RSS 1.0Theses and Dissertations-Biology
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Exploring the communication of climate change socioscientific issues in aquarium exhibits
(2021-08)Anthropogenic pressures humans have placed on the planet create complex, socially embedded scientific problems that are not easily solved. Aptly known as socioscientific issues (SSI), these issues are often controversial ... -
How a faculty member designs and implements a new active learning biology course in-person and online
(2021-08)Traditional science classroom lectures focus on the instructor in the front of the room as the primary information source. In active learning classrooms, students gain more control over their knowledge construction by ... -
Asymmetrical Gene Flow Between an Endemic and Widespread Shrub Species
(2022-12)Patterns of hybridization and gene flow among divergent taxa provide unique opportunities to investigate the barriers which isolate and maintain distinct species. Genetic and demographic structure of divergent populations ... -
Designing and Optimizing a Biofilm Experiment for Space Flight
(2020-12)The International Space Station (ISS) is a built environment that has been continuously inhabited since November 2000. Living with the crew are the microorganisms carried to the ISS as normal astronaut flora and by accidental ... -
Population Genetic Structure of Unionid Mussels Across Multiple Gulf Drainages
(2022-12)Understanding patterns of genetic differentiation within and across wildlife populations is a key component to parsing the demographic and ecological processes that govern the spatial structure and evolutionary trends ... -
Effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) on the physiology, growth, and behavior of two common Texas anurans
(2020-12)Artificial light at night (ALAN) alters the natural light dark patterns in ecosystems and is a growing problem, as 40% of the world’s population lives in areas continually illuminated and area exposed to ALAN is increasing ... -
Utilizing Multidisciplinary Methods to Understand Trace Element Accumulation in Northern Gulf of Mexico Odontocetes
(2021-08)Due to their long lifespan and top trophic position, odontocetes (toothed whales) can accumulate high concentrations of trace elements [e.g., cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg)] in their tissues. In addition, for many species, ... -
Environmental Factors Influencing the Spread and Invasion Potential of Arundo donax in Central Texas
(2022-12)Invasive species are a global concern and a significant contributor to anthropogenic global change. As invasive species continue to invade new regions, they impact natural ecosystem function and displace native species. ... -
Assessing the Influence of Landscape Characteristics on Bat Fatalities at South Texas Wind Energy Facilities
(2022-12)Although wind energy is a viable renewable energy source, strikes by wind turbine blades unintentionally cause bat fatalities. Previous research has suggested siting of wind energy facilities, and turbine placement within ... -
Spatial Variation in Macroinvertebrates in Groundwater-Dominated Rivers: is Community Composition Explained by Discrete or Continuous Riverine Models?
(2022-12)Benthic macroinvertebrate communities in riverine ecosystems are shaped by both local and large-scale influences. Most models of riverine community structure are grouped into either discrete or continuum conceptual models. ... -
Tufted Titmice, Black-crested Titmice, and their hybrids occupy different habitats within their hybrid zone
(2022-12)Habitat can play a key role in either facilitating or preventing hybridization between some species. Within a hybrid zone, differences in habitat requirements could spatially separate two species to reduce hybridization. ... -
Seasonal Influence of Light Availability on Metabolism in an Urban, Spring-fed River
(2022-12)In aquatic ecosystems, temperature and light are the primary drivers of ecosystem metabolism, which is comprised of gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER). However, light availability and temperature ... -
Use of the MTT cell viability assay to determine antiviral activity
(2000-05)No abstract prepared. -
Woody plant effects on soil seed banks in a central Texas savanna
(1998-12)Seed banks from three different habitats (grassland, recently-established junipers, and long-established live oak clusters) in a central Texas savanna ecosystem were compared to determine the effects of different woody ... -
The effects of supersaturated nitrogen on the endangered fountain darter and the San Marcos salamander
(2000-05)A chronic and an acute toxicity test were conducted to determine the effects of dissolved nitrogen gas (DN) supersaturation on the fountain darter Etheostoma fonticola and the San Marcos salamander Eurycea nana. In the ... -
Differential pathogenicity of Fusarium semitectum in Texas turtles
(2000-05)The Texas tortoise, Gopherus berlandieri, is susceptible to a fungal infection that presents as a white lesion on the thin epidermal scutes. Box turtles residing in the same environment are not susceptible. The fungal ... -
Investigation of bacterial fragmentation as a possible origin of nanobacteria
(1999-08)No abstract prepared. -
A non-linear spotlight line transect method for estimating white-tailed deer population densities
(2000-05)Accurate estimates of population density are a prerequisite for managing exploited white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations. Many state agencies rely upon density estimates obtained from spotlight strip ... -
Composition of the woody plant understory of plateau live oak (Quercus virginiana var fusiformis) clusters in a central Texas savanna
(1999-05)Plateau live oak is thought to act as a nurse plant to other woody species on the Edwards Plateau of central Texas; however, little is known of the nature, extent and duration of this facilitation. In this study, a ...
