Language: English ❌
You searched for +publisher:"Texas A&M University" +contributor:("DeWitt, Thomas J.")
.
Showing records 1 – 13 of
13 total matches.
No search limiters apply to these results.

Texas A&M University
1.
Ginter, Carly C.
Comparative Analysis of the Morphology and Materials Properties of Pinniped Vibrissae.
Degree: MS, Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, 2012, Texas A&M University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2011-12-10491
► Vibrissae (whiskers) are important components of the mammalian tactile sensory system, and primarily function as detectors of environmental vibrotactile cues. Pinnipeds possess the largest and…
(more)
▼ Vibrissae (whiskers) are important components of the mammalian tactile sensory system, and primarily function as detectors of environmental vibrotactile cues. Pinnipeds possess the largest and most highly innervated vibrissae among mammals and their vibrissae demonstrate a diversity of shapes and likely mechanical properties. These two characteristics are important for vibrotactile sensory perception.
Vibrissae of most phocid seals exhibit a beaded morphology with repeated sequences of crests and troughs along their length. I comparatively characterized differences in vibrissae morphologies among phocid species with a beaded profile, phocid species with a smooth profile, and otariids with a smooth profile using traditional and geometric morphometric methods to test the hypothesis that vibrissal morphologies are species-specific manipulations of a common pattern. The traditional and geometric morphometric datasets were subsequently combined by mathematically scaling each to true rank, followed by a single eigendecomposition. Quadratic discriminant function analysis demonstrated that 79.3, 97.8 and 100% of individuals could be correctly classified to taxon based on vibrissal shape variables in the traditional, geometric and combined morphometric analyses, respectively. At least three separate morphologies were identified since phocids with beaded vibrissae, phocids with smooth vibrissae, and otariids each occupied distinct morphospace in the geometric morphometric and combined data analyses.
Another important characteristic that influences the transduction of vibrotactile information to the mechanoreceptors in the follicle-sinus complex is the materials properties of the vibrissae. Vibrissae were modeled as cantilever beams and flexural stiffness (EI) was measured to test the hypotheses that the shape of beaded vibrissae reduces flexural stiffness and that vibrissae are anisotropic (orientations differ in EI). Species were significantly different and smooth vibrissae were generally stiffer than beaded vibrissae. Beaded vibrissae decrease vibrations in flow, which, combined with lower flexural stiffness values, may enhance detection of small changes in flow from swimming prey. The anterior plane of the vibrissae is likely the most biologically significant in tracking hydrodynamic trails but had lower flexural stiffness values than the dorsoventral orientation. There is likely a complex interaction between shape and mechanical properties in pinniped vibrissae but the ecological and functional implications are currently unknown.
Advisors/Committee Members: Marshall, Christopher D. (advisor), DeWitt, Thomas J. (committee member), Ingole, Sudeep (committee member).
Subjects/Keywords: whiskers; seals; sea lions; morphology; flexural stiffness
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
Share »
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
« Share





❌
APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
Manager
APA (6th Edition):
Ginter, C. C. (2012). Comparative Analysis of the Morphology and Materials Properties of Pinniped Vibrissae. (Masters Thesis). Texas A&M University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2011-12-10491
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Ginter, Carly C. “Comparative Analysis of the Morphology and Materials Properties of Pinniped Vibrissae.” 2012. Masters Thesis, Texas A&M University. Accessed April 18, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2011-12-10491.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Ginter, Carly C. “Comparative Analysis of the Morphology and Materials Properties of Pinniped Vibrissae.” 2012. Web. 18 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Ginter CC. Comparative Analysis of the Morphology and Materials Properties of Pinniped Vibrissae. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Texas A&M University; 2012. [cited 2021 Apr 18].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2011-12-10491.
Council of Science Editors:
Ginter CC. Comparative Analysis of the Morphology and Materials Properties of Pinniped Vibrissae. [Masters Thesis]. Texas A&M University; 2012. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2011-12-10491

Texas A&M University
2.
Pease, Allison Ann.
Patterns in Functional Structure and Diversity of Stream Fish Assemblages Related to Environmental Factors at Multiple Scales.
Degree: PhD, Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, 2011, Texas A&M University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2010-12-8588
► The distribution and abundance of stream fishes are influenced by many factors operating at multiple scales. Understanding how environmental variables influence the structure of stream…
(more)
▼ The distribution and abundance of stream fishes are influenced by many factors operating at multiple scales. Understanding how environmental variables influence the structure of stream fish assemblages is important for habitat assessment, stream restoration, and for predicting responses to environmental change. An emerging view in community ecology is that a focus on the functional structure of species assemblages in relation to environmental gradients may reveal more general patterns applicable across geographic regions. In this study, I used functional traits related to the trophic ecology, habitat use, and life-history strategies of fishes to examine the influences of environmental factors on stream fish assemblages. The research was carried out in two large regions: the Río Grijalva basin in southern Mexico and the Brazos and Trinity basins in Central
Texas. In both regions, relationships between functional structure of stream fish assemblages and environmental factors at local, landscape, and regional scales were examined.
Environmental characteristics at all three scales influenced the functional attributes of assemblages studied here. At the local reach scale, stream size, substrate characteristics, the availability of riffle and pool habitats, and abundance of in-stream cover structures were related to the functional trait composition of fish assemblages in the Río Grijalva Basin and in Central
Texas streams. Landscape features most strongly related to functional structure in both regions were the extent of forested area in the watershed and the amount of land developed for urban and agricultural uses. At the regional scale, broad physiographic differences between ecoregions had a large influence on the taxonomic and functional composition of stream fish assemblages in Central
Texas. Along the broad-scale longitudinal fluvial gradient of the Grijalva region, pronounced changes in the species composition, functional trait diversity, and trophic structure of fish assemblages were observed.
Advisors/Committee Members: Winemiller, Kirk O. (advisor), Rosenthal, Gil G. (committee member), Mateos, Mariana (committee member), DeWitt, Thomas J. (committee member).
Subjects/Keywords: stream fish assemblages; Rio Grijalva; Central Texas; trophic ecology; functional traits; community structure
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
Share »
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
« Share





❌
APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
Manager
APA (6th Edition):
Pease, A. A. (2011). Patterns in Functional Structure and Diversity of Stream Fish Assemblages Related to Environmental Factors at Multiple Scales. (Doctoral Dissertation). Texas A&M University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2010-12-8588
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Pease, Allison Ann. “Patterns in Functional Structure and Diversity of Stream Fish Assemblages Related to Environmental Factors at Multiple Scales.” 2011. Doctoral Dissertation, Texas A&M University. Accessed April 18, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2010-12-8588.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Pease, Allison Ann. “Patterns in Functional Structure and Diversity of Stream Fish Assemblages Related to Environmental Factors at Multiple Scales.” 2011. Web. 18 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Pease AA. Patterns in Functional Structure and Diversity of Stream Fish Assemblages Related to Environmental Factors at Multiple Scales. [Internet] [Doctoral dissertation]. Texas A&M University; 2011. [cited 2021 Apr 18].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2010-12-8588.
Council of Science Editors:
Pease AA. Patterns in Functional Structure and Diversity of Stream Fish Assemblages Related to Environmental Factors at Multiple Scales. [Doctoral Dissertation]. Texas A&M University; 2011. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2010-12-8588

Texas A&M University
3.
Dickey, Aaron.
Host-Associated Differentiation in an Insect Community.
Degree: PhD, Entomology, 2011, Texas A&M University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2010-12-8695
► Host-Associated Differentiation (HAD) is the formation of genetically divergent hostassociated lineages maintained by ecological isolation. HAD is potentially an important route to ecological speciation in…
(more)
▼ Host-Associated Differentiation (HAD) is the formation of genetically divergent hostassociated
lineages maintained by ecological isolation. HAD is potentially an important
route to ecological speciation in parasites including many insects. While HAD case
studies are accumulating, there is a dearth of negative results in the literature making it
difficult to know how common the phenomenon really is or whether there are specific
traits of parasites which promote HAD. To address these two problems, studies are
needed which both publish negative results (i.e., parasites not showing HAD) and test
for HAD in multiple parasite species on the same pair of host species (i.e., control for
host plant effects).
In this study, HAD was tested in three species of herbivorous insects and one parasitoid
species on the same two host tree species: pecan and water hickory. The insects were
selected based on the presence or absence of two traits, parthenogenesis and endophagy.
A test for HAD was considered “positive” when population substructure was explained
by host-association. To test for the presence of HAD, insects were sampled sympatrically to eliminate geographical isolation as a confounding factor, sampling was
replicated spatially to assure that HAD persisted, and multiple loci were sampled from
each individual. Genetic data was analyzed using cluster analyses. HAD was found in
both pecan leaf phylloxera and yellow pecan aphid but not in pecan bud moth or in the
parasitoid of the yellow pecan aphid, Aphelinus perpallidus. Interestingly, both taxa
showing HAD are parthenogenetic and both taxa not showing HAD reproduce sexually.
Species showing HAD were tested for the presence of a pre-mating reproductive
isolating mechanism (RIM) which could be maintaining HAD despite the potential for
gene flow. Selection against migrants to the alternative host was tested in yellow pecan
aphid using a no-choice fitness experiment. The overall contribution of this RIM to total
isolation was positive and ranged from 0.614 to 0.850. The RIM of “habitat preference”
was tested in pecan leaf phylloxera using a dual-choice preference experiment. In this
species, preference was only detected for phylloxera originating from water hickory
suggesting that host discrimination ability may be a less important factor promoting
differentiation in phylloxera.
Advisors/Committee Members: Medina, Raul F. (advisor), Eubanks, Micky D. (committee member), Harris, Marvin K. (committee member), DeWitt, Thomas J. (committee member).
Subjects/Keywords: Parthenogenesis; Endophagy; Aphids; Carya, Solidago, Genetic Differentiation; Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms; Host-Parasite Interactions; Reciprocal Transplant; Host Plant Discrimination; Sequential Radiation
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
Share »
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
« Share





❌
APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
Manager
APA (6th Edition):
Dickey, A. (2011). Host-Associated Differentiation in an Insect Community. (Doctoral Dissertation). Texas A&M University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2010-12-8695
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Dickey, Aaron. “Host-Associated Differentiation in an Insect Community.” 2011. Doctoral Dissertation, Texas A&M University. Accessed April 18, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2010-12-8695.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Dickey, Aaron. “Host-Associated Differentiation in an Insect Community.” 2011. Web. 18 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Dickey A. Host-Associated Differentiation in an Insect Community. [Internet] [Doctoral dissertation]. Texas A&M University; 2011. [cited 2021 Apr 18].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2010-12-8695.
Council of Science Editors:
Dickey A. Host-Associated Differentiation in an Insect Community. [Doctoral Dissertation]. Texas A&M University; 2011. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2010-12-8695

Texas A&M University
4.
Davis, Kaycee Marie.
Digital Analysis of Eye Pigmentation of Hereford, Hereford x Bos indicus or Hereford x Bos taurus Cattle.
Degree: MS, Animal Breeding, 2013, Texas A&M University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/151943
► Ocular neoplasia in cattle with white faces contributes to large production losses. It occurs less frequently in cattle with pigmented eyelids. Corneoscleral pigmentation (irregular extension…
(more)
▼ Ocular neoplasia in cattle with white faces contributes to large production losses. It occurs less frequently in cattle with pigmented eyelids. Corneoscleral pigmentation (irregular extension of color from the iris into the sclera) is related to eyelid pigmentation and possibly ocular neoplasia. The objectives of this study were to evaluate eyelid and corneoscleral pigmentation using digital images and objective quantification of pixel intensities (the color of eyelid and corneoscleral regions within the image) to obtain a proportion of eyelid and corneoscleral pigment. Hereford, Hereford × Bos indicus and Hereford × Bos taurus animals were included in the study (n = 1083). Upper and lower eyelid pigment proportions and corneoscleral pigment proportions were determined independently. Fixed effects included breed type, age categories and sex of the animal. Lesion presence (1) or absence (0) was obtained by visual appraisal and was assumed binomially distributed. Left eyelid pigmentation proportions (averaged for upper and lower eyelids) for Hereford (0.67 ± 0.021) were significantly lower than Bos indicus (0.94 ± 0.011) or Bos taurus (0.92 ± 0.011) crosses. Right eyelid pigmentation proportions (averaged for upper and lower eyelids) differed (P < 0.05) for Hereford (0.68 ± 0.022), Bos indicus (0.94 ± 0.011) and Bos taurus (0.90 ± 0.011). Corneoscleral pigmentation proportions (averaged for left and right eyes) differed for each of the three breed types, Hereford (0.05 ± 0.034), Bos indicus (0.32 ± 0.018) and Bos taurus (0.40 ± 0.016). Mature animals (0.34 ± 0.017) had a significantly greater proportion of corneoscleral pigment than did the calves and yearlings (0.17 ± 0.018). Proportion of lesion presence for Hereford (0.07 ± 0.022) was significantly more than Bos indicus (0.01 ± 0.005) or Bos taurus (0.01 ± 0.003). By age category, mature animals (0.06 ± 0.011) had significantly greater presence of lesions than did the calves and yearlings (0.01 ± 0.002). There were strong positive correlations for upper and lower eyelid, between left and right eyelids and between eyelid and corneoscleral pigmentation. Crossbreeding with Bos taurus or Bos indicus animals increase pigmentation and possibly inhibit incidence of ocular neoplasia.
Advisors/Committee Members: Riley, David G. (advisor), DeWitt, Thomas J. (committee member), Herring, Andy D. (committee member), Hale, Dan S. (committee member).
Subjects/Keywords: Hereford; cancer eye; eyelid pigmentation
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
Share »
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
« Share





❌
APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
Manager
APA (6th Edition):
Davis, K. M. (2013). Digital Analysis of Eye Pigmentation of Hereford, Hereford x Bos indicus or Hereford x Bos taurus Cattle. (Masters Thesis). Texas A&M University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/151943
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Davis, Kaycee Marie. “Digital Analysis of Eye Pigmentation of Hereford, Hereford x Bos indicus or Hereford x Bos taurus Cattle.” 2013. Masters Thesis, Texas A&M University. Accessed April 18, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/151943.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Davis, Kaycee Marie. “Digital Analysis of Eye Pigmentation of Hereford, Hereford x Bos indicus or Hereford x Bos taurus Cattle.” 2013. Web. 18 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Davis KM. Digital Analysis of Eye Pigmentation of Hereford, Hereford x Bos indicus or Hereford x Bos taurus Cattle. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Texas A&M University; 2013. [cited 2021 Apr 18].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/151943.
Council of Science Editors:
Davis KM. Digital Analysis of Eye Pigmentation of Hereford, Hereford x Bos indicus or Hereford x Bos taurus Cattle. [Masters Thesis]. Texas A&M University; 2013. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/151943

Texas A&M University
5.
Carlson, Keely Britt.
Developmental Simulation of the Adult Cranial Morphology of Australopithecus sediba.
Degree: PhD, Anthropology, 2014, Texas A&M University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/153581
► The present study involves the developmental simulation of the adult cranial morphology of the newly discovered species, Australopithecus sediba. Au. sediba has been the focus…
(more)
▼ The present study involves the developmental simulation of the adult cranial morphology of the newly discovered species, Australopithecus sediba. Au. sediba has been the focus of considerable discussion and debate in paleoanthropology, following its announcement as a new species in 2010. The unique mosaic morphology of the Malapa hominins - with features aligning them to both earlier species of australopith as well as later Homo - has led some to hypothesize that Au. sediba represents the best candidate ancestor to the genus Homo. To date, only a single, relatively complete cranium has been recovered from the Malapa fossil site, belonging to the type specimen designated MH1. While its second molars are erupted and in occlusion, the third molars remain in the crypt, indicating the juvenile status of MH1. Some commentators have suggested that, because MH1 was a juvenile, its morphology may have changed substantially as it progressed towards adulthood. Further, these changes may have been significant enough to alter current interpretations of its morphological affinities, including traits thought to align Au. sediba with the genus Homo. As such, understanding the degree and nature of change to be expected to occur between second and third molar eruption is of crucial importance.
The present study has addressed this problem using 3D geometric morphometric techniques for the developmental simulation of the MH1 fossil cranium. Landmark-based developmental vectors were acquired from three extant hominoid species, including chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), gorillas (Gorilla gorilla), and modern humans (H. sapiens). Vectors were separated by sex to control for the influence of secondary sexual characteristics and applied to the reconstructed MH1 cranium. Six virtual adult crania were generated in total, a male and female from each of the three extant hominoid species used in simulation. In order to understand the morphological affinities of these generated adults in a broader comparative context, multivariate tests were carried out using a sample of non-robust hominin crania.
The results indicate that the majority of morphological changes expected to occur between second and third molar eruption are related to puberty. Results acquired from principal components analysis (PCA) and Procrustes distance matrix analysis indicate that all simulated adult crania of Au. sediba show greater similarities to one another than to other hominin species. All simulated Au. sediba adults consistently clustered together with the original juvenile cranium in PCA, separate from other hominin taxa. Results acquired from distance matrices also indicate that variation within the sample of simulated adult Au. sediba crania does not exceed that of other extant hominoid species, regardless of the developmental vector applied. Therefore, the results of this study provide empirical support for a separate, species-level diagnosis for Au. sediba, and further indicate the need to account for sexual dimorphism in morphometric studies of developmental…
Advisors/Committee Members: de Ruiter, Darryl J (advisor), Wright, Lori (committee member), Carlson, David (committee member), DeWitt, Thomas J (committee member).
Subjects/Keywords: Australopithecus sediba; geometric morphometrics; developmental simulation
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
Share »
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
« Share





❌
APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
Manager
APA (6th Edition):
Carlson, K. B. (2014). Developmental Simulation of the Adult Cranial Morphology of Australopithecus sediba. (Doctoral Dissertation). Texas A&M University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/153581
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Carlson, Keely Britt. “Developmental Simulation of the Adult Cranial Morphology of Australopithecus sediba.” 2014. Doctoral Dissertation, Texas A&M University. Accessed April 18, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/153581.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Carlson, Keely Britt. “Developmental Simulation of the Adult Cranial Morphology of Australopithecus sediba.” 2014. Web. 18 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Carlson KB. Developmental Simulation of the Adult Cranial Morphology of Australopithecus sediba. [Internet] [Doctoral dissertation]. Texas A&M University; 2014. [cited 2021 Apr 18].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/153581.
Council of Science Editors:
Carlson KB. Developmental Simulation of the Adult Cranial Morphology of Australopithecus sediba. [Doctoral Dissertation]. Texas A&M University; 2014. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/153581
6.
Case, Janelle Elaine.
The feeding biomechanics of juvenile red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) from the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.
Degree: MS, Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, 2009, Texas A&M University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-1386
► Juvenile red snapper are attracted to structure and settle onto low profile reefs, which serve as nursery grounds. Little is known about their life history…
(more)
▼ Juvenile red snapper are attracted to structure and settle onto low profile reefs, which serve as nursery grounds. Little is known about their life history during this time. However, recent studies from a shell bank in the NW Gulf of Mexico have shown higher growth rates for juveniles located on mud habitats adjacent to low profile reefs, perhaps due to varied prey availability and abundance. To further investigate the habitat needs of juvenile red snapper, individuals were collected from a low profile shell ridge (on-ridge) and adjacent mud areas (off-ridge) on Freeport Rocks, TX, and divided into three size classes (≤3.9 cm SL, 4.0-5.9 cm SL, ≥6 cm SL). Feeding morphology and kinematics were characterized and compared among size classes and between the two habitats. A dynamic jaw lever model was used to make predictions about feeding mechanics, and kinematic profiles obtained from high-speed videos of prey capture events validated the model’s predictive ability. Model output suggested an ontogenetic shift in feeding morphology from a juvenile feeding mode (more suction) to an adult feeding mode (more biting). Stomach contents revealed a concomitant shift in prey composition that coincided with the ontogenetic shift in feeding mode. The model also predicted that on-ridge juveniles would have faster jaw closing velocities compared to off-ridge juveniles, which had slower, stronger jaws. Analysis of prey capture events indicated that on-ridge juveniles demonstrated greater velocities and larger displacements of the jaws than off-ridge juveniles. Shape analysis was used to further investigate habitat effects on morphology. Off-ridge juveniles differed from on-ridge in possessing a deeper head and body. Results from model simulations, kinematic profiles, personal observations, and shape analysis all complement the conclusion that on-ridge juveniles exhibited more suction feeding behavior, whereas off-ridge juveniles used more biting behavior. Stomach contents demonstrated an early switch to piscivory in off-ridge juveniles compared to on-ridge juveniles, which may account for higher off-ridge growth rates. Habitat disparity, perhaps available prey composition, generated variations in juvenile feeding mechanics and consequently feeding behavior. This disparity may ultimately affect the growth rates and recruitment success of juvenile red snapper from different habitats.
Advisors/Committee Members: Marshall, Christopher D. (advisor), DeWitt, Thomas J. (committee member), Rooker, Jay R. (committee member).
Subjects/Keywords: biomechanics; red snapper
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
Share »
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
« Share





❌
APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
Manager
APA (6th Edition):
Case, J. E. (2009). The feeding biomechanics of juvenile red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) from the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. (Masters Thesis). Texas A&M University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-1386
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Case, Janelle Elaine. “The feeding biomechanics of juvenile red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) from the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.” 2009. Masters Thesis, Texas A&M University. Accessed April 18, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-1386.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Case, Janelle Elaine. “The feeding biomechanics of juvenile red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) from the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.” 2009. Web. 18 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Case JE. The feeding biomechanics of juvenile red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) from the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Texas A&M University; 2009. [cited 2021 Apr 18].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-1386.
Council of Science Editors:
Case JE. The feeding biomechanics of juvenile red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) from the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. [Masters Thesis]. Texas A&M University; 2009. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-1386
7.
Harrison, Kyle Edward.
Ecological Factors Explaining Genetic Differentiation in Aphidomorpha Associated with Pecan and Water Hickory Trees.
Degree: PhD, Entomology, 2017, Texas A&M University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/161395
► Host-associated differentiation (HAD) is a form of ecologically mediated host-race formation between parasite populations. Since HAD can ultimately lead to speciation, it has been proposed…
(more)
▼ Host-associated differentiation (HAD) is a form of ecologically mediated host-race formation between parasite populations. Since HAD can ultimately lead to speciation, it has been proposed as a way to account for the vast species diversity observed in parasitic arthropods. However, the importance of HAD to species diversity is unclear because the factors explaining the occurrence of HAD are only partially understood. Still, there are several examples of parasite-host case study systems for which there is a known cause of reproductive isolation between host-associated parasite populations. Thus, several biological and ecological factors (e.g., immigrant inviability or allochrony) have been proposed as explanatory factors for HAD occurrence. The body of research presented here represents the first quantitative assessment of the generalized relationship between HAD occurrence and the incidence of the proposed explanatory factors. This research was supported by field experiments that assessed the co-occurrence of HAD and particularly important explanatory factors. These experiments were conducted in a community of Aphidomorpha species living on pecan and water hickory trees. I found that HAD can be explained in general based on the incidence of specific explanatory factors (i.e. immigrant inviability, gall-making, short generation times, volatile preference, morphological differentiation, and host-shifting opportunities). These factors were used to create a hierarchy of conditional probabilities that can successfully separate the presence of HAD from its absence. The field experiments corroborated that the occurrence of HAD is correlated with immigrant inviability as well as allochrony.
Advisors/Committee Members: Medina, Raul F (advisor), Tamborindeguy, Cecilia (committee member), Tarone, Aaron M (committee member), DeWitt, Thomas J (committee member).
Subjects/Keywords: Host-associated differentiation (HAD); Aphidomorpha; Carya illinoinensis; Carya aquatica; reproductive isolation; population genetic structuring; immigrant inviability; sympatry; allochrony; gall-making; asexual reproduction; host fidelity; host-shifting
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
Share »
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
« Share





❌
APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
Manager
APA (6th Edition):
Harrison, K. E. (2017). Ecological Factors Explaining Genetic Differentiation in Aphidomorpha Associated with Pecan and Water Hickory Trees. (Doctoral Dissertation). Texas A&M University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/161395
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Harrison, Kyle Edward. “Ecological Factors Explaining Genetic Differentiation in Aphidomorpha Associated with Pecan and Water Hickory Trees.” 2017. Doctoral Dissertation, Texas A&M University. Accessed April 18, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/161395.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Harrison, Kyle Edward. “Ecological Factors Explaining Genetic Differentiation in Aphidomorpha Associated with Pecan and Water Hickory Trees.” 2017. Web. 18 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Harrison KE. Ecological Factors Explaining Genetic Differentiation in Aphidomorpha Associated with Pecan and Water Hickory Trees. [Internet] [Doctoral dissertation]. Texas A&M University; 2017. [cited 2021 Apr 18].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/161395.
Council of Science Editors:
Harrison KE. Ecological Factors Explaining Genetic Differentiation in Aphidomorpha Associated with Pecan and Water Hickory Trees. [Doctoral Dissertation]. Texas A&M University; 2017. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/161395

Texas A&M University
8.
Guzman, Alejandra.
Bite performance and feeding kinematics in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) within the context of longline fishery interactions.
Degree: MS, Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, 2009, Texas A&M University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2844
► Feeding biomechanics and foraging behavior are likely contributors to loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) bycatch in the pelagic longline fishery. To investigate these contributions, loggerhead…
(more)
▼ Feeding biomechanics and foraging behavior are likely contributors to loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) bycatch in the pelagic longline fishery. To investigate these contributions, loggerhead bite performance was measured in several size classes of captive-reared juveniles, captive sub-adults and adults, as well as wild loggerheads. A kinematic study was conducted to investigate loggerhead interactions with modified longline hooks. Kinematic and behavioral variables were assessed in relation to five longline hooks to determine if loggerhead feeding behavior is modulated relative to hook type, size, and offset. The bite force study demonstrated that mean maximum post-hatchling bite force was 2.5N and mass was the best predictor of post-hatchling bite force. Mean maximum bite force of juveniles with mean straight carapace length (SCL) of 12, 31, 44, and 65 cm were 27, 152, 343, and 374 N, respectively. Sub-adult and adult mean maximum bite force was 575 N. Maximum bite force had a positive linear relationship with all head and body morphometrics (P<0.001). Carapace width was the best predictor of bite force throughout ontogeny. The kinematic study demonstrated no differences between hook treatments in all kinematic variables analyzed. The results of this study suggest loggerhead feeding behavior may be stereotypical. Only 33% of all interactions resulted in “hooking” events. “Hooking” was lowest in 16 gage circle hooks with no offset and the 18 gage circle hooks with 10°offset which may be indicative of a lower possibility of the turtle drowning. “Hooking” was highest in the 16 gage circle hooks with 10°offset. The proportion of turtles “hooked” in the mouth was significantly greater than those “hooked” in the throat (P=0.001). Sixteen gage circle hooks with 10° offset had the highest percentage of throat “hooking”, and the 18 gage circle hooks without offset resulted in the lowest percentage of throat hooking. When interacting with
J hooks with a 25° offset (9 gage), turtles mostly oriented their head away from the hook offset; however, when interacting with the 16 and 18 gage circle hooks with 10° offset, turtles mostly oriented their heads toward the hook offset. These data suggest that turtles may distinguish between small and large offsets, and may modulate their feeding behavior accordingly. Alternatively, turtles may be detecting hook size or hook shape. A more thorough characterization of loggerhead bite performance and feeding kinematics will be useful when developing or modifying longline fishery gear aimed at reducing loggerhead bycatch.
Advisors/Committee Members: Marshall, Christopher D. (advisor), DeWitt, Thomas J. (committee member), Landry, Andre M. (committee member).
Subjects/Keywords: sea turtles; longline; bite force; feeding kinematics
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
Share »
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
« Share





❌
APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
Manager
APA (6th Edition):
Guzman, A. (2009). Bite performance and feeding kinematics in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) within the context of longline fishery interactions. (Masters Thesis). Texas A&M University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2844
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Guzman, Alejandra. “Bite performance and feeding kinematics in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) within the context of longline fishery interactions.” 2009. Masters Thesis, Texas A&M University. Accessed April 18, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2844.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Guzman, Alejandra. “Bite performance and feeding kinematics in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) within the context of longline fishery interactions.” 2009. Web. 18 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Guzman A. Bite performance and feeding kinematics in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) within the context of longline fishery interactions. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Texas A&M University; 2009. [cited 2021 Apr 18].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2844.
Council of Science Editors:
Guzman A. Bite performance and feeding kinematics in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) within the context of longline fishery interactions. [Masters Thesis]. Texas A&M University; 2009. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2844

Texas A&M University
9.
Ruehl, Clifton Benjamin.
Resource variation and the evolution of phenotypic plasticity in fishes.
Degree: MS, Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, 2004, Texas A&M University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/486
► Resource variation and species interactions require organisms to respond behaviorally, physiologically, and morphologically within and among generations to compensate for spatial and temporal environmental variation.…
(more)
▼ Resource variation and species interactions require organisms to respond behaviorally, physiologically, and morphologically within and among generations to compensate for spatial and temporal environmental variation. One successful evolutionary strategy to mitigate environmental variation is phenotypic plasticity: the production of alternative phenotypes in response to environmental variation. Phenotypic plasticity yields multiple characters that may enable organisms to better optimize phenotypic responses across environmental gradients. In this thesis, I trace the development of thought on phenotypic plasticity and present two empirical studies that implicate phenotypic plasticity in producing morphological variation in response to resource variation. The first empirical study addresses trophic plasticity, population divergence, and the effect of fine-scale environmental variation in western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). Offspring from two populations were fed either attached or unattached food items offered in three orientations: (1) water surface, (2) mid-water, (3) benthic, and (4) a daily rotation of the former three (fine-grained variation). Attached food induced wide heads, blunt snouts and rounded pectoral fins relative to morphology in the unattached treatment. Mid-water feeding induced elongated heads and deeper mid-bodies relative to benthic and surface feeding induced morphologies. The rotating treatment produced intermediate morphologies. Population divergence seemed related to both trophic and predation ecology. Ecomorphological consequences of induced morphologies and the need for inclusion of greater ecological complexity in studies of plasticity are discussed. The second study examines induced morphological plasticity and performance in red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus). I fed hatchery fish either hard or soft food for two months. Performance trials were designed to measure their ability to manipulate and consume hard food items. External morphology and the mass of pharyngeal crushing muscles were assessed for variation among treatments. A hard food diet induced deeper bodies and larger heads, more massive pharyngeal muscles, and initially more efficient consumption of hard food than fish receiving soft food. The observed morphological variation is in accordance with variation among species. Determining evolutionary mechanisms operating within red drum populations should eventually aid in developing and optimizing conservation efforts and ease the transition from hatchery facilities to estuaries.
Advisors/Committee Members: DeWitt, Thomas J. (advisor), Pinckney, James L. (committee member), Winemiller, Kirk O. (committee member).
Subjects/Keywords: resource polymorphism; trophic plasticity; ecomorphology; foraging ecology; geometric morphometrics; population differentiation; induced morphology; fine grained resource variation
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
Share »
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
« Share





❌
APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
Manager
APA (6th Edition):
Ruehl, C. B. (2004). Resource variation and the evolution of phenotypic plasticity in fishes. (Masters Thesis). Texas A&M University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/486
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Ruehl, Clifton Benjamin. “Resource variation and the evolution of phenotypic plasticity in fishes.” 2004. Masters Thesis, Texas A&M University. Accessed April 18, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/486.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Ruehl, Clifton Benjamin. “Resource variation and the evolution of phenotypic plasticity in fishes.” 2004. Web. 18 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Ruehl CB. Resource variation and the evolution of phenotypic plasticity in fishes. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Texas A&M University; 2004. [cited 2021 Apr 18].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/486.
Council of Science Editors:
Ruehl CB. Resource variation and the evolution of phenotypic plasticity in fishes. [Masters Thesis]. Texas A&M University; 2004. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/486

Texas A&M University
10.
Garza, Mark Isaac.
Predator induced defenses in prey with diverse predators.
Degree: MS, Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, 2006, Texas A&M University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/3309
► Phenotypic plasticity is an environmentally based change in phenotype and can be adaptive. Often, the change in an organism's phenotype is induced by the presence…
(more)
▼ Phenotypic plasticity is an environmentally based change in phenotype and can be
adaptive. Often, the change in an organism's phenotype is induced by the presence of a
predator and serves as a defense against that predator. Defensive phenotypes are induced
in freshwater physid snails in response to both crayfish and molluscivorous fish.
Alternative morphologies are produced depending on which of these two predators snails
are raised with, thus protecting them from each of these predators' unique mode of
predation. Snails and other mollusks have been shown to produce thicker, differently
shaped shells when found with predators relative to those found without predators. This
production of thicker, differently shaped shells offers better protection against predators
because of increased predator resistance.
The first study in this thesis explores costs and limits to plasticity using the snailfish-
crayfish system. I exposed juvenile physid snails (using a family structure) to either
early or late shifts in predation regimes to assess whether developmental flexibility is
equally possible early and late in development. Physid snails were observed to produce
alternative defensive morphologies when raised in the presence of each of the two
predators. All families responded similarly to the environment in which they were raised.
Morphology was found to be heritable, but plasticity itself was not heritable. Morphology was found to become less flexible as snails progressed along their respective
developmental pathways.
In the second study, I raised physid snails with and without shell-crushing sunfish
and examined the differences in shell thickness, shell mass, shell size and shell
microstructural properties between the two treatment groups. Shells of snails raised with
predators were found to be larger, thicker and more massive than those raised without
predators, but differences in microstructure were found to be insignificant. I conclude that
the observed shell thickening is accomplished by the snails' depositing more of the same
material into their shells and not by producing a more complex shell composition.
Advisors/Committee Members: DeWitt, Thomas J. (advisor), Coganto, Anthony I. (committee member), Fitzgerald, Lee (committee member).
Subjects/Keywords: inducible defenses; shell morphology; Physa; Lepomis microlophus; morphometrics
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
Share »
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
« Share





❌
APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
Manager
APA (6th Edition):
Garza, M. I. (2006). Predator induced defenses in prey with diverse predators. (Masters Thesis). Texas A&M University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/3309
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Garza, Mark Isaac. “Predator induced defenses in prey with diverse predators.” 2006. Masters Thesis, Texas A&M University. Accessed April 18, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/3309.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Garza, Mark Isaac. “Predator induced defenses in prey with diverse predators.” 2006. Web. 18 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Garza MI. Predator induced defenses in prey with diverse predators. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. Texas A&M University; 2006. [cited 2021 Apr 18].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/3309.
Council of Science Editors:
Garza MI. Predator induced defenses in prey with diverse predators. [Masters Thesis]. Texas A&M University; 2006. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/3309

Texas A&M University
11.
Papadopoulos, Anthony.
An ecophysiological framework for the morphological evolution of bluegill sunfish.
Degree: PhD, Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, 2009, Texas A&M University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-1393
► Body shape affects the capacity and efficiency of swimming in fishes, and places constraints on foraging and reproductive performance. Hence, fitness components, such as aerobic…
(more)
▼ Body shape affects the capacity and efficiency of swimming in fishes, and places
constraints on foraging and reproductive performance. Hence, fitness components, such
as aerobic swimming capacity and efficiency, can be determined from analysis of
swimming energetics using active respirometry. In particular, body shape adaptations,
such as streamlining, aim at reducing hydrodynamic drag (resistance), thereby increasing
swimming efficiency in the presence of water flow, which is a principal
contributor to
resistance for fish inhabiting rivers. For two populations of bluegill sunfish, one from the
Brazos River and the other from Moelman’s Slough (a Brazos River oxbow lake), the
metabolic transport rate (MTR) was determined to evaluate differences in swimming
efficiency. The standard cost of swimming (SCOS) was also determined to evaluate
differences in swimming capacity, which represents the overall capacity of the skeletal
muscles to generate mechanical power to overcome hydrodynamic resistance. The MTR
and the SCOS describe holistic swimming performance, where the MTR specifies the
hydrodynamic response due to swimming, and the SCOS specifies the physiologic
response due to swimming. The differences in swimming performance are mainly
attributed to factors affecting hydrodynamic resistance and could be predicted by
morphology; because body shape, like water flow, is also a principal
contributor to
resistance. Multivariate body shape, from generalized Procrustes analysis, was used to
assess the influence of multiple shape traits on swimming costs. This measure of shape
related to swimming performance using partial least-squares analysis showed the two bluegill populations to be significantly different. The results were as follows: the
shallow-bodied condition in bluegills was highly correlated with efficient swimming and
low swimming capacities; whereas, deep-bodied bluegills were highly correlated with
inefficient swimming and high swimming capacities. This is an empirical case of
divergent natural selection. For convergence, however, the position of the caudal
peduncle is consistent with optimal swimming speed (Um), which depends on standard
metabolic rate (SMR), or metabolic maintenance. Bluegills with erect caudal peduncles
have a high range of swimming speeds without suffering much cost of swimming ability
compared to bluegills with prone caudal peduncles. The adaptive physiological response
to high Um is due to a low SCOS because swimming efficiency is low and metabolic
maintenance is high. In other words, bluegills that are inefficient swimmers and require a
high energy intake cannot survive unless they gain the ability to increase their foraging
capacity by thrust or metabolic power reduction. This is perhaps one of the most
remarkable adaptive physiological responses due to the joint effects of shape and SMR.
Advisors/Committee Members: DeWitt, Thomas J. (advisor), Neill, William H. (committee member), Olszewski, Thomas D. (committee member), Roelke, Daniel L. (committee member).
Subjects/Keywords: standard metabolic rate; swimming efficiency; morphology; adaptation
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
Share »
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
« Share





❌
APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
Manager
APA (6th Edition):
Papadopoulos, A. (2009). An ecophysiological framework for the morphological evolution of bluegill sunfish. (Doctoral Dissertation). Texas A&M University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-1393
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Papadopoulos, Anthony. “An ecophysiological framework for the morphological evolution of bluegill sunfish.” 2009. Doctoral Dissertation, Texas A&M University. Accessed April 18, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-1393.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Papadopoulos, Anthony. “An ecophysiological framework for the morphological evolution of bluegill sunfish.” 2009. Web. 18 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Papadopoulos A. An ecophysiological framework for the morphological evolution of bluegill sunfish. [Internet] [Doctoral dissertation]. Texas A&M University; 2009. [cited 2021 Apr 18].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-1393.
Council of Science Editors:
Papadopoulos A. An ecophysiological framework for the morphological evolution of bluegill sunfish. [Doctoral Dissertation]. Texas A&M University; 2009. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-1393

Texas A&M University
12.
Partridge, Charlyn G.
The Effect of Environmental Contaminants on Mating Dynamics and Population Viability in a Sex-Role-Reversed Pipefish.
Degree: PhD, Zoology, 2010, Texas A&M University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2009-12-7324
► Understanding how anthropogenic activity impacts the health and viability of wildlife populations is one of the most important tasks of environmental biology. A key concern…
(more)
▼ Understanding how anthropogenic activity impacts the health and viability of wildlife
populations is one of the most important tasks of environmental biology. A key concern
related to bi-products of human activity is the accumulation of environmental pollutants
within aquatic environments. Pollutants such as endocrine disruptors and heavy metals
have the potential to impact both human and wildlife populations in contaminated areas.
While much research has focused on how these compounds impact natural selection
processes, such as viability and reproduction, their effect on sexual selection processes is
not as clear. The goal of this dissertation was to address how environmental
contaminants impact sexual selection processes in a sex-role reversed pipefish and
evaluate how these effects may impact long-term population viability. Here we show
that short periods of exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of a synthetic
estrogen result in male pipefish with female-like secondary sexual traits. While these
males are capable of reproduction, exposed males are discriminated against by females
in mate choice tests. In natural populations, this type of discrimination could reduce male mating opportunities, potentially reducing their reproductive success. In an
additional component of this dissertation, it was discovered that pipefish populations
around Mobile Bay, specifically Weeks Bay, are currently being exposed to significantly
elevated levels of mercury. These populations are genetically distinct from coastal
populations but moderate levels of gene flow occur among sites, and gene flow between
contaminated and non-contaminated population may be influencing how environmental
contaminants are impacting genetic diversity and population viability. In the case of
endocrine disruptors, migration between contaminated and non-contaminated sites may
negatively impact population viability. Morphological traits induced with exposure to
contaminants may be maintained for extended periods of time, therefore, the effect the
exposed phenotype has on mating dynamics and sexual selection could be carried to
non-contaminated sites if exposed individuals move to new populations. On the other
hand, immigration of individuals from non-contaminated sites into contaminated areas
may help maintain genetic diversity within exposed populations. In conclusion, the
work presented in this dissertation shows that the presence of environmental toxins can
significantly impact sexual selection processes, which in turn can have profound effects
on the viability and future evolutionary trajectory of populations. Future work in this
area should not only address how these toxins impact individual fitness, but should also
address how population structure may be influencing the severity of these compounds on
natural populations.
Advisors/Committee Members: Jones, Adam G. (advisor), Rosenthal, Gil (committee member), MacKenzie, Duncan (committee member), DeWitt, Thomas J. (committee member).
Subjects/Keywords: pipefish; endocrine disruptors; EE2; mating dynamics; population structure
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
Share »
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
« Share





❌
APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
Manager
APA (6th Edition):
Partridge, C. G. (2010). The Effect of Environmental Contaminants on Mating Dynamics and Population Viability in a Sex-Role-Reversed Pipefish. (Doctoral Dissertation). Texas A&M University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2009-12-7324
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Partridge, Charlyn G. “The Effect of Environmental Contaminants on Mating Dynamics and Population Viability in a Sex-Role-Reversed Pipefish.” 2010. Doctoral Dissertation, Texas A&M University. Accessed April 18, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2009-12-7324.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Partridge, Charlyn G. “The Effect of Environmental Contaminants on Mating Dynamics and Population Viability in a Sex-Role-Reversed Pipefish.” 2010. Web. 18 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Partridge CG. The Effect of Environmental Contaminants on Mating Dynamics and Population Viability in a Sex-Role-Reversed Pipefish. [Internet] [Doctoral dissertation]. Texas A&M University; 2010. [cited 2021 Apr 18].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2009-12-7324.
Council of Science Editors:
Partridge CG. The Effect of Environmental Contaminants on Mating Dynamics and Population Viability in a Sex-Role-Reversed Pipefish. [Doctoral Dissertation]. Texas A&M University; 2010. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2009-12-7324

Texas A&M University
13.
Magorokosho, Cosmos.
Genetic diversity and performance of maize varieties from Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.
Degree: PhD, Plant Breeding, 2007, Texas A&M University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/4669
► Large scale and planned introduction of maize (Zea mays) in southern Africa was accomplished during the last 100 years. Since then, smallholder farmers and breeders…
(more)
▼ Large scale and planned introduction of maize (Zea mays) in southern Africa was
accomplished during the last 100 years. Since then, smallholder farmers and breeders
have been selecting varieties best adapted to their specific growing conditions. Six
studies were conducted to generate information on the current levels of genetic diversity
and agronomic performance of both farmer-developed and commercially-bred maize
varieties in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi to help in the identification of sources of new
alleles for improving yield, especially under the main abiotic stresses that prevail in the
region. In the first study, 267 maize landraces were collected from smallholder farmers in
different agro-ecological zones of the three countries for conservation and further studies.
Passport data and information on why smallholder farmers continue to grow landraces
despite the advent of modern varieties were also collected along with the landraces. The
second study revealed considerable variation for phenological, morphological and
agronomic characters, and inter-relationships among the landraces and their commercial
counterparts. A core sample representing most of the diversity in the whole collection of
landraces was selected for further detailed analyses. The third study revealed high levels
of molecular diversity between landraces originating from different growing
environments and between landraces and commercially-bred varieties. The Simple
Sequence Repeat (SSR) data also showed that the genetic diversity introduced from the
original gene pool from the USA about 100 years ago is still found in both the descendant
landraces and commercially-bred varieties. The fourth study showed that in general,
commercially-bred varieties outyielded landraces under both abiotic stress and nonstress
conditions with some notable exceptions. Landraces were more stable across
environments than improved varieties. The most promising landraces for pre-breeding
and further investigation were also identified. The clustering patterns formed based on agronomic data were different from SSR markers, but in general the genotype groupings
were consistent across the two methods of measuring diversity. In the fifth study, the
more recently-bred maize varieties in Zimbabwe showed consistent improvement over
older cultivars in grain yield. The apparent yearly rate of yield increase due to genetic
improvement was positive under optimum growing conditions, low soil nitrogen levels
and drought stress. The sixth study revealed that in general, genetic diversity in
Zimbabwean maize has neither significantly decreased nor increased over time, and that
the temporal changes observed in this study were more qualitative than quantitative.
The results from the six studies confirm the origin of maize in southern Africa and
reveals that considerable genetic variation exists in the region which could be used to
broaden the sources of diversity for maize improvement under the current agro-ecological
conditions in southern Africa.
Advisors/Committee Members: Betran, Javier (advisor), DeWitt, Thomas J (committee member), Rooney, William L (committee member), Smith, Wayne C (committee member).
Subjects/Keywords: Maize; Diversity; Africa
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
Share »
Record Details
Similar Records
Cite
« Share





❌
APA ·
Chicago ·
MLA ·
Vancouver ·
CSE |
Export
to Zotero / EndNote / Reference
Manager
APA (6th Edition):
Magorokosho, C. (2007). Genetic diversity and performance of maize varieties from Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. (Doctoral Dissertation). Texas A&M University. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/4669
Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):
Magorokosho, Cosmos. “Genetic diversity and performance of maize varieties from Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.” 2007. Doctoral Dissertation, Texas A&M University. Accessed April 18, 2021.
http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/4669.
MLA Handbook (7th Edition):
Magorokosho, Cosmos. “Genetic diversity and performance of maize varieties from Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.” 2007. Web. 18 Apr 2021.
Vancouver:
Magorokosho C. Genetic diversity and performance of maize varieties from Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. [Internet] [Doctoral dissertation]. Texas A&M University; 2007. [cited 2021 Apr 18].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/4669.
Council of Science Editors:
Magorokosho C. Genetic diversity and performance of maize varieties from Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. [Doctoral Dissertation]. Texas A&M University; 2007. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/4669
.