Phylogeography
Phylogeography

Author: John C. Avise

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Published: 2000-01-03

Total Pages: 466

ISBN-13: 9780674666382

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Phylogeography is a discipline concerned with various relationships between gene genealogies—phylogenetics—and geography. This book captures the conceptual and empirical richness of the field, and also the sense of genuine innovation that phylogeographic perspectives have brought to evolutionary studies.

Reproductive Biology and Conservation Genetics of the Alligator Snapping Turtle (macrochelys Temminckii)
Reproductive Biology and Conservation Genetics of the Alligator Snapping Turtle (macrochelys Temminckii)

Author: Amber R. Teare

Publisher:

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 91

ISBN-13:

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Author's abstract: The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a highly aquatic turtle only found in Gulf of Mexico drainages. The biology of this species remains relatively unknown, despite years of harvest and use as a zoological attraction. The purposes of this study were to (1) determine gender size classes and assess sexual size dimorphism, (2) delineate the reproductive cycle of M. temminckii, particularly their sex steroid seasonality, and (3) evaluate possible genetic divergence between M. temminckii found in southwest Georgia and northern Florida. Alligator snapping turtles exhibit pronounced sexual size dimorphism as adults. However, determining sex in smaller individuals is difficult. The purpose of this study was to assess gender size classes and sexual dimorphism in Macrochelys temminckii. Alligator snapping turtles in southwest Georgia were trapped from March 2008 to April 2010. Captured turtles were bled, sexed based on size and ultrasound, and measured for multiple characteristics. For all measurements, adult males were larger than females. The relationships between carapace length, plastron-to-vent length, and testosterone levels were used to determine gender of smaller individuals. To ensure accurate sexual assignment when studying M. temminckii, data from multiple methods (morphological measurements, ultrasonography, testosterone levels, and, laparoscopy) should be used. To delineate the reproductive cycle of M. temminckii, blood samples were taken from captured individuals, and plasma testosterone and estradiol were measured using enzyme immunoassay. Males exhibited seasonal changes in testosterone levels, with maximum levels occurring in October. Mating behavior was elucidated from the appearance of wounds on males that only occurred in April. Females displayed seasonality in testosterone and estradiol levels, with relative peaks occurring in March and April (mating and ovulation) and September and October (follicular development). Genetic structure between M. temminckii populations separated by a dam and under different hunting pressures was assessed using microsatellite loci. Average number of alleles per locus and number of unique alleles was higher for the Florida population. Genetic structure was detected between the populations (FST = 0.043, p = 0.001). The rapid development of structuring between Florida and Georgia M. temminckii warrants further investigation into the effects of fragmentation and overexploitation on this species.

The Diversity of Fishes
The Diversity of Fishes

Author: Gene Helfman

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2009-04-03

Total Pages: 736

ISBN-13: 1444311905

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The second edition of The Diversity of Fishes represents a major revision of the world’s most widely adopted ichthyology textbook. Expanded and updated, the second edition is illustrated throughout with striking color photographs depicting the spectacular evolutionary adaptations of the most ecologically and taxonomically diverse vertebrate group. The text incorporates the latest advances in the biology of fishes, covering taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, biogeography, ecology, and behavior. A new chapter on genetics and molecular ecology of fishes has been added, and conservation is emphasized throughout. Hundreds of new and redrawn illustrations augment readable text, and every chapter has been revised to reflect the discoveries and greater understanding achieved during the past decade. Written by a team of internationally-recognized authorities, the first edition of The Diversity of Fishes was received with enthusiasm and praise, and incorporated into ichthyology and fish biology classes around the globe, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The second edition is a substantial update of an already classic reference and text. Companion resources site This book is accompanied by a resources site: www.wiley.com/go/helfman The site is being constantly updated by the author team and provides: · Related videos selected by the authors · Updates to the book since publication · Instructor resources · A chance to send in feedback

Relative Abundance, Population Structure, and Habitat Utilization of the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys Temminckii) and Eastern Snapping Turtle (Chelydra Serpentina) in Southeastern Missouri
Relative Abundance, Population Structure, and Habitat Utilization of the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys Temminckii) and Eastern Snapping Turtle (Chelydra Serpentina) in Southeastern Missouri

Author: Timothy Charles Lescher

Publisher:

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 75

ISBN-13:

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Alligator Snapping Turtles have not been surveyed extensively in Missouri since 1993-94. Six sites that were sampled in the early nineties were re-sampled in 2009 at the same locations where previous researchers trapped. Significantly fewer significantly fewer Alligator Snapping Turtles were captured per trapnight at all six sites. The population structure of the Alligator Snapping Turtles had a significantly different distribution in 2009 compared to 1993-94. The population structure had shifted toward smaller individuals, and fewer adult males and adult females were captured in 2009 compared to 1993-94. The 1993-94 structure was normally distributed while the 2009 structure exhibited a negative skew. Populations sampled in 2009 have an extremely female-biased sex ratio and fewer large adults, which may impact the population negatively in the future. Future sampling of Alligator Snapping Turtles at these six sites is recommended to continue monitoring their long-term trends in relative abundance and population structure. Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) and Eastern Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina) were captured during the summers of 2009 and 2010. Habitat characteristics were collected at each trap that captured these species. Subsequent analysis of data revealed that Alligator Snapping Turtle presence at trap sites was characterized by increased physical structure in the stream, water depth, relatively high levels of detritus, and warmer temperatures when compared to Eastern Snapping Turtles; the amount of aquatic vegetation and bottom surface (i.e., mud or non-mud substrate) were important in characterizing Eastern Snapping Turtle presence in traps. Eastern Snapping Turtles and Alligator Snapping Turtles did not use the same areas spatially, and were only trapped at the same location once in 557 trapnights. Future conservation plans for the Alligator Snapping Turtle and Eastern Snapping Turtle should consider the microhabitat characteristics of sites utilized by these turtles, along with the possibility of interspecific interactions within Chelydridae.

The Diversity of Fishes
The Diversity of Fishes

Author: Douglas E. Facey

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2022-12-05

Total Pages: 724

ISBN-13: 1119341914

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THE DIVERSITY OF FISHES The third edition of The Diversity of Fishes is a major revision of the widely adopted ichthyology textbook, incorporating the latest advances in the biology of fishes and covering taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, biogeography, ecology, and behavior. Key information on the evolution of various fishes is also presented, providing expansive and conclusive coverage on all key topics pertaining to the field. To aid in reader comprehension, each chapter begins with a summary that provides a broad overview of the content of that chapter, which may be particularly useful for those using the text for a course who don’t intend to address every chapter in detail. Detailed color photographs throughout the book demonstrate just some of the diversity and beauty of fishes that attract many to the field. A companion website provides related videos selected by the authors, instructor resources, and additional references and websites for further reading. Sample topics covered and learning resources included in The Diversity of Fishes are as follows: How molecular genetics has transformed many aspects of ichthyology The close relationship between structure and function, including adaptations to special environments Many physical and behavioral adaptations reflecting the fact that many fishes are both predators and prey Fish interactions with other species within fish assemblages and broader communities, plus their impacts on ecosystems Global maps that more accurately represent the comparative sizes of oceans and land masses than maps used in prior editions For students, instructors, and individuals with an interest in ichthyology, The Diversity of Fishes is an all-in-one introductory resource to the field, presenting vast opportunities for learning, many additional resources to aid in information retention, and helpful recommendations on where to go to explore specific topics further.

Species Profile: Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macroclemys Temminckii) on Military Installations in the Southeastern United States
Species Profile: Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macroclemys Temminckii) on Military Installations in the Southeastern United States

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 20

ISBN-13:

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The alligator snapping turtle (Macroclemys temminckii) is an uncommon turtle of the Southeast that is a former candidate species for listing as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The species is found in the south-central and southeastern United States throughout the Mississippi River Valley and Gulf Coast States. Alligator snapping turtles utilize a variety of aquatic habitats having permanent water and abundant aquatic vegetation, including rivers, streams, canals, lakes, oxbows, and sloughs. Nests usually are located near water on high and well-drained sites such as natural or artificial berms bordering aquatic environments. The alligator snapping turtle has been documented on several military installations in the Southeast. This report is one of a series of 'Species Profiles' being developed for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species inhabiting southeastern United States plant communities. The work is being conducted as part of the Department of Defense (DoD) Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP). The report is designed to supplement information provided in plant community management reports for major United States plant communities found on military installations. Information provided on the alligator snapping turtle includes status, life history and ecology, habitat requirements, impacts and cause of decline, management and protection, and inventory and monitoring.