Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Phosphorus is the growth-limiting nutrient in freshwater environments. Dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) refers to phosphorus within dissolved organic matter (DOM). Much of DOP is bioavailable, but it is poorly understood due to its complexity. This thesis explores the export DOP to Lake Erie from its tributaries, by investigating its speciation and concentration seasonally through… more Full Text: DISSOLVED ORGANIC PHOSPHORUS AND DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER IN LAKE ERIE AND ITS TRIBUTARIES 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>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>I investigated the climate vulnerability of a cold-water salmonid by observing the upper thermal tolerance of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) across multiple life stages. Using hatchery- and wild-ancestry fish, I assessed variation in thermal tolerances and carryover effects within and among brook trout life stages and populations that were reared under varying winter thermal regimes… more Full Text: Impacts of embryo incubation temperature on ontogenic thermal tolerance of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) 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>ABSTRACT</p><p>Development of Forest Degradation Indicators from Long-term Trajectories of Multispectral Satellite Images, and their Projections into the Future
under Climate Change, in Ontario, Canada</p><p>Md. Mozammel Hoque</p><p>Ontario forests are affected by natural and anthropogenic disturbances leading to forest degradation, which significantly… more Full Text: Development of Forest Degradation Indicators from Long-term Trajectories of Multispectral Satellite Images, and their Projections into the Future under Climate Change, in Ontario, Canada A Dissertation Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Giardia intestinalis is a parasitic protozoan that possesses a flavohemoglobin (gFlHb), an enzyme that plays a role in the detoxification of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) via its nitric oxide dioxygenase (NOD) activity as well as its NADH-oxidase activity. This enzyme is a potential target for imidazole-based antigiardial drugs that act as ligands of… more Full Text: Rapid Assays to Test for Flavohemoglobin Inhibitors 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 Trent University Peterborough, …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Eutrophication is an ongoing global problem and agriculture is an important non-point source of nutrient loading. Specifically, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) losses from agricultural landscapes continue to drive water quality issues. In southern Ontario, agriculture has intensified in recent decades, with major expansions of cash crop production and extensive tile drainage (TD).… more Full Text: Effects of tile drainage, seasonality, and cash crop rotation on edge-of-field nitrogen and phosphorus losses from southern Ontario Watersheds A thesis submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies In partial fulfillment of these thesis requirements for …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Population cycles are characterized by predictable temporal oscillations in population size and are influenced by densities of both predators and prey. These oscillations are influenced by the predator functional response, i.e. the influence of prey density on predator kill rate. The Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) is a predatory mammal with cyclic northern populations driven by snowshoe… more Full Text: Behavioural responses of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) to cyclic declines in the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) A Dissertation Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>We studied the physiological and molecular responses of lab-grown Daphnia pulex to shifts in dietary (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and cyanobacteria) and growth media (calcium) nutrient supply using a set of potential biomarkers via qPCR. Each examined nutrient had a strong effect on Daphnia mass-specific growth rate, and we found significant dose-dependent effects of treatment level (… more Full Text: GENES RESPOND IN A DOSE-DEPENDENT MANNER TO NUTRITIONAL STRESS IN THE FRESHWATER ZOOPLANKTER, DAPHNIA PULEX 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>Due to climate change and managed care, birds may face interacting effects of novel diets and environmental temperatures. I examined how captive zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) responded to a 6-month acclimation to either thermoneutral or cool temperatures when provided with saturated or unsaturated fatty acid enriched diets. Body mass was lower on the unsaturated fatty acid diet,… more Full Text: DIETARY FATTY ACID CONTENT CHANGES THE LONG-TERM ACCLIMATION RESPONSE OF A CAPTIVE BIRD (TAENIOPYGIA GUTTATA) TO AMBIENT TEMPERATURES A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Agricultural and urban land uses have been linked to the recent resurgence of eutrophication and salinization issues in the lower Great Lakes. This thesis examined the relationship between watershed land use and stream nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N), total phosphorus (TP), and chloride (Cl) concentrations across southern Ontario. Using a self-organizing map analysis, the watersheds were… more Full Text: EVALUATING THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LAND USE AND STREAM NUTRIENT AND CHLORIDE CONCENTRATIONS ACROSS SOUTHERN ONTARIO A thesis submitted to the Committee of Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Recovery of forest soils from chronic acidification can be enhanced with the use of non-industrial wood ash (NIWA). Non-industrial wood ash is alkaline and contains high concentrations of macronutrients, but trace metal concentrations must be evaluated to limit risk of metal toxicity following application. Additionally, understanding how different forest ecosystem components respond to… more Full Text: Biogeochemical Responses to a Non-Industrial Wood Ash Addition in a SouthCentral Ontario Forest 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: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>I used 31 years of Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) population data to assess the effects of vital rates on a local breeding population of plovers in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. I used three similar Bayesian Integrated Population Models (IPMs), with the last a coupled IPM population viability analysis (PVA) approach to predict the impact of changing spring temperatures on… more Full Text: Thirty Years of Local Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) Population Dynamics in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada: A Long-Term Study on Factors Influencing the Rate of Population Change Over Time A Thesis submitted to the Committee on Graduate …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Quantifying the impacts of environmental conditions on the abundance of wildlife populations is important for making informed management decisions in the face of increasing environmental threats. Managers require robust tools to estimate abundance and density of wildlife rapidly and with precision. Within the context of studying white-tailed deer, I evaluated the use of camera-traps and… more Full Text: Remote Camera-traps as a Management Tool: Estimating Abundance and Landscape Effects on the Density of White-tailed Deer A Thesis Submitted to the Committee of Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science …
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
Name(s): Creator (cre): Bonar, Maegwin, Thesis advisor (ths): Northrup, Joseph M, Thesis advisor (ths): Shafer, Aaron BA, Degree committee member (dgc): Koen, Erin, Degree committee member (dgc): Schaefer, James, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Animal migrations are ubiquitous and one of the most threatened ecological processes globally. Because of the multifaceted nature of migration – seasonal movements between home ranges – it can be difficult to tease apart the underlying mechanisms influencing this behaviour. It is necessary to understand these mechanisms, not only to deepen our fundamental understanding of migration in… more Full Text: The ecology and evolution of animal migration – an integrative approach to the drivers of phenotypic variation A dissertation submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Blondin, Anne, Thesis advisor (ths): Nol, Erica, Degree committee member (dgc): Drever, Mark, Degree committee member (dgc): Flemming, Scott, Degree committee member (dgc): Burness, Gary, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Many species of shorebirds depend on stopover sites to rest and refuel during their long-distance migrations. To determine how shorebirds use migratory stopover sites, we tracked three species of shorebirds at two stopover sites in British Columbia, Canada from 2018-2021 during northward and southward migration using automated telemetry. Western Sandpipers (Calidris mauri) stayed longer… more Full Text: Length of stay and habitat use of shorebirds at two migratory stopover sites in British Columbia, 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: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>This study examines the atmospheric (synoptic) controls on snowmelt and snow-free season carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes at Daring Lake, Northwest Territories. Atmospheric circulation patterns were derived from 500 hPa geopotential height and classified using the self-organizing maps artificial neural network. Snowmelt timing was not found to be influenced by atmospheric circulation patterns… more Full Text: THE INFLUENCE OF ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION ON SNOWMELT AND CARBON FLUXES IN THE CANADIAN LOW ARCTIC 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 …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a vital role in lake ecosystems, yet its temporal and spatial variations in lakes remain poorly understood. This study investigates DOM dynamics in boreal lakes during the warm season and the Laurentian Great Lakes ice during winter. Sampling 10 boreal lakes in early and late June 2022, revealed subtle changes in DOM in the epilimnion and hypolimnion… more Full Text: Spatiotemporal patterns of dissolved organic matter in Boreal Shield lakes and ice of the Laurentian Great Lakes A Thesis submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Science in the …
Year: 2024, 2024
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Glyphosate burndown and tillage, followed by the cultivation of cash crops, are frequently used techniques in LUC from perennial cropping systems (PS) to annual cropping systems (AS). Agricultural LUC can result in the loss of soil nitrogen (N) via emission of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas (GHG). The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the short-term impacts of… more Full Text: SHORT-TERM IMPACTS OF AGRICULTURAL LAND USE CHANGE ON SOIL HEALTH AND NITROGEN CYCLING MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES 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>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 …
