Year: 2025, 2025
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Understanding habitat needs of a species is critical, especially for species reintroduced to an area or expanding their range. I evaluated roost tree selection and survival probability of GPS-tagged eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) from 2017–2020 and 2022 in Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada. Fine-scale roost tree selection was associated with larger trees, with… more 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
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>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>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>Wetlands are highly susceptible to the invasion of invasive species. The invasive hybrid cattail (Typha × glauca) is prevalent in the southeastern Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) wetlands. However, concerns arise about its recent proliferation in the northwestern PPR without maternal T. angustifolia. To determine taxonomic distribution, I used species-specific PCR-RFLP and microsatellite… more Full Text: Range Expansion of Invasive Hybrid Cattails (Typha × Glauca) in the Prairie Pothole Region 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>Hybridization contributes to the genetic diversity and can impact speciation. This study investigates the genetic evidence of recent hybridization under climate change in sympatric populations of northern and southern flying squirrels in Ontario. Using low-coverage whole-genome sequences, my research examines the existing population structure and measures the genomic variation of the… more Full Text: 1 2 3 GENOMIC SIGNATURES OF SPECIATION IN SYMPATRIC FLYING SQUIRRELS 4 5 6 7 8 9 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 10 …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Advanced generation/backcrossed (non-F1) hybrids can be challenging to identify when their traits are similar to those of parental taxa, F1 hybrids, or both. This is particularly evident in the North American hybrid zone involving Typha latifolia, T. angustifolia, F1 T. × glauca and non-F1 hybrids. Cattails are challenging to differentiate based on gross morphological characteristics.… more Full Text: Accuracy and reliability of microscopic characteristics to identify Typha species and their hybrids A thesis submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Faculty of …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Advanced generation/backcrossed (non-F1) hybrids can be challenging to identify when their traits are similar to those of parental taxa, F1 hybrids, or both. This is particularly evident in the North American hybrid zone involving Typha latifolia, T. angustifolia, F1 T. × glauca and non-F1 hybrids. Cattails are challenging to differentiate based on gross morphological characteristics.… more 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 Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Hybridization contributes to the genetic diversity and can impact speciation. This study investigates the genetic evidence of recent hybridization under climate change in sympatric populations of northern and southern flying squirrels in Ontario. Using low-coverage whole-genome sequences, my research examines the existing population structure and measures the genomic variation of the… more Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Wetlands are highly susceptible to the invasion of invasive species. The invasive hybrid cattail (Typha × glauca) is prevalent in the southeastern Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) wetlands. However, concerns arise about its recent proliferation in the northwestern PPR without maternal T. angustifolia. To determine taxonomic distribution, I used species-specific PCR-RFLP and microsatellite… more 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 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 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 Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Wildlife translocation programs are widely employed as a strategy to reintroduce extirpated species into regions they once inhabited but no longer do. Reintroduction programs can be successful at re-establishing extirpated populations and also provide unique opportunities to study post-reintroduction population dynamics and behavioural ecology. The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is a… more Year: 2022, 2022
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>AbstractDifferences and similarities in exploration and risk-taking behaviours
of two Myotis bat species.
Laura Michele Scott
Behaviours that are repeatable across circumstances and time determine an individual's personality. Personality and behavioural variation are subject to selective pressures, including risks related to the use of different habitat types. I explored the… more Full Text: Differences and similarities in exploration and risk-taking behaviours of two Myotis bat species. 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 …
Year: 2022, 2022
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Increased plant size is expected to have negative consequences for mating by increasing pollen transfer among the same plant. However, recent theoretical studies have demonstrated that this may not be true for clonal plants. Instead, clonal expansion could enhance outcrossing opportunities without increasing selfing by reducing distances to potential mates. I investigated how the spatial… more Full Text: CLONAL STRUCTURE AND MATING PATTERNS IN A NATURAL POPULATION OF SAGITTARIA LATIFOLIA 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 …
