have had destructive impacts on SAV in the Caloosahatchee River and estuary. Large scale alterations to flow rates, salinity fluctuations, nutrient loading, an expansion of the watershed, and dredging activities have led to a...
Show moreSubmerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) has long been recognized as a critical habitat for macrofauna and megafauna in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems. Historical and current anthropogenic activities such as canal construction, land development, and water management have had destructive impacts on SAV in the Caloosahatchee River and estuary. Large scale alterations to flow rates, salinity fluctuations, nutrient loading, an expansion of the watershed, and dredging activities have led to a substantial decrease of Vallisneria americana in the Caloosahatchee River. This study focused on three oligohaline locations of the river that underwent restoration of Vallisneria americana, amounting to 20 acres of SAV restoration. Understanding fish communities and associated changes in diversity and abundance is critical in assessing the success of the restoration. Pre-restoration assessments of the fish community in 2018 and early 2019 were compared to post-restoration assessments of the fish community in 2019 for each of the sites. Multiple types of passive and active fish traps were deployed throughout the sampling period. Data were interpreted using univariate statistical techniques and multivariate statistical techniques to examine diversity and abundance of the fish. After initial sampling, the effective passive traps were narrowed down to Breder traps, mesh umbrella traps, and crayfish traps. Active trapping methods initially involved seining and cast netting. Cast nets were found to be ineffective and were not continued. After restoration of Vallisneria americana and introduction of herbivore exclusion cages, seining was more difficult due to the placement of cages and was only utilized once after restoration. Alternative active trapping methods were added: hook and line sampling, trawling, and electroshocking. Electroshocking was found to be the most efficient at capturing large numbers of individuals of many different species. Trawling was found to be moderately effective and hook and line sampling was found to be largely ineffective. For the consistently utilized passive trapping techniques, individual locations did show some variability, but the mean species richness appeared to follow the similar trends as the Control Site over time. For the three consistently utilized passive trapping techniques, a drop in average species richness was seen for the mean of all restored sites and the Control Site. The largest lifts in total abundance were seen in the two downstream locations, Site 1 and the Control Site. Multivariate analyses by site for the pooled pre and post-restoration data indicates that all sites were similar in pre-treatment and differences emerged in post-treatment. Post-treatment similarity appeared to be related to geographical position in the river, with downstream sites showing similarity and upstream sites showing similarity. Such trends might also be related to lack of exclosures which may have affected the establishment of Vallisneria americana at Site 1. Disaggregation of data into individual sampling events indicated two significant groups in the cluster analysis at the p<0.1 level, largely grouping by time, regardless of treatment type. Electroshocking of the sites showed that species richness, abundance, and catch per unit effort (CPUE) increased in the restored sites farther upriver, although not all trends were statistically significant. Abundance and biomass of common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) was statistically significant, with more were captured in upstream sites. The larger numbers in the upstream locations is potentially a result of geographical location or as a result of the presence of cages as structure. Seining abundances significantly increased at all sites when comparing the first seining session to the one post restoration sampling. Seining richness also increased across each site, but the results were not statistically significant. The ecological lifts (richness or abundance) occurring at all sites, including the Control Site, indicates that such changes were likely related to external factors. The lack of significant differences in fish species diversity or abundance following the initial restoration plantings does not signify a failure of the project. Geographical differences of the sites and the lack of long-term data might also mean that lifts in the fish community are difficult to observe and quantify in the short-term. The monitoring of changes in fish abundance and diversity can inform future restoration efforts. Additionally, this research highlights effective methods to record fish abundance and diversity. Restoring SAV will allow future generations to enjoy improved aesthetics, enhanced recreation, a sustainable economy, sustainable fisheries, and most importantly to have a healthy environment to live in that fuel’s happiness and wellbeing. Quantifying changes in diversity and abundance is also of interest to fishermen who are looking to catch more species of fish, ecologists looking to restore ecosystems, and local, state, and federal governments seeking justification for allocating resources to restoration.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020-08-19
- Identifier
- fgcu_ETD_0347
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Fish community structure of streams and canals at Babcock Ranch.
- Creator
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Everham, Edwin, Ceilley, David W., Brady-Herrero, Laura, Niemec, Kendra, Ross, Kory M., Ferlita, John A.
- Abstract / Description
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Fish communities were surveyed three times each year at 6 lotie habitats (small streams and manmade drainage ditches and canals) at Babcock Ranch, Charlotte and Lee Counties, Florida. Sampling methods were adopted from the baseline assessment of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project. Breder traps were deployed for one hour at each site for each sampling event. Active fish sampling with D-frame dip nets was also conducted for one hour at each location while traps were set. Data from passive...
Show moreFish communities were surveyed three times each year at 6 lotie habitats (small streams and manmade drainage ditches and canals) at Babcock Ranch, Charlotte and Lee Counties, Florida. Sampling methods were adopted from the baseline assessment of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project. Breder traps were deployed for one hour at each site for each sampling event. Active fish sampling with D-frame dip nets was also conducted for one hour at each location while traps were set. Data from passive and active sampling methods were combined for statistical analyses. A total of 26 fish species, representing 14 families were collected, including seven non-native fish species from four families. The most abundant fishes were native Gambusia holbrooki and non-native Hemichromis letourneuxi, respectively. Fish assemblages in canals were significantly different than in natural streams. Native sunfishes of the genus Lepomis were more abundant in streams than canals. Canals served as thermal réfugia for non-native cichlids during severe cold weather events in 2009 and 2010. The removal of anthropogenic drainage canals and ditches, that serve as thermal rej'ugia and pathways for dispersal for H. letourneuxi should benefit native fish species
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013-04-01
- Identifier
- fgcu_ir_000930
- Format
- Citation
- Title
- Five years of the southwest Florida frog monitoring network: changes in frog communities as an indicator of landscape change.
- Creator
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Everham, Edwin, Pieterson, E. Corrie, Addison, Lindsay, Agobian, Jorge N., Brooks-Solveson, Brenda, Cassani, John
- Abstract / Description
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Amphibians have been shown to be important indicators for environmental particularly changes in water quality. The Southwest Florida Amphibian Monitoring Network established in 2000 to collect long-term data on frog communities in southwest Florida. routes of 12 stops each are monitored monthly during the rainy season. Wind, temperature, condition, and habitat changes are recorded at each stop. Frog presence and abundance by calling intensity, which is tabulated using a three-level intensity...
Show moreAmphibians have been shown to be important indicators for environmental particularly changes in water quality. The Southwest Florida Amphibian Monitoring Network established in 2000 to collect long-term data on frog communities in southwest Florida. routes of 12 stops each are monitored monthly during the rainy season. Wind, temperature, condition, and habitat changes are recorded at each stop. Frog presence and abundance by calling intensity, which is tabulated using a three-level intensity code. Using data from frog communities were summarized, and factors that may explain differences in frog communities sites and over time were investigated using measures of biological diversity, community classification, and community ordination. The data show an increased calling intensity in the exotic Cuban (Osteopilus septentrionalis), and a shift to native frog species requiring more permanent water. monitoring may aid in understanding implications of altered hydroperiods and amphibian restoration efforts. This type of citizen scientist database provides opportunities to investigate environmental change on a landscape
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006-01-01
- Identifier
- fgcu_ir_000935
- Format
- Citation
