Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Lin, Shang-Yao Peter, Thesis advisor (ths): Dorken, Marcel E, Thesis advisor (ths): Nol, Erica, Degree committee member (dgc): Crins, William J, Degree committee member (dgc): Freeland, Joanna R, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Sexual reproduction in flowering plants depends on investment in reproduction, the mode of pollen transfer, the availabilities of nutrient resources and potential mates, and the spatial scales over which these processes take place. In this thesis, I studied the general reproductive biology of Shepherdia canadensis (L.) Nutt. (Elaeagnaceae) and the suite of pollinators that visit the… more Full Text: Spatial dynamics of pollination in dioecious Shepherdia canadensis in Yukon, Canada 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 …
Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Majchrzak, Yasmine Nicole, Thesis advisor (ths): Burness, Gary, Degree committee member (dgc): Mastromonaco, Gabriela, Degree committee member (dgc): Murray, Dennis, Degree committee member (dgc): Bowman, Jeff, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Many facilities attempt to alleviate the risk of chronic stress in captivity by providing environmental enrichment shown to minimize behavioural disorders and stress in several species. One potential form of enrichment used in zoos is training animals to perform rides for guests, however, the effect of this activity on the welfare of individual animals has never been examined. I… more Full Text: USE OF SALIVARY CORTISOL TO EVALUATE THE INFLUENCE OF RIDES ON THE STRESS PHYSIOLOGY OF DROMEDARY CAMELS (CAMELUS DROMEDARIUS): VALIDATION OF METHODS AND ASSESSMENT OF SALIVA STORAGE TECHNIQUES A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in …
Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>I investigated the impact of beef-cattle farm management on the reproductive success of Bobolink (<italic>Dolichonyx oryzivorus</italic>) and Eastern Meadowlark (<italic>Sturnella magna</italic>) within Eastern Ontario. I monitored rotational grazing management regimes and hay cut dates while assessing breeding phenology and reproductive success of Bobolinks and… more Full Text: THE EFFECTS OF ROTATIONAL GRAZING AND HAY MANAGEMENT ON THE REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS OF BOBOLINK AND EASTERN MEADOWLARK IN EASTERN ONTARIO A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of …
Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Interactions between hosts and pathogens play a crucial role in their adaptation, evolution and persistence. These interactions have been extensively studied in model organisms, yet it is unclear how well they represent mechanisms of disease response in primary vectors in natural settings. The objective of my thesis was to investigate host-pathogen interactions in natural host… more Full Text: Immunogenetic Responses of Raccoons and Skunks to the Raccoon Rabies Virus A dissertation 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 Science …
Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Smith, Matthew, Thesis advisor (ths): Wallschlaeger, Dirk, Degree committee member (dgc): Dillon, Peter, Degree committee member (dgc): Belzile, Nelson, Degree committee member (dgc): Gueguen, Celine, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Selenide is cited as a geochemically important selenium (Se) species, but it is unknown whether selenide is a stable aqueous ion in natural waters. The feasibility of using anoxic anion exchange chromatography (AEC) coupled to dynamic reaction cell-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry to separate aqueous selenide was investigated with the goal of quantifying this anion to… more Full Text: ANALYSIS AND REACTIONS OF AQUEOUS SELENIDE AND OTHER REDUCED INORGANIC SELENIUM COMPOUNDS UNDER ANOXIC CONDITIONS A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements of the Degree of Master of Science in the …
Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Bennett, Amanda Maria, Thesis advisor (ths): Murray, Dennis L, Degree committee member (dgc): Burness, Gary, Degree committee member (dgc): Kerr, Leslie, Degree committee member (dgc): Ridgway, Mark, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Inducible defenses are plastic responses by an organism to the perception of predation risk. This dissertation focuses on three experiments designed to test the hypothesis that plastic ability is limited by energetic constraints. Chapter 1 provides a general introduction to phenotypic plasticity research and the theoretical costs and limitations affecting the expression of plastic traits… more Full Text: CONSTRAINTS ON PHENOTYPIC PLASTICITY IN RESPONSE TO PREDATION RISK: CARRYOVER EFFECTS, MATERNAL INVESTMENT, AND THE STARVATION-PREDATION RISK TRADE-OFF A dissertation submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the …
Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>I used a GIS raster layer of an area in the Churchill, Manitoba region to investigate the effect of breeding habitat on demography and density of Whimbrel from 2010 through 2013. Program MARK was used to quantify adult and daily nest survival. Apparent annual survival of 0.73 ± 0.06 SE (95% CI = 0.60-0.83) did not significantly differ between sexes or habitats and was lower than expected… more Full Text: DEMOGRAPHY OF A BREEDING POPULATION OF WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus) NEAR CHURCHILL, MANITOBA, CANADA 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: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>In this study, we attempt to enhance current knowledge of ecological responses to riverine alterations from waterpower by using a bottom-up food up approach. A series of extensive and intensive study components were performed across northern Ontario, Canada, where biological (nutrients, dissolved organic matter (DOM) and periphyton) and physical (water level and thermal regimes)… more Full Text: EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF WATERPOWER OPERATIONS ON RIVERINE ECOSYSTEMS ACROSS NORTHERN 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 …
Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Since their successful reintroduction, the eastern wild turkey <italic>(Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)</italic> has expanded its range north. Due to different and potentially more severe limiting factors, management approaches generalized from studies within the historical range may not be appropriate to apply to northern populations. To better understand northern wild… more Full Text: MOVING NORTH: HABITAT SELECTION AND SURVIVAL OF THE WILD TURKEY AT ITS NORTHERN RANGE EDGE 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: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Effective population size (Ne) is a key concept in population genetics, evolutionary biology and conservation biology that describes an important facet of genetic diversity and the capacity of populations to respond to future evolutionary pressures. The importance of Ne in management and conservation of wild populations encouraged the development of numerous genetic estimators which rely… more Full Text: Comparative Evaluation of Effective Population Size Genetic Estimation Methods in Wild Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) Populations A Thesis Submitted to The Committee of Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of …
Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>This thesis was designed to quantify absorbance and fluorescence characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in North Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans. DOM was described in water masses of distinct sources and formation pathways as well as in regions where environmental forcings such as deep water upwelling, enhanced biological activity and receipt of freshwater discharge were… more Full Text: Absorbance and Fluorescence Characteristics of Dissolved Organic Matter in North Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Degree of Master of Science in the Faculty of Arts …
Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>ABSTRACT</p><p>Calving site selection and fidelity in a restored elk (Cervus elaphus) herd in Bancroft</p><p>Ontario, Canada.</p><p>Michael R. Allan</p><p>Parturition site selection by ungulates is believed to be influenced by forage abundance and concealment from predators. In 2011 and 2012, I used vaginal implant transmitters and… more Full Text: CALVING SITE SELECTION AND FIDELITY IN A RESTORED ELK (Cervus elaphus) HERD IN BANCROFT, ONTARIO, CANADA 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 …
Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Benthic macroinvertebrtes (BMI) are functionally important in aquatic ecosystems; as such, knowledge of their community structure and function is critical for understanding these systems. BMI were sampled from ten lakes in each of two regions of south-central Ontario to investigate which chemical and physical variables could be shaping their community structure and function. Ten… more Full Text: A regional comparison of the structure and function of benthic macroinvertebrate communities within Precambrian Shield and St. Lawrence lowland lakes in south-central Ontario A thesis submitted to the committee on Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment …
Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) released into aquatic environments could threaten natural bacterial communities and ecosystem services they provide. We examined natural lake bacterioplankton communities' responses to different exposures (pulse vs chronic) and types (citrate and PVP) of AgNPs at realistic environmental conditions using a mesocosm study at the Experimental Lakes Area. An… more Full Text: Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on Lake Bacterioplankton 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 UNIVERSITY …
Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The structure and composition of the landscape can facilitate or impede gene flow, which can have important consequences because genetically isolated groups of individuals may be prone to inbreeding depression and possible extinction. My dissertation examines how landscape structure influences spatial patterns of genetic differentiation and diversity of American marten (<italic>… more Full Text: EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF LANDSCAPE STRUCTURE ON GENETIC DIFFERENTIATION AND DIVERSITY A dissertation 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 …
Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Hornseth, Megan L., Thesis advisor (ths): Murray, Dennis L., Degree committee member (dgc): Bowman, Jeff, Degree committee member (dgc): Fortin, Marie-Josee, Degree committee member (dgc): Ray, Justina, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Current major issues in conservation biology include habitat loss, fragmentation and population over-exploitation. Animals can respond to landscape change through behavioural flexibility, allowing individuals to persist in disturbed landscapes. Individual behaviour has only recently been explicitly included in population models. Carnivores may be sensitive to changing landscapes due to… more Full Text: Evaluating the Effects of Habitat Loss and Fragmentation on Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) A Dissertation Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of …
Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>This study presents a detailed assessment of the chemical speciation of aluminum and zinc in three streams of a small, acid-sensitive forested catchment on the southern edge of the Precambrian Shield.</p><p>Speciation analysis was achieved using an in-situ analytical technique known as Diffusive Gradient in Thin film (DGT) which measures labile metals, and a predictive… more Full Text: Speciation of Aluminum and Zinc in Three Streams of a Forested Catchment of the Boreal Zone: Temporal Variations assessed through In situ Monitoring and Geochemical Modeling. A Thesis submitted to the Committee of Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment …
Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Glycine max (soybean) is an economically important plant species that registers a relatively low yield/seed weight compared to other food and oil seed crops due to higher rates of flower and pod abortion. Alleviation of this abortion rate can be achieved by altering the sink strength of the reproductive organs of soybeans. Cytokinin (CK) plays a fundamental role in promoting growth of… more Full Text: The Cytokinin Oxidase/Dehydrogenase (CKX) Gene Family in Soybeans (Glycine max): Phylogenetic Analysis, Protein Properties and Investigation of Natural Variations among Varieties A thesis submitted to the committee on Graduate Studies in partial …
Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Kelly, Nick, Thesis advisor (ths): Burness, Gary, Thesis advisor (ths): Wilson, Chris C, Degree committee member (dgc): Ridgway, Mark S., Degree committee member (dgc): McDermid, Jenni L., Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>In the face of climate change, the persistence of cold-adapted species and populations will depend on their capacity for evolutionary adaptation of physiological traits. As a cold-adapted Ice Age relict species, lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) are ideal for studying potential effects of climate change on coldwater fishes. I studied the thermal acclimation capacity and aerobic… more Full Text: ICE AGE FISH IN A WARMING WORLD: THERMAL ACCLIMATION CAPACITY OF LAKE TROUT (SALVELINUS NAMAYCUSH) POPULATIONS 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: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Webster, Eva Marie, Thesis advisor (ths): Ellis, David A, Degree committee member (dgc): Harner, Tom, Degree committee member (dgc): Hintelmann, Holger, Degree committee member (dgc): Koprivnjak, Jean-François, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Ionizing organic chemicals are recognized as constituting a large fraction of the organic chemicals of commerce. Many governments internationally are engaged in the time-consuming and expensive task of chemical risk assessment for the protection of human and environmental health. There are standard models that are consistently used to supplement experimental and monitoring data in such… more Full Text: EQUILIBRIA AND DISTRIBUTION MODELS OF IONIZING ORGANIC CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS A dissertation submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the …
