Year: 2013, 2013
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>My study was primarily focused on the comparison of life history traits between stocked American eel and their naturally recruited conspecifics in Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River (USLR/LO). I found that stocked eels experienced faster annual growth than their naturally recruited conspecifics and were comprised of a greater proportion of males. These findings indicate that… more Year: 2013, 2013
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>I investigated biodiversity of birds and vegetation associations along the boreal-tundra ecotone in Ivvavik National Park, Yukon Territory, and breeding adaptations used by American Robins (Turdus migratorius) at high latitudes. Twenty bird species were detected over three years using point-count surveys. Densities of American Robin, Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis), and Yellow-rumped… more Year: 2013, 2013
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Eastern wolves (Canis lycaon) have hybridized extensively with coyotes (C. latrans) and gray wolves (C. lupus) and are listed as a `species of special concern' in Canada. Previous studies have not linked genetic analysis with field data to investigate the mechanisms underlying Canis hybridization. Accordingly, I studied genetics, morphology, mortality, and behavior of wolves,… more Year: 2013, 2013
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Bedard, K. ottO, Thesis advisor (ths): McKenna-Neuman, Cheryl, Degree committee member (dgc): Cogley, Graham, Degree committee member (dgc): Ponce-Hernandez, Raul, Degree committee member (dgc): Pond, Bruce, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>A wind tunnel study was conducted to investigate aeolian impact ripples in sand beds of varied texture from coarsely skewed to bimodal. Experimental data is lacking for aeolian megaripples, particularly in considering the influence of wind speed on ripple morphometrics. Additionally, the modelling community requires experimental data for model validation and calibration.</p><p… more Year: 2013, 2013
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Consequences of habitat loss and fragmentation include smaller effective population sizes and decreased genetic diversity, factors that can undermine the long-term viability of large carnivores that were historically continuously distributed. I evaluated the historical and contemporary genetic structure and diversity of American black bears (<italic>Ursus americanus</italic… more Year: 2013, 2013
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Changes in climate and land-use practices are leading to higher peak flows and increased transport capacity of channel substrate. Semi-alluvial streams underlain by bedrock or clay were examined to understand the potential impacts of alluvium loss on the biological community and overall productive capacity of semi-alluvial rivers. More specifically, this research investigates the… more Year: 2013, 2013
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Winter nutrient export from forested catchments is extremely variable from year-to-year and across the landscape of south-central Ontario. Understanding the controls on this variability is critical, as what happens during the winter sets up the timing and nature of the spring snowmelt, the major period of export for water and nutrients from seasonally snow-covered forests. Furthermore,… more Year: 2013, 2013
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Silver nanoparticles (nAg) are the largest and fastest growing class of nanomaterials, and are a concern when released into aquatic environments even at low μg L<super>-1</super. levels. Measurement at environmental levels requires extremely sensitive instrumentation, therefore this research developed two passive samplers to track the the concentration of nAg and… more Year: 2013, 2013
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>I implemented three hayfield management regimens in southern Ontario (a typical schedule at the farmer`s discretion, a delayed first harvest after July 14, and an early first harvest before June 1 with 65 days before second harvest), and evaluated the costs/benefits to farmers regarding hay quality and feasibility, and to Bobolinks (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) regarding reproductive activity… more Year: 2013, 2013
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The Serial Discontinuity Concept describes the downstream recovery of key biophysical variables below an impoundment. With the proliferation of hydropower dams to meet increasing societal demands, further refinement and understanding of the Serial Discontinuity Concept is needed to accurately predict downstream impacts and ensure the proper management of rivers. In this study, I examine… more Year: 2013, 2013
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>A novel passive sampler for mercury monitoring was prepared using organosilica sol-gel materials. It comprises a binding layer with thiol groups for mercury complexation and a porous diffusive layer through which mercury can diffuse and arrive at the binding layer. Our study demonstrated that this new sampler follows the principle of passive sampling. The mass of mercury accumulated in… more
