Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Many communities in Canada rely on water sourced from boreal forest headwaters for their drinking water. The Boreal Shield Ecozone is highly susceptible to climate change which threatens to exacerbate the effects of natural and human-driven disturbances such as wildfire, insect infestation and harvesting on water quality. Therefore, examining source water quality in headwater catchments… more Full Text: The effects of forest disturbance on dissolved organic carbon in the Algoma region, central Ontario A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Faculty of …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Penney, Chantelle, Thesis advisor (ths): Wilson, Chris C, Thesis advisor (ths): Burness, Gary, Degree committee member (dgc): Scott, Graham, Degree committee member (dgc): Craig, Paul, Degree committee member (dgc): Freeland, Joanna, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Climate change is a major conservation concern, especially for many cold-adapted species. The rate of warming due to climate change will likely outpace adaptive responses, and many populations will likely need to rely on phenotypic plasticity to cope with environmental warming. It is currently unclear whether plasticity in physiological responses to warming will be sufficient to offset… more Full Text: WITHIN-GENERATION AND TRANSGENERATIONAL THERMAL PLASTICITY IN COLD-ADAPTED SALMONIDS OF THE GENUS SALVELINUS A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Acoustic communication is vital for mediating interactions between individuals and their environment. From echolocating bats to isolated rodent pups, ultrasonic vocalizations are a useful mechanism for producing localized and cryptic acoustic signals. Flying squirrels have been demonstrated to produce almost exclusively ultrasonic calls which is rare in both squirrels and mammals, though… more Full Text: The ecological, evolutionary, and behavioural context of ultrasonic vocalizations in flying squirrels A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The Wabigoon River is known for an historic mercury (Hg) pollution source, caused by a chlor-alkali facility operating in the 1960s. As legacy Hg contamination continues to cause serious adverse health effects to the local communities living in the Wabigoon River region, it is imperative to undertake additional research to understand the deposition and transport of historical mercury in… more Full Text: Assessing Mercury and Methylmercury levels in the Wabigoon River with special aten�on on mercury methyla�on A Thesis Submited to the Commitee on Graduate Studies in Par�al Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Solmundson, Kirsten, Thesis advisor (ths): Wilson, Paul, Thesis advisor (ths): Bowman, Jeff, Degree committee member (dgc): Patterson, Brent, Degree committee member (dgc): Manseau, Micheline, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Globally, wildlife populations are experiencing increasing rates of range loss, population decline, and extinction. Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) have experienced dramatic declines in both range and population size across Canada over the past century. Boreal caribou (R. t. caribou), one of twelve Designatable Units, have lost approximately half of their historic range in the last 150 years… more Full Text: CONSERVATION GENOMICS OF THE LAKE SUPERIOR CARIBOU A dissertation submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Arts and Science TRENT UNIVERSITY …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>A key knowledge gap in aeolian transport research concerns the adjustment of saltation processes to the extreme conditions found within high-latitude regions. A series of wind tunnel experiments were carried out under full climate control and over a wide range in humidity. Particle entrainment and transport within shearing flows of varied wind speed were monitored over beds of varied… more Full Text: i INVESTIGATION OF DYNAMICS OF PARTICULATE TRANSPORT UNDER VARYING CLIMATE CONDITIONS A thesis submitted to the Committee of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Faculty of Arts and Science …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>In Ontario, farmers commonly use a MZ (Maize (Zea mays L.))-SB (Soybean (Glycine max))/WW (Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum)) – CC (mixed cover crop) rotation to maximize economic benefits. This study aimed to investigate the short-term impacts of the crop rotation phases and their associated management practices in this diversified cash crop rotation on soil health and the abundance of… more Full Text: SOIL HEALTH AND SOIL MICROBIAL RESPONSES TO CASH CROP MANAGEMENT IN ONTARIO A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Faculty of Arts and Science TRENT …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Roy, Tyler, Thesis advisor (ths): Vreugdenhil, Andrew AV, Degree committee member (dgc): Parnis, Mark MP, Degree committee member (dgc): Shetranjiwalla-Merchant, Shegufta SM, Degree committee member (dgc): Rafferty, Steven SR, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p> Naphthenic acids are a major contaminant of concern and a focus of much research around remediation of oil sand process affected waters, OSPW. Using activated carbon adsorbents are an attractive option given their low cost of fabrication and implementation. A deeper evaluation of the effect naphthenic acid structural differences have on uptake affinity is warranted. In this thesis an in… more Full Text: The Characterization of Model Naphthenic Acid Adsorption onto Activated Carbons: Effects of both Textural and Functional Properties A Thesis submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The detection of ciguatoxins (CTXs) in biological samples is challenging due to their low concentrations, the presence of various congeners, and the absence of standardized methods. This study uses high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) with P-CTX-3B as a reference standard. The protonated molecules ([M+H]+) were most prevalent, especially when acetonitrile/water was utilized,… more Full Text: Advancements and Challenges in Ciguatoxin Detection: Developing a HighResolution Mass Spectrometric Method for the Identification of P-CTX-3B A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Northern flying squirrels (NFS) are mycophagous specialists (fungi-dominated diet) thatmay be displaced with southern flying squirrel (SFS) range expansion, thereby limiting
fungal dispersal in forest communities. To understand the implications of squirrel
species turnover on mycophagy, we investigated the home ranges of both flying squirrel
species who are living in stable sympatry. We… more Full Text: Movement patterns, food availability, and fungal diets of sympatric flying squirrels in the Kawartha Highlands A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The Great Lakes represent nearly a fifth of the global freshwater surface supply, and support culturally, economically, and ecologically important fish species such as Walleye (Sander vitreus). With water temperatures projected to rise by several degrees in the coming century, understanding the energetic impacts on fishes is crucial for effective habitat and fisheries management. I… more Full Text: Calibration of accelerometer transmitters for estimating field metabolic rates in walleye (Sander vitreus) A Thesis Submitted to the Committee of Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Long-term avian population declines, particularly for the avian insectivore guild, are a conservation concern. With widespread and continuing population trends, climate change and its negative effects on avian food resources is a plausible cross-species driver. My goal was to evaluate whether bottom-up trophic effects of climate change could be influencing avian populations. I used a… more Full Text: Bottom-up pathways for arthropods and forest breeding birds in a southern Ontario forest. A thesis submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Arts and …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), commonly known as Batten disease, are a family of fatal neurodegenerative disorders that primarily affect children. Several subtypes of NCLs have been reported, each being caused by a mutation in a distinct ceroid lipofuscinosis neuronal (CLN) gene; this results in aberrant lysosome function and the accumulation of lipoprotein aggregates (known… more Full Text: Insights from Dictyostelium: Examining the role of cellular stress in Batten disease A Thesis Submitted to the Committee of Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Degree of Master of Science in the Faculty of Arts and Science …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Taylor, Courtney Erin, Thesis advisor (ths): Dunlop, Erin S, Degree committee member (dgc): Lauzon, Ryan, Degree committee member (dgc): Raby, Graham, Degree committee member (dgc): Rennie, Michael, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Lake Huron's food web has experienced drastic changes in response to multiple stressors including declines in offshore productivity, decreased trophic transfer efficiency and a transformation of the benthic food web. However, how these changes have affected the diets and isotopic niches of predatory fish is largely unexplored. My diet study analysed stomach contents from five… more Full Text: Regional diet and isotopic niche of predatory fish following a regime shift in Lake Huron A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Faculty of Arts and …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Giardia intestinalis is the causative agent of a diarrheal disease in mammals, but the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis are unclear. While proteins secreted by Giardia affect the host cells, the potential of hormone secretion has not been investigated to date. Cytokinins (CKs) are classified as phytohormones, but little is known about their role beyond plants. Mass spectrometry-based… more Full Text: The effect of cytokinins on the metabolite secretome of Giardia intestinalis during trophozoite growth, nutrient deprivation, and encystation A thesis submitted to the Committee of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Animal migration is defined as the seasonal movement from one independent and non-overlapping range to another. Understanding how and why animals migrate is important not only to understand their life history processes but also for informing other important ecological processes such as the spread of wildlife disease and habitat alteration. Animal migrations have been impacted by human… more Full Text: i Assessing the drivers of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) migration: Exploring changing predation risk and food availability in an Ontario population A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Muskrat populations are declining across North America. In recent decades, hybrid cattail Typha x glauca has been invading wetlands in North America. This invasion is degrading wetland habitat, leading to reduced interspersion of water and vegetation. Muskrats are wetland-obligates and their populations are positively linked to marsh interspersion. Therefore, muskrat populations may be… more Full Text: Impacts of invasive hybrid cattail Typha x glauca and reduced marsh interspersion on muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) in North America A thesis submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Fungi are a diverse group of organisms that play crucial roles in various ecological processes and have immense economic importance. Understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying fungal growth and development is fundamental to harnessing their potential and exploring their applications in different fields. Signalling molecules, such as hormones, have been identified as key regulators… more Full Text: The search for myco-hormones in the metabolome of the model organism Sordaria macrospora via LC-MS/MS. A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Science In the Faculty of …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Animals are essential to freshwater biogeochemistry and productivity. Through their excretion, aquatic consumers release bioavailable nutrients and carbon that can vary with animal taxonomic rank, trophic position, and abiotic factors such as light and nutrient supply. In fresh waters, light and nutrient supply is often modulated by dissolved organic matter (DOM), a "murky"… more Full Text: Animal-mediated elemental cycling across time, space, and animal functional traits A Dissertation Submitted to the Committee of Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Arts and …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Knight, Caitlyn, Thesis advisor (ths): Kapron, Carolyn, Degree committee member (dgc): Tobin, Stephanie, Degree committee member (dgc): Huber, Robert, Degree committee member (dgc): West, Sarah, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Cadmium is a toxic metal that has detrimental effects on blood vessel development and function. To examine the effect of varying concentrations of cadmium on angiogenesis, two in vitro assays were used. First, developing yolk sac blood vessels were studied in gestation day 8 mouse embryos exposed to medium alone, 1.25, or 1.75 μM cadmium chloride (CdCl2). Embryos exposed to 1.25 μM… more Full Text: Concentration-Dependent Effects of Cadmium on Mouse Angiogenesis In Vitro A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Science in the Faculty of Arts and Science TRENT UNIVERSITY …
