Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Early developmental stages of cold-adapted ectotherms such as brook trout </p><p>(Salvelinus fontinalis) are at risk of mortality with increasing water temperatures because </p><p>of their sensitivity to changes in their environment. I studied the mass and routine </p><p>metabolic rate (RMR) of wild-origin brook trout eggs, alevin and young fry reared… more Full Text: TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON THE ROUTINE METABOLIC RATES OF BROOK TROUT (SALVELINUS FONTINALIS) EGGS, ALEVIN AND FRY: IMPLICATIONS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) restoration efforts seek to increase and connect populations, using seeds, to facilitate the recovery of endangered butterflys in Ontario. This study observed plant growth and phytohormone levels of L. albus, L. polyphyllus, and L. perennis through stages of seed development, each with varying strategies in growth and reproductive investment. L. polyphyllus… more Full Text: Exploring reproduction in wild blue lupine (Lupinus perennis) in comparison to L. polyphyllus and L. albus 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: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The purpose of this thesis is to enhance forensic entomology applications through identifications and ecological research with samples collected in collaboration with the OPP and RCMP across Canada. For this, we focus on blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and present data collected from 2011-2013 from different terrestrial habitats to analyze morphology and species composition.… more Full Text: Enhancing forensic entomology applications: identification and ecology 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: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Socio-ecological systems are inherently complex and marine mammals are fundamentally challenging to study. In the Arctic, marine mammals occupy a central ecological role, as nutrient cyclers and as a source of food and culture for Indigenous peoples. Inuit have developed a rich knowledge system, which has not been fully actualized in application in most Arctic research. Considering the… more Full Text: NUNAVIK INUIT KNOWLEDGE OF BELUGA: USING MULTIPLE METHODS, TOOLS, AND APPLICATIONS TO ENHANCE OUR UNDERSTANDING OF MARINE MAMMAL ECOLOGY A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Metal binding to dissolved organic matter (DOM) determines metal speciation and strongly influences potential toxicity. The understanding of this process, however, is challenged by DOM source variation, which is not always considered by most existing metal speciation models. Source determines the molecular structure of DOM, including metal binding functional groups. This study has… more Full Text: The effects of Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) sources on Pb2+, Zn2+ and Cd2+ binding 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: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Timber harvest can influence the rate of transfer of organic matter from the terrestrial catchment to streams, which may have both direct and indirect effects on in-stream nutrient pools and dynamics. In the interest of developing sustainable forestry practices, the continued study of the effects of forestry on nutrient dynamics in aquatic systems is paramount, particularly in sensitive… more Full Text: The effects of in-stream woody debris from selective timber harvest on nutrient pools and dynamics within Precambrian Shield streams A Thesis submitted to the Committee of Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The amitochondrial protozoan, Giardia intestinalis, encodes four members of the cytochrome b5 (CYTB5) family of heme proteins of unknown function. While homology models can predict the likely fold of these proteins, supporting experimental evidence is lacking. The small size of the cytochromes (~16 kDa) makes them attractive targets for structural analysis by Electron Paramagnetic… more Full Text: NMR and EPR Studies on Cytochrome b5 Isotypes of Giardia intestinalis 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: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>This study focused on detecting 22 target anti-estrogenic and anti-androgenic compounds in surface waters influenced by both discharges of municipal wastewater and agricultural runoff in Canada and Argentina. Polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) were used to monitor the target compounds in surface waters. The removals of the target compounds in a municipal wastewater… more Full Text: Detecting anti-estrogens and anti-androgens in surface waters impacted by municipal wastewater discharges and agricultural runoff A thesis submitted to the Committee of Graduate Studies In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The parasitic protist Giardia intestinalis lacks most heme proteins yet encodes a flavohemoglobin (gFlHb) that converts nitric oxide to nitrate and likely protects the cell from nitrosative stress. In this work an antibody raised against gFlHb was used to examine both changes in gFlHb expression levels and intracellular localization in Giardia in response to nitrosative stress. Giardia… more Full Text: FLAVOHEMOGLOBIN EXPRESSION IN GIARIDA INTESTINALIS EXPOSED TO NITROSATIVE STRESS 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: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Chemical cues are used commonly by prey to identify predation risk in aquatic environments. Previous work has indicated that negatively-charged ions of m/z 501 are possibly a kairomone that induces anti-predator responses in tadpoles. This thesis found that this ion species: (i) is produced by injured tadpoles; (ii) exhibits increased spectral intensity with higher tadpole biomass; and (… more Full Text: THE ORIGIN AND ECOLOGICAL FUNCTION OF AN ION INDUCING ANTIPREDATOR BEHAVIOUR IN LITHOBATES TADPOLES 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: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>This study was designed to determine the geochemistry and potential toxicity of water draining a large slag pile in Sudbury, Ontario, which runs through a pond complex prior to entering Alice Lake. Slag leaching experiments confirmed slag is a source of sulphate, heavy metals (including Fe, Al, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Mn) and base cations (Ca, K, Mg, Na). Concentrations of most metals… more Full Text: Geochemistry and Toxicity of a Large Slag Pile and its Drainage Complex in Sudbury, Ontario A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Science in the Faculty of Arts and …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>A catchment-based study was carried out at three remote acid sensitive Irish lakes to determine concentrations of Hg and POPs and to investigate the factors governing the partitioning of these pollutants in various environmental matrices. Both Hg and POPs are an environmental concern due to their ability to travel long distances via atmospheric transport and their tendency to accumulate… more Full Text: Mercury and Persistent Organic Pollutants in Remote Acid Sensitive Irish Lake Catchments 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 …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Population cycles are regular fluctuations in population densities, however, in recent years many cycles have begun to disappear. With Canada lynx this dampening has also been seen with decreasing latitude corresponding to an increase in prey diversity. My study investigates the role of alternate prey on the stability of the lynx-hare cycle by first comparing the functional responses of… more Full Text: The third wheel: How red squirrels affect the dynamics of the lynx-snowshoe hare relationship A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of a Master of Science in the Faculty of Arts …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Paleczny, Andrea Rose, Thesis advisor (ths): Emery, Neil, Degree committee member (dgc): Yee, Janet, Degree committee member (dgc): Saville, Barry, Degree committee member (dgc): Olechowski, Henry, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Cytokinins (CKs) are a family of plant phytohormones responsible for many areas of plant growth and development. There are four free base types of CKs found in higher plants, trans-zeatin (tZ), N6-(∆2-isopentenyl)adenine (iP), cis-Zeatin (cZ) and dihydrozeatin (DZ). CK biosynthesis is regulated by adenosine phosphate-isopentenyltransferase (IPT), which is encoded by a multi-gene family… more Full Text: THE REGULATION OF CYTOKININS DURING KERNEL DEVELOPMENT IN HIGH AND LOW YIELDING OAT AND BARLEY LINES 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: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The predator vs. prey dynamic is an omnipresent factor in ecological systems that may drive changes in life history patterns in prey animals through behavioural, morphological, and physiological changes. Predation risk can have profound effects on the life history events of an animal, and is influenced by the neuroendocrine stress response. Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-… more Full Text: TIME-DEPENDENT EFFECTS OF PREDATION RISK ON STRESSOR REACTIVITY AND GROWTH IN DEVELOPING LARVAL ANURANS (Lithobates pipiens) A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Ogungbemide, Damilare Immanuel, Thesis advisor (ths): McKenna Neuman, Cheryl, Degree committee member (dgc): Lafleur, Peter, Degree committee member (dgc): Buttle, Jim, Degree committee member (dgc): Hill, Stephen, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>A set of experiments was designed to investigate the factors—atmospheric and surficial—controlling fugitive dust emissions from the tailings ponds of UNIMIN Canada, a mining company that extracts and produces nepheline syenite (feldspar) at two adjacent sites (Nephton and Blue Mountain) located north of Havelock, Ontario. Using wind tunnel measurements, the combined influence of relative… more Full Text: INVESTIGATION OF FUGITIVE DUST EMISSIONS FROM NEPHELINE SYENITE MINE TAILINGS NEAR NEPHTON, ONTARIO 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 …
Year: 2016, 2016
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Otis, Josée-Anne, Thesis advisor (ths): Murray, Dennis, Degree committee member (dgc): Thornton, Daniel, Degree committee member (dgc): Bowman, Jeff, Degree committee member (dgc): Conolly, James, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Currently there are large areas of the North American landscape that are occupied by Canis spp. hybrids of several varieties, leading to the logical question as to the genetic structure and ecological function of Canis populations across the continent, and to what extent hybrids reflect contemporary landscapes. This study illustrated patterns of niche differentiation between parental… more Full Text: INVESTIGATING ECOLOGICAL NICHE DIFFERENTIATION AMONG WILD CANIDS EXPERIENCING HYBRIDIZATION IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in …
Year: 2016, 2016
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Cytokinin biosynthesis in organisms aside from plant species has often been viewed as a byproduct of tRNA degradation. Recent evidence suggests that these tRNA degradation products may actually have a role in the development of these organisms, particularly fungi. This thesis examines the importance of cytokinins, a group of phytohormones involved in plant cell division and… more Full Text: FUNGI AND CYTOKININS: INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF CYTOKININS ON FUNGAL DEVELOPMENT AND DISEASE PROGRESSION IN THE Ustilago maydis- Zea mays PATHOSYSTEM A dissertation submitted to the Committee of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the …
Year: 2016, 2016
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Moose are an iconic species, known for their large size and impressive antlers. Eight subspecies are classified in circumpolar regions of the planet - four in North America. Two subspecies are similar in shape and size, the north-western moose (Alces alces andersoni) and the eastern moose (Alces alces americana). It was previously believed that these two subspecies meet in northern… more Full Text: PHYLOGEOGRAPHY AND GENETIC STRUCTURING OF MOOSE (ALCES ALCES) POPULATIONS IN ONTARIO, CANADA 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: 2016, 2016
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The objective of this thesis was to assess current spatial trends and historic trends in the accumulation of trace metals related to the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR). The AOSR hosts some of the largest industrial developments in Canada, yet relatively little is known about the transport and fate of trace metal emissions from the region – particularly in the relatively remote areas… more Full Text: AN ASSESSMENT OF SPATIAL TRENDS IN THE ACCUMULATION OF OIL SANDS RELATED METALS IN THE CLEARWATER RIVER VALLEY AND TEMPORAL TRENDS IN SIX NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN LAKES A Thesis Submitted to the Committee of Graduate Studies In Partial Fulfillment of the …