2

Table of Contents

Welcome Page 4

Sponsors/Donations Page 5

Biographical sketch, Joseph Travis Page 6

Biographical sketch, Walter R. Tschinkel Page 7

Florida State University Map Page 8

Florida State University Satellite Map Page 9

Meeting Schedule Page 10

Field Trip Options Page 11

Oral Presentation Schedule Page 12

Abstracts, Oral Presentations Page 16

Abstracts, Poster Presentations Page 38

Notes Page 47

3

Welcome to the 5th annual Southeastern Ecology and Evolution Conference, 28–30 March 2008, at Florida State University

Special thanks go to

Dani Su Armstrong and Sonja Ardoin (Assistant Directors, Student Activities Center) for helping us to get the conference off the ground Debra A. Fadool and Michael Meredith for help with the early stages of planning and for donated poster stands Jo-Ann Falcon (Administrative Assistant to the Chairman; Department of Biological Science, FSU) for helping to manage funds raised within the department and the college. Jean Hancock (Coordinator, Academic Programs, FSU), for providing us with the SEEC logo. Anne B. Thistle (Scientific Research Specialist), for organizing and formatting the SEEC 2008 program. Joseph Travis and Walter R. Tschinkel (Professors, Department of Biological Science, FSU), for providing us with eminent speakers for SEEC 2008. The organizing committee of the 2007 SEEC meetings at the University of Central Florida for helping us get started planning SEEC 2008 Andres Plata Stapper for his wonderful artwork

SEEC 2008 Organizing Committee

Conference Commanders: Eric Jones, Amanda Buchanan

Liaison/University Support Team: Nikki Fogarty, Casey terHorst, Nate Jue

Outside Solicitors: Joe Pfaller, Amanda Buchanan, Maurizio Tomaiuolo

Public Relations/Brochure: Lauren Hart, Elise Gornish, Sarah Tso

Webmaster: Katie Lotterhos

Activities: Mia Adreani, Nikki Fogarty, Casey terHorst, Nate Jue

Tech Support/AV Team: Brendan Biggs

Treasurer: Janna Fierst

Abstract Review and Registration: Dave McNutt

Faculty Sponsor: Thomas E. Miller

http://bio.fsu.edu/~eerdg/seec/

Ecology and Evolution Research and Discussion Group Department of Biological Science Florida State University Tallahassee, Florida 32306-1100

4

(850) 645-1195 or (850) 644-6585 We would like to thank our SEEC sponsors for 2008

The Art Center at FSU Einstein Bros. Bagels Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Moe’s Southwest Grill The Painted Lady Staples Three Guys from New York Pizza

The Department of Biological Science Florida State University The College of Arts and Sciences Florida State University COGS and SGA Florida State University

5

Biographical sketch

Joseph Travis

(Plenary lecture, 28 March 2008)

Joseph Travis is a Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of Biological Science at Florida State University and Dean of the FSU College of Arts & Sciences. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his doctoral degree from Duke University. Travis joined the faculty in Biological Science at Florida State in 1980 and rose through the faculty ranks, serving as chairman of the Department of Biological Science from 1991 through 1997 and as Director of the Program in Computational Science from 2000 through 2005.

Travis’ research has been concentrated at the intersection of ecology and evolutionary biology, focused particularly on how ecological forces act as agents of natural selection on life histories. His early work investigated how predators, crowding, and environmental uncertainty selected for patterns of growth and development in larval amphibians. Subsequent work focused on how several selective agents— thermal regime, salinity, predators, and mating preferences—acted in different combinations in different populations to maintain striking local differences among populations in the morphology, life history, and reproductive characters of a livebearing fish, the sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna). The chief subject of his present research is how different patterns of numerical dynamics in local populations exert different selective pressures on the life history and mating behavior of the least killifish, Heterandria ormosa.

All of this research has balanced ecological with genetic components. The recent work with least killifish populations has included ecological studies of comparative numerical dynamics, predator-prey interactions, and trophic structure; it has also included genetic analyses of population structure, paternity patterns in natural populations, and quantitative characters. Students from the Travis lab have worked on a variety of topics from species interactions in Amazonian frogs to the genetic and environmental controls of color pattern and retinal characteristics of bluefin killifish. The National Science Foundation has supported Travis’ research since 1981, and awards from the NSF have helped train 20 doctoral students (14 completed dissertations, six current students) and eight masters’ degree students and provided stipend support for nearly 100 graduate and undergraduate students since 1981. His current research is supported by an award from the National Science Foundation and an award from the Alabama Wildlife Commission.

Travis has served on the editorial boards of Journal of Evolutionary Biology, Oecologia, Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics, and The American Naturalist. He served as editor of The American Naturalist from 1998 to 2002 and as Vice-President (1994) and President (2005) of the American Society of Naturalists. In 1991, he was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Travis has served on several program advisory panels for the National Science Foundation: Population Biology, Research Experiences for Undergraduates—Sites, and Undergraduate Mentorships in Environmental Biology. He is currently serving on the Advisory Council for the Directorate in Biological Sciences and the cross-directorate Advisory Council for Environmental Research and Education, which reports to NSF Director Arden Bement. From 1999 through 2002, he served on the Scientific Advisory Board of the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, chairing the board in 2001–2002. He has served on several external review panels for biology departments at various universities and continues to serve the National Marine Fisheries Service as a member of the Recovery Science Review Panel for Pacific Salmon.

6

Biographical sketch

Walter R. Tschinkel

(Concluding remarks, 30 March 2008)

As a kid, Walter Tschinkel was considered a little weird because he liked bugs and stuff and looked at pond slime through his microscope. The suspicions of society were confirmed when he grew up into a weird adult. Like many lucky biologists, he never outgrew his youthful interests, but turned them into his profession instead.

Born in wartime in the Sudeten-German area of Czechoslovakia, he grew up in Texas, Alabama, and Connecticut before attending Wesleyan, a small men’s college for small men. Graduate school took him to the University of California at Berkeley, where, between picketing, pottery, backpacking, photography, and getting married, he earned an M.S. and a Ph.D. in comparative biochemistry (whatever that is) with a focus on chemical communication in beetles. Upon finishing his Ph.D., he packed his new wife and 5 pounds of halvah into his ’46 Ford V-8 convertible and headed for a postdoctoral stint at Cornell. After a year of teaching at Rhodes University in South Africa, he finally came permanently to roost at Florida State University, where he is currently a R. O. Lawton Distinguished Professor and the Menzel Professor of Biological Science. Thirty-seven years of research on diverse aspects of the social biology of fire ants and other ants has allowed him to pretend to know something about these fascinating creatures and their ways. The Big Questions that Walter is trying to answer through his research are, How do the thousands of ants that make up a colony manage to function as a single entity, a superorganism? How do colonies of fire ants interact on an ecological scale? He recently published the definitive book on fire ant social biology. In 2001, he traveled to the Antarctic only to discover that the only ants there were in the name.

Walter’s wife and daughter are both smarter than he is, but he is quite a bit stronger. He is one of the few people who can do body-flanges (push-ups with arms fully extended forward), and holds the record for the number of Sunray Venus Clams dug in a single breath-hold dive. Rather late in life, he discovered that he enjoyed digging holes, a pleasure that suited his growing interest in ant nest architecture. In one hour, he can dig a six-foot hole wide enough to swing a shovel in. Outside of science, Walter is an accomplished woodworker and makes both furniture and gadgets for his research. A world-class scrounge, he has paid for very little of the lumber he uses and can spot a scroungable cherry tree from over a quarter of a mile away. He is also an accomplished photographer and artist and has exhibited in galleries in California, Vermont, Minnesota, Connecticut, and Oregon, as well as in his own office and hallway.

7

Florida State University Map

8

Florida State Satellite Map

9

Meeting Schedule

Location: HBC Classroom Building, Florida State University

Friday, March 28, 2008

5:00–7:00 p.m.: Registration (HCB) and poster set-up (Dodd Hall), HCB 7:00 p.m.: Plenary lecture by Dr. Joseph Travis (102 HBC), followed by informal social

Saturday, March 29, 2008

8:00 a.m.: Breakfast (provided at HCB) 9:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.: Oral Presentations 12:15 p.m.–1:15 p.m.: Lunch (provided) 1:15 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: Oral presentations 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.: Poster session and happy hour (Werkmeister; Dodd Hall) 8:00 p.m.: Dinner (provided), followed by raffle and informal social at the Painted Lady

Sunday, March 20, 2008

10:00 a.m.: Breakfast (provided HCB) 11:00 a.m.: Concluding remarks, Dr. Walter R. Tschinkel (102 HCB), and awards for best talk and poster Afternoon: Field trip to see some awesome local flora and fauna. Three options are available; see following page.

10

FIELD TRIP OPTIONS

OPTION 1: WAKULLA RIVER CANOE TRIP Leave FSU at 12:30 p.m.; return to FSU about 5:30 p.m. Begin at T-n-T Hideaway Canoe rental (http://tnthideaway.com/) for approximately a 3.5-hour trip.

The Wakulla River is spring fed and emerges from under ground at the Wakulla Springs State Park; the trip is 6 miles of slow-moving easy paddling. Wildlife is abundant along the banks, and the pristine water is excellent for viewing the underwater grasses, fishes, snails, turtles, and manatees. Dress appropriately.

All prices quoted are for 4-hour rental, equipment and sales tax included. Canoes: 2 person per canoe, $25; 3 person per canoe, $30 Kayaks: Single sit in or sit on top, $20; single fishing kayak, $20; tandem sit in or sit on top, $30

OPTION 2: HERPING TRIP Leave FSU at 12:30 p.m., return to FSU about 6:00 p.m. Either of two destinations is possible, depending on weather and/or a vote of the participants.

1. Snake Trip (warm sunny weather), St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. We'll hike the Florida Scenic Trail and observe the herpetofauna of the coastal slash pine flatwoods. Common species are four species of watersnake, cottonmouth, pigmy rattlesnakes, racers, bluestripe garter snakes, bluestripe ribbon snakes, and scarlet kingsnakes. If we get lucky, we'll see an eastern kingsnake or eastern diamondback rattlesnake. Of course, alligators and an assortment of basking turtles are guaranteed. Dress appropriately.

2. Amphibian Trip (cool or wet weather), The Nature Conservancy's Garden of Eden and the Apalachicola National Forest. We'll hike the steephead ravines and flip logs for stream dwelling salamanders. We'll then take the dipnets to the national forest to look for Siren, Amphiuma, and Necturus. Dress appropriately.

OPTION 3: MARINE LAB TRIP Leave FSU at 12:30 p.m.; return to FSU by about 5:30 p.m.

We will head down to the Florida State Coastal and Marine Laboratory at at Turkey Point to explore the facility and some of the coastal environments. Activities may include nearshore wading and a flat-top boat trip and possibly sea-grass trawling for local fauna. Please wear clothes that you don't mind getting wet.

11

Saturday, March 29 Room: HCB 205 Room: HCB 208 Room: HCB 207 Systematics, Molecular Biology, Microbial Ecology, Animal Ecology Functional Morphology, and Behavior, and Conservation Evolution 9:00–9:15 Kowal, Virginia A. The effect Bagley, Justin C., and Phillip M. Green, Stefan J., David F. Blake, am of sampling effort on species Harris. Taxonomy, population and Jennifer G. Blank. A novel richness estimates of flower genetics, and body shape microbial mat developing in visitors variation of Alabama spotted ophiolite-hosted moderately bass Micropterus punctulatus alkaline springwater henshalli 9:15–9:30 Smiley, Sarah A., Earl McCoy, Doffitt, Chris, Lisa Wallace, and Akob, Denise M., Lee Kerkhof, am and Henry Mushinsky. Gary N. Ervin. Phylogenetic Anthony Palumbo, Kirsten Kuesel, Prospecting for gold: sampling relationships of the genus and Joel E. Kostka. problems, habitat, and Amsonia (Apocynaceae) in Determination of the population dynamics of golden North America based on trnH- metabolically active microbial mice (Ochrotomys nuttalli) in psbA and trnD-trnT sequence groups in subsurface sediments south-central Florida data with a high potential for U(VI) bioremediation 9:30–9:45 Luhring, Thomas M. Metzger, Genevieve, Fred Kraus, am Population ecology of greater and Christopher Parkinson. siren Historical biogeography of the New Guinea crowned snakes (Elapidae: Aspidomorphus) 9:45–10:00 Davenport, Jon M., and David R. Chabarria, Ryan E., Brian I. am Chalcraft. Influences of Crother, Mary E. White, and alternative prey on interactions Henry Bart. The among intraguild predators phylogeography of Necturus beyeri in the southeastern United States 10:00–10:15 McNutt, David W., and Amber Fenwick, Allyson. Meta- am L. Lefstead. The indirect, analysis and phylogenetics: plant-mediated interaction the Great American Biotic between two specialist Interchange as a case study herbivores varies among host plant genotypes 10:15–10:45 Break am 10:45–11:00 Lotterhos, K. E. Using dynamic Havird, Justin C., and Larry M. Adreani, Mia. Context-dependent am regression models to estimate Page, Systematics of the streak spawning in the the relative role of competition Lepidocephalichthys complex hermaphroditic seabass Serranus and environmental forcing in and evolution of sexual subligarius the recruit abundances of dimorphism in loaches Pacific coast rockfish 11:00–11:15 Miller, Mary-Elizabeth C., and Swain, Timothy D. Phylogeny- Manjerovic, Mary Beth, and Jane am William M. Graham. The based species delimitations: M. Waterman. Trade-offs of influence of ecological and novel alignment of reproductive quality and physical factors on the hypervariable nucleotide immunity in a highly settlement and survivorship of sequences results in promiscuous species the moon jelly (Scyphozoa; phylogenies concordant with Aurelia sp.) in the northern morphology Gulf of Mexico

Room: HCB 205 Room: HCB 208 Room: HCB 207 Systematics, Molecular Biology, Microbial Ecology, Animal Ecology Functional Morphology, and Behavior, and Conservation Evolution 11:15–11:30 Belford, Stanton. Analysis of Cushman, E., N. Jue, A. Strand, McGhee, Katie E. The stability of am coral distribution and coral and E. Sotka. Is there a genetic male dominance status in the symbionts in two reef basis for the current separation bluefin killifish "systems" in the southern between Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Atlantic stocks of the gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis)? 11:30–11:45 Kimble, S. J. A., and R. W. Kocot, Kevin M., and Scott R. Dagg, Kendra. Acoustic defense am Thacker. Phylogenetic and Santos. Secondary structural against eavesdropping in taxonomic distinctness of modeling of the second internal duetting katydids, genus populations of Caribbean transcribed spacer (ITS2) from Amblycorypha (Orthoptera: mangrove root sponge species Pfiesteria-like dinoflagellates Phaneropterinae) (Dinophyceae) 11:45–12:00 Raut, Samiksha, and Robert Coffey, Peter. The effects of Kovacs, Jennifer L., and Michael pm Angus. Anal fin gape distance on the crushing A. D. Goodisman. I will survive: masculinization and force of crayfish chelae what factors influence vitellogenin inhibition as (Cambarus bartonii) hibernation survival in social biomarkers of endocrine wasp queens? disruption in female mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis 12:00–12:15 Petes, Laura E., and Alicia J. Prieto-Márquez, Albert, Paul McGregor, Anna E., Douglas pm Brown. Effects of salinity on Gignac, Shantanu Joshi, and Nowacek, Carolyn Angell, Michael Apalachicola oyster disease Gregory M. Erickson. Testing Moore. Is it a long way down? the utility of osteological North Atlantic right whales correlates purported to reflect (Eubalaena glacialis) change sex in non-avian dinosaurs their behavior in response to increased buoyancy 12:15–1:15 Lunch pm

1:15–1:30 Jones, Estelle, and Kimberly Fierst, Janna L., and Thomas F. Jue, Nathaniel, Thierry Brule, pm Bohn. Control methods for the Hansen. Genetic architecture Chris Koenig, and Felicia invasive Japanese climbing in reproductive isolation Coleman. Shelf to shelf? Gene fern in natural areas of connectivity of gag, Mycteroperca northwest Florida and microlepis, across the Gulf of implications to nontarget forest Mexico plants 1:30–1:45 Holly, D. Christopher, and Gary Beamer, David A., and Trip Balfour, Martha E., and Llewellyn pm N. Ervin. Alteration of Lamb. A new method for M. Ehrhart. Differences in ecosystem function by a model calculating isolation by physical characteristics of green invasive species: connecting distance and inferring gene turtle (Chelonia mydas) nests in pattern to process flow: an example using natural and engineered dunes in woodland salamanders the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge

13

Room: HCB 205 Room: HCB 208 Room: HCB 207 Systematics, Molecular Biology, Microbial Ecology, Animal Ecology Functional Morphology, and Behavior, and Conservation Evolution 1:45–2:00 Martin, Charles W., John F. Eckstut, Mallory E., Brian I. Leibman, A. N., M. A. Roberts, M. pm Valentine, Katherine Crother, and Daniel R. Brooks. D. Arendt, C. J. Anderson, B. Blankenhorn, and Susan A. Terrestrial biota of the Greater Stender, A. Segars, D. Whittaker, Sklenar. The invasion of Antilles and Hawaiian Islands: and J. M. Quattro. Temporal Eurasian milfoil (Myriophyllum comparative historical variation in nesting beach spicatum) in Mobile Bay: does biogeographic patterns and contribution to a South Carolina a reduction in disturbance species-area relationships as subadult loggerhead sea turtle frequency facilitate invasion determined using PACT (Caretta caretta) feeding success? assemblage 2:00–2:15 Pathikonda, Sharmila, Azmy S Schrader, Matthew, and Joseph Sterrett, Sean C., Lora L. Smith, pm Ackleh, and Susan Mopper. Travis. Testing the viviparity Stephen W. Golladay, Sara H. Invasion, disturbance, and conflict hypothesis: parent- Schweitzer, and John C. Maerz. competition: modeling the fate offspring conflict and the Evaluating riparian disturbance of coastal plant populations evolution of reproductive and their influence on aquatic isolation in a poeciliid fish turtles in the Lower Flint River Basin, Georgia 2:15–2:30 Sargent, Lindsey, Stephen Erisman, Brad E., and Philip A. Biggs, Brendan. Sponge- pm Golladay, Alan Covich, Stephen Hastings. Breakdown of the mediated coral reef restoration: Opsahl, and Amy Rosemond. size advantage: evolutionary sustainability of sponge use Invasion success of a nonnative changes in mating behavior crayfish Luhring, influence the loss of sex change in groupers 2:30–2:45 Savage, Amy M., Kenneth Pinzone, Cheryl A., and Kenneth Scyphers, Steven B., Sean P. pm Whitney, and Jennifer Rudgers. M. Fedorka. Sex with Powers, Kenneth L. Heck, Jr., and Anoplolepis gracilipes invasion strangers: effect of male Carly S. Steeves. Shoreline of the Samoan Archipelago: ejaculate on female immune stabilization and fisheries can mutualisms with native response in Drosophila benefits of oyster reef restoration species amplify ecological melanogaster in coastal Alabama impacts 2:45–3:00 Wiens, Karen, and Susan terHorst, Casey P., and Thomas Weese, David A., and Scott R. pm Mopper. The ecological E. Miller. Prey rapidly adapt Santos. Genetic identification of implications of temperature to predation in pitcher-plant source populations for an and salinity for a native and inquiline communities invertebrate in the aquarium nonnative iris in coastal trade Louisiana 3:00–3:30 Break pm 3:30–3:45 Atkinson, Carla L., Stephen Parnell, N. F., C. D. Hulsey, and Hess, Charles, and Antoine pm Opsahl, Alan P. Covich, and J. T. Streelman. Hybridization Laniray. Landscape changes on Steve Golladay. Resource produces novelty when the Apalachicola National Forest utilization and ecosystem mapping of form to function is services provided by Corbicula many-to-one fluminea compared to a native mussel

14

Room: HCB 205 Room: HCB 208 Room: HCB 207 Systematics, Molecular Biology, Microbial Ecology, Animal Ecology Functional Morphology, and Behavior, and Conservation Evolution 3:45–4:00 Kaminski, Cynthia. Effects of Robbins, T. R., J. N. Pruitt, L. E. DeLuca, John J., and Kathryn E. pm forest canopy gaps on Straub, E. D. McCoy, and H. R. Sieving. The effects of farm- microarthropod populations in Mushinsky. Transgressive managment on the reproductive the southern Appalachians behavioral traits of Sceloporus success of an openland, pest- hybrids confer fitness through eating songbird advantage in territorial defense 4:00-4:15 Sandidge, Rebecca, and Marcus Fogarty, Nicole D. The Fox, A., A. Schrey, H. Mushinsky, pm Griswold. Logging riparian significance of hybridization in and E. McCoy. Genetic diversity zones: impacts on epigaeic a threatened Caribbean coral and gene flow in the sand skink, invertebrate communities genus, Acropora Plestiodon reynoldsi, among continuous and interrupted scrub habitat in central Florida 4:15–4:30 Wilkie, Jacquelyn. Spacial and Sylvester, Jonathan B., Gareth J. Sheehan, Kate, Just Cebrian, and pm temporal characterization of Fraser, and J. Todd Streelman. Jack O'Brien. Distribution of the surf zone macrofauna at Cichlid brain diversity parasite assemblages of grass Folly Beach, South Carolina develops at the boundaries shrimp in Mobile Bay

4:30–4:45pm Myers, Darryl. Daniel Toups, Melissa A., Aida T. Miro, Simberloff's ecological field and David L. Reed. Do modern experiments, 1969–1981 humans have lice from archaic hominids? 4:45–5:00pm Daniel, Tara, and Cappellato. Havird, Justin C., and David H. Carbon storage and Evans. The evolution of sequestration in an urban cyclooxygenase in the greenspace chordates 5:30–7:30pm Happy hour, poster session, and raffle (Dodd Hall)

8:00–2:00am Dinner and Painted Lady social event

15

Oral Presentation Abstracts

Adreani, Mia, Florida State University. Context- metabolic function of subsurface microbial dependent streak spawning in the hermaphroditic communities that utilize ethanol as a carbon seabass Serranus subligarius (animal behavior). substrate/electron donor. To characterize the In the simultaneously hermaphroditic marine metabolically active microbial community, we fish Serranus subligarius, male role individuals are employed stable isotope probing (SIP) techniques by known to pair spawn, group spawn and streak spawn. amending sediment microcosms with 13C-labeled These mating strategies are common among marine ethanol. Microbial activity was monitored by reef fish and their spawning behavior has been well measuring electron acceptor (NO3-, Fe(III) and studied. What is unclear is how each behavior U(VI)) and donor utilization. At selected time points, translates into reproductive success and how these 13C incorporation into community DNA was competing strategies may affect fertilization success. examined by density gradient centrifugation along The variation in success of each strategy may with PCR amplification and terminal restriction pinpoint trade-offs with other aspects of their fragment length polymorphism analysis (TRFLP). reproductive ecology such as territory acquisition and With the depletion of NO3-, metal reduction spawning frequency. In addition to studying their commenced with U(VI)-reduction preceding Fe(III)- mating behaviors, environmental contexts under reduction. The predominant and active nitrate which streaking occurs have been explored. reducers were identified as members of the Although density is known to increase the incidence Betaproteobacteria (Dechloromonas and of streaking in this species, the ways factors such as Diaphorobacter). Members of the phyla habitat type and small-scale demographic dynamics Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were affect the mating system are not well understood. also shown to be active during various phases of the Mating behaviors were recorded during the summers incubations. Statistical analysis of TRFLP profiles of 2005–2007 at three sites with different local revealed differences between the microbial population densities within St. Andrew’s State Park, communities present during nitrate and metal Panama City, Florida. Focal individuals were each reduction. Members of the Betaproteobacteria and observed in 15-minute increments, and the following Actinobacteria may play an important role in nitrate were recorded: total number of spawns, number of removal and subsequent metal reduction, although streak spawns, habitat type, relative size of further work is needed to elucidate the individuals. The occurrence of small sized biogeochemical processes mediated by the microbial individuals in the local population predicts a higher groups that incorporated 13C-labeled ethanol. frequency of streaking behavior and these small fish are utilizing algal growth to remain hidden until a Atkinson, Carla L., Stephen Opsahl, Alan P. Covich, spawning event occurs. In addition, a field and Steve Golladay, University of Georgia and the J. experiment indicated lower fertilization rates (85– W. Jones Ecological Research Center. Resource 90%) in spawning events that included one or more utilization and ecosystem services provided by streaker. Further tests to distinguish the mechanism Corbicula fluminea compared to a native mussel by which this occurs will be part of future studies. (ecology). Freshwater mussels are essential ecosystem Akob, Denise M., Lee Kerkhof, Anthony Palumbo, engineers linking pelagic and benthic zones in Kirsten Kuesel, and Joel E. Kostka, Florida State aquatic systems. As filter feeders, the native mussels University. Determination of the metabolically help purify the water and are sensitive indicators of active microbial groups in subsurface sediments stream health. Corbicula fluminea, an introduced with a high potential for U(VI) bioremediation bivalve, has been associated with native mussel (other). declines, possibly due to competition with native Ethanol has been shown in laboratory and mussels for food resources. However, little is known field based bioremediation studies to promote the about differences in the feeding ecology of these microbiological reduction and immobilization of species. Our research was designed to understand U(VI) in contaminated subsurface sediments. what native freshwater mussels and an invasive However, little is known about the composition and bivalve, Corbicula fluminea, feed on and how they dynamics of this microbial community and how cycle nutrients within the stream benthic community dynamics will effect bioremediation environment. To determine dietary composition and potential. Therefore, the goal of this study was to potential overlap of Corbicula and the native mussel directly link the phylogenetic structure with the Elliptio crassidens, we measured the elemental and

isotopic compositions of their tissue, as well as Balfour, Martha E., and Llewellyn M. Ehrhart, benthic organic matter, sediment, and several size University of Central Florida. Differences in classes of seston at different streamflows. Our results physical characteristics of green turtle (Chelonia indicate that differences exist in the food resources mydas) nests in natural and engineered dunes in utilized by the two bivalve species. Corbicula may the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge be better able to acquire and assimilate bacterial (conservation). sources. Also, the presence of Corbicula may alter The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge nutrient cycling in the benthic environment of coastal (ACNWR), experienced severe erosion during the plain streams by retaining less nitrogen than native 2004 hurricanes. In 2005, sand from inland quarries mussels, which may modify nutrient cycling in was used to restore the dunes to protect coastal streams. These results have implications on how properties along 74% of the refuge beach. The invasive species, such as Corbicula, may alter stream remaining 26% remained unaltered. The sand ecosystems. provided increased reproductive habitat for the three species of marine turtles nesting on the refuge. The Bagley, Justin C., and Phillip M. Harris, University physical characteristics of the newly placed sand of Alabama. Taxonomy, population genetics, and potentially differ from those of the natural sand. body shape variation of Alabama spotted bass These differences in sand characteristics may alter Micropterus punctulatus henshalli (systematics). the incubation environment, potentially affecting the Alabama spotted bass (Micropterus calcium carbonate content, pH, porosity, and punctulatus henshalli) are endemic game fish moisture found within the nests. These abiotic restricted to the Mobile River basin above the fall factors are crucial for the successful incubation of line in Alabama and northwest Georgia, where they marine turtle eggs. We studied these engineered are sympatric with redeye bass (M. coosae). Based dune areas one year post construction to determine if on quantitative descriptions of external morphology any differences in the physical characteristics existed. alone, Hubbs and Bailey (1940) recognized M. p. Results were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA to henshalli as distinct from northern spotted bass (M. p. determine any disparity between abiotic characters of punctulatus). Also, Bailey (1938) suggested spotted the two treatments and how this might affect bass subspecies intergrade in the lower Pearl, reproductive success (the percentage of eggs that Pontchartrain, Pascagoula, and Escambia drainages. produce hatchlings which emerge from the nest). We tested (i) the uniqueness of M. p. henshalli The importance of the ACNWR as a rookery has relative to M. p. punctulatus and M. coosae, (ii) the increased as the number of green turtle nests has risen validity of the zone of intergradation, and (iii) for sharply over the past two decades. It is the stated population structure in spotted bass using tests of policy of the National Wildlife Refuge System that, phylogenetic relationship, genetic structure and “wildlife comes first.” As beach management differentiation, and body shape variation. Analyses intensifies, the maintenance of habitat conducive to of four microsatellite DNA loci, mitochondrial successful marine turtle reproduction should assume cytochrome b sequences, and body shape reveal primacy over coastal development and related issues, contrasting patterns of hybridization and if that objective is to be met. distinctiveness between study taxa. Population genetic analyses revealed high genetic admixture Beamer, David A., and Trip Lamb, East Carolina within and between groups. Alabama spotted bass University. A new method for calculating isolation are genetically more similar to redeye bass though by distance and inferring gene flow: an example morphologically similar to northern spotted bass, using woodland salamanders (evolution). which are recovered as paraphyletic with one clade Models designed to predict isolation by sister to smallmouth bass (M. dolomieu). Compared distance generally assume that individuals disperse with fish from the Mobile River basin, spotted bass randomly across a homogeneous habitat. Since most from intergrade drainages show fixed nucleotide habitats are heterogeneous, patterns of isolation by polymorphisms supporting subspecific intergradation distance can be obscured, especially for species with along the Gulf coastal plain. Until the mid-1990s, it low vagility. We devised a process to calculate was believed that hybridization between black basses effective distances between populations that was rare in nature; however, our results are consistent accommodates the heterogeneous nature of their with other recent molecular evidence suggesting habitats. First, habitat quality is assessed using spotted bass hybridize with redeye bass. ecological niche modeling, and the resulting model is inverted, such that the model's lowest numbers represent the highest quality habitats. This inverted niche model provides a friction layer through which

17

the least expensive path is calculated via a least-cost Biggs, Brendan, Florida State University. Sponge- path algorithm. The resulting distance of the least- mediated coral reef restoration: sustainability of cost path represents the effective distance between sponge use (conservation). populations. Moreover, one can infer from this least- Physical disturbances damage coral reef cost path the most likely route for historical gene three-dimensional structure, leaving behind unstable flow between currently isolated populations. debris. Reef recovery is dependent, in large part, on Woodland salamanders of the Plethodon jordani coral reestablishment, and substratum stability is complex are used to illustrate the efficacy of this critical to the success and survival of live fragments method. and coral recruits. Coral reef sponges, whose attachment can anchor live coral and stabilize loose Belford, Stanton, Martin Methodist College. carbonate, help mediate the process of reef Analysis of coral distribution and coral symbionts rejuvenation by providing time for the consolidation in two reef "systems" in the southern Caribbean of coral skeletons by crustose coralline algae. (ecology). Restoration efforts currently employ epoxy and Baseline coral distribution and coverage cement to secure rubble and upended colonies, but data were collected at Toco Bay and Salybia Bay, these agents are unnatural, possibly less attractive, two intertidal reef "systems" on the northeastern and potentially unfavorable to coral larvae. Utilizing coast of Trinidad, West Indies. In March and August organisms that naturally bind and stabilize rubble to 2006 the diversity and coverage of coral communities help restore reefs has largely been overlooked. On were assessed in three intertidal zones at Toco Bay. shallow, fringing reefs in Curacao, the feasibility of Zones were divided into upper intertidal (0–10 m), using sponges to aid rejuvenation of coral reefs was intermediate (11–20 m), and lower intertidal (21–30 explored. Regrowth of branch tips removed from the m) from the shoreline. At Salybia Bay, a forth zone sponges Niphates erecta, Aplysina cauliformis, and (31–40 m from the shoreline) was surveyed. The line Aplysina sp. for seeding coral rubble was measured and point intercept transect method was used to over 15 months to evaluate the sustainability of determine the cnidarian coverage along randomly sponge use. Species differed significantly in volume selected transects at both bays. Coral (in the broad of tissue regrown and percent of excised tissue sense of the word) coverage along four random regrown over time. Regrowth rates within species transects at Toco Bay was 53.3%; with Zoanthus and were highly variable, and neither sponge depth nor Palythoa spp. comprising 40% of said coverage and sponge size (total volume) explained differences Millepora alcicornis, Siderastrea radians, and well. Rates of attrition differed between species and Porites porites comprising the remainder 13.3%. over time within species and losses are attributed to Live coverage at Salybia Bay was 9.4%. Quadrat injury by fishing gear and possibly disease. Rapid data collected at both sites showed coral coverage at regrowth and reattachment rates exhibited by Toco Bay and Salybia Bay to be 47.9% and 10.3% Aplysina cauliformis and Aplysina sp. suggest using respectively. Other major components of reef these sponges to boost reef recovery is both feasible coverage were rock (24.2%) and algae (12.5%) at and sustainable. Toco Bay and algae (29.4%) and coral rubble (32.5%) at Salybia Bay. Coral diversity at Toco Bay Chabarria, Ryan E., Brian I. Crother, Mary E. White, was higher than at Salybia Bay throughout the inner and Henry Bart, Southeastern Louisiana University. reef flat. Zone 3 had the highest diversity of coral The phylogeography of Necturus beyeri in the species than all other zones at both sites. Both line southeastern United States (systematics). and point transect and quadrat methods provided a The Gulf Coast waterdog (Necturus beyeri) quick and simple way to estimate coral and benthic is a paedomorphic salamander inhabiting streams and coverage at both reefs. Analysis of coral symbionts rivers along the gulf coast region of the southeastern at both sites revealed two generalist symbionts in United States from eastern Texas to western Georgia. Porites, Palythoa, and Zoanthus spp. Porites porites The complex history of the gulf coast drainages of at Toco Bay had Symbiodinium subspecies A4:3, southeastern North America has lead to incongruent while Porites porites at Salybia Bay had subspecies patterns among taxa in previous comparative A4:1. Subspecies A4:1 was found in Zoanthus phylogeographic analyses. Because these sociatus at both sites. It is not known if differences salamanders are aquatic, the history of the drainages in symbionts between sites reflected differences in they inhabit likely affects the current genetic salinity, shading, water temperatures or diversity of this species. In this study we utilized the anthropogenic effects between sites. mitochondrial encoded ND2 gene to infer the historical relationships of gene lineages within N. beyeri. Samples were collected from throughout the

18

range of N. beyeri. Because of debated species Cushman, E., N. Jue, A. Strand, and E. Sotka., classification within the genus Necturus and the College of Charleston. Is there a genetic basis for recent distributional changes of N. beyeri all the current separation between Gulf of Mexico currently recognized species of Necturus were and Atlantic stocks of the gag grouper included in the analysis. This will allow for the (Mycteroperca microlepis)? (molecular). The gag understanding of the historical processes that have (Mycteroperca microlepis) is a large protogynous shaped the current distribution of N. beyeri. grouper important to fisheries in the United States. Preliminary data suggest that the gene lineages of N. The gag fishery is currently managed as two separate beyeri are paraphyletic. The implications of these stocks: the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. A findings as well as the utility of mtDNA in this previous study found significant spatial genetic analysis will be discussed. structure between sites in the Atlantic and the Gulf, but questioned whether this structure was really due Coffey, Peter, University of North Carolina, to spatial differences between sites or to temporal Asheville. The effects of gape distance on the genetic differentiation between yearly cohorts. We crushing force of crayfish chelae (Cambarus sampled adult and juvenile gag from North Carolina, bartonii) (functional morphology) South Carolina and Florida, 2005 young-of-the-year Crayfish are the largest freshwater juveniles from North Carolina estuaries, and 1985 invertebrates, and are essential in freshwater food postlarvae from South Carolina estuaries, and webs as both primary and secondary consumers. genotyped one mitochondrial locus and eleven Their specialized claws (chelae) play vital roles in the nuclear microsatellite. There was no spatial genetic collection of food, defense against predators, and as differentiation between sampling locations in the weapons in inter- and intra-specific competition for Atlantic or in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and very territories and mates. Because chelae have so many little evidence of temporal differentiation between functions, studying their mechanics is important to cohorts of varying ages. These results suggest that understanding how individuals interact directly with gag represent a single genetically panmictic their environment. Using a force meter, the crushing population from North Carolina to the Florida force of chelae of a native crayfish, Cambarus panhandle. However, genetic homogeneity is also bartonii, was determined as a function of the distance consistent with extremely low migration across between the two fingers of the chelae (gape distance). populations that have not reached equilibrium These measurements determined the gape at which between gene flow and drift. Thus, our genetic data crayfish produced maximum force and measured can neither support nor refute current management size-dependent affects on the force generated. To schemes that independently regulate gag in the Gulf compensate for fatigue, the order that gape distance and Atlantic. was varied was randomized for each individual. On average, crayfish exerted maximum force when the Dagg, Kendra, University of North Carolina, gape distance was 35% of maximum chelae gape. Asheville. Acoustic defense against eavesdropping The gape distance at which maximum force was in duetting katydids, genus Amblycorypha measured was significantly correlated to every size (Orthoptera: Phaneropterinae) (animal behavior). measurement, but most strongly to pollex thickness. In the katydid genus Amblycorypha, males The mechanism that produces this relationship is and females perform duets to form pair bonds prior to unknown. However, because opponents' chelae are mating. Males initiate the duet by producing a often targeted during aggressive interactions, these species-specific, long range calling song. A receptive results indicate that crayfish grip is most powerful female responds to a calling male with brief ticks while grappling with a conspecific of similar size. placed within a species-specific time window in the Thus, the strongest selective force acting upon the male's song. Nearby males may eavesdrop on duets relationship between maximum force and chela and search for the answering female. A previous morphology may be intraspecific competition. experiment using Amblycorypha alexanderi showed Maximum measured force and average force were that males eavesdrop and move in the direction of the also significantly correlated to most size responding female. In an unnamed species of measurements, most notably apodeme surface area, Amblycorypha (referred to here as craggy) the male's indicating a strong relationship between size and calling song includes a series of ticks placed at strength of individuals of this species. approximately the same time window as the female's reply. It is hypothesized that the male produces these ticks as a defense against eavesdropping males, and that the ticks may prevent eavesdroppers from hearing the female's reply. To test this acoustical

19

defense hypothesis, craggy males were placed in an microinvertebrates (intermediate predator prey) and indoor arena with two speakers broadcasting separate larval overwintered Rana (top predator prey) affected parts of pre-recorded craggy duets. Placements of the fitness components of larval Ambystoma opacum two speakers were randomized to control for any (intermediate predator) in the presence of larval Anax directional bias within the arena. Craggy males spp. (top predator). We hypothesized that abundance moved significantly more in the direction of the male of alternative prey (either shared or unshared) would broadcast compared to the female broadcast, thus alter the effect of Anax on A. opacum fitness. We thwarting any potential mate stealing by found that Anax reduced A. opacum survivorship but eavesdropping males. In A. alexanderi the male's this effect was not dependent on the abundance of calling song lacks an imitation female reply, and in resources (shared or unshared). By reducing the that species, males moved significantly more toward number of A. opacum present in a pond, Anax caused the broadcasted female reply. This suggests that ticks surviving A. opacum to grow larger. Abundance of within the craggy male's calling song can confuse unshared prey did not alter A. opacum growth or the eavesdropping males and function as acoustic mate effect of Anax on A. opacum growth. Anax had a guarding. greater positive effect on A. opacum growth when there was a relatively high abundance of both shared Daniel, Tara, and Cappellato, Rhodes College. and unshared prey than when shared prey was absent. Carbon storage and sequestration in an urban Our results suggest that alternative prey will not greenspace (ecology). promote the survival of larval A. opacum when Anax Urban greenspace provides an often is present. Since larger A. opacum have greater overlooked but potentially significant sink for carbon. reproductive potential, A. opacum is more likely to This study derived a STELLA model to calculate the persist in environments with Anax when resource annual carbon storage and sequestration of an old- availability is high. growth forest located in midtown Memphis, Tennessee, compiling data from field studies of the DeLuca, John J., and Kathryn E. Sieving, University nearly 70 hectare park. This model simulates the of Florida. The effects of farm-managment on the various processes contributing to carbon storage, reproductive success of an openland, pest-eating sequestration, and flux in a terrestrial ecosystem, songbird (conservation). calculating the carbon storage within tree biomass There are a variety of reasons to increase based upon Leaf-Area Indexes and employing soil birdlife on farms: most farmers appreciate birds, respiration measures both specific to this greenspace. government and consumers are pushing for Inputs were designed to vary over an annual biodiversity augmentation on farms, farmlands are timescale coinciding with growth cycles, thus increasingly replacing natural habitat, and many birds constructing a functionally realistic model of carbon act as biological pest-control agents. However, flux in a small, open system. The value of this model agroecologists cannot responsibly encourage organic lies in its applicability for demonstrating the farmers to invest time, energy, and money to attract multifaceted dynamics of carbon flux on a scale able pest-eating songbirds to their lands without first to be visualized, its adaptability to other greenspaces answering two questions with more certainty: How or old-growth forests of the southeast, and its good are pest-eating birds for organic farms, and how estimation of one ecosystem service provided by an good are organic farms for pest-eating birds? We urban greenspace. argue that the Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) serves as the most promising pest-control agent of the three Davenport, Jon M., and David R. Chalcraft, East most-common farmland insectivorous birds in our Carolina University. Influences of alternative prey study-region (north-central Florida; Jones et al. on interactions among intraguild predators 2005), for it is unique in that it specializes on insects (ecology). throughout the entire year. In 2007, we tested the It is surprising that top and intermediate hypothesis that farm-management (organic, predators coexist since they compete for food conventional, and natural control) affects the resources and top predators eat intermediate reproductive success of Eastern Bluebirds. In 2008, predators. Coexistence could be promoted if we are testing the mechanistic hypothesis that food abundance of alternative prey (shared or unshared) is availability limits the first-egg-date of Eastern sufficient to reduce interspecific competition between Bluebirds. We are also currently answering a predators and/or by providing different prey for top question of importance to both farmers and predators to consume. We conducted an experiment agroecologists: What proportion of on-farm insect- to evaluate how abundance of larval Pseudacris pests are eaten by Eastern Bluebirds on organic crucifer (top and intermediate predator prey), farms? DeLuca will present results and conclusions

20

from the 2007 field-season, as well as current biotic expansion occurred in roughly equal directions. proportions, and the majority of the biotic expansion events occur through forward dispersal. Doffitt, Chris, Lisa Wallace, and Gary N. Ervin, Alternatively, the Hawaiian Islands have Mississippi State University. Phylogenetic substantially more biotic expansion events than in relationships of the genus Amsonia (Apocynaceae) situ events, while both forward and back dispersal in North America based on trnH-psbA and trnD- occurred in roughly equal proportions. We suggest trnT sequence data (systematics). that these differences are largely due to the differing Amsonia is one of the few genera in the age and geologic histories of these island systems. Apocynaceae with a primarily holoarctic distribution. The approximately 20 species are found in four Erisman, Brad E., and Philip A. Hastings, Scripps geographic regions: southeastern and southwestern Institution of Oceanography. Breakdown of the size North America, the Mediterranean, and Japan. This advantage:evolutionary changes in mating distribution represents a disjunct pattern that is also behavior influence the loss of sex change in observed in many other taxonomic groups. The groupers (evolution). groups of species found in southeastern and The size-advantage model asserts that southwestern North America appear to be complexes mating system characteristics influence the incidence of closely related species, several of which are rare or and direction of sex change in animals. Although it of conservation concern. This work examines the is supported by numerous experimental and relationships of the species within southeastern and theoretical studies, none have tested predictions of southwestern North America and their relationships the model within the context of a robust, species- to the species from the Mediterranean and Japan level phylogeny. Using this approach, we tested utilizing cpDNA sequences derived from the trnH- whether changes in sexual pattern in groupers psbA and trnD-trnT. Initial results indicate some (Teleostei: Epinephelidae: Epinephelini), and in southeastern taxa are conspecific with the wide- particular the loss of sex change, were related to ranging species Amsonia tabernaemontana. changes in two traits related to the mating system: Preliminary results also provide evidence that two mating group structure and sperm competition morphologically similar species, Amsonia ciliata and intensity. All phylogenetic reconstructions indicated Amsonia hubrichtii, are not closely related, and that that protogyny and pair spawning are the Amsonia tabernaemontana is not monophyletic. plesiomorphic conditions for the lineage; both gonochorism and group spawning evolved Eckstut, Mallory E., Brian I. Crother, and Daniel R. independently at least four times in three different Brooks, Southeastern Louisiana University. genera. Tests of correlated evolution showed that Terrestrial biota of the Greater Antilles and evolutionary transformations in sexual pattern from Hawaiian Islands: comparative historical protogyny to gonochorism were significantly biogeographic patterns and species-area correlated with transformations in mating pattern relationships as determined using PACT from paired to group spawning, and transformations (evolution). in mating group structure occurred prior to or The histories of the Greater Antilles and the simultaneously with transformations in sexual Hawaiian Islands are exceptionally different. The pattern. Sperm competition, as reflected by relative Greater Antilles history is continental, ancient (late testes weights in males, is significantly higher in Cretaceous), and involve complex island gonochoric species than protogynous species. This fragmentations and fusions. In comparison, the phylogenetic comparative study suggests that the loss Hawaiian Islands are oceanic, relatively young, and of sex change in some groupers was influenced by have a simple discrete order of appearance without changes in mating group structure from paired to subsequent reticulations. As such, the associated group spawning and associated increases in sperm speciation events are hypothesized to vary in competition among males. Moreover, it provides complexity between the two island groups. We phylogenetic support for predictions of the size- analyzed the influence of phylogeny on species-area advantage model and empirical evidence for the relationship utilizing PACT (Parsimony Analysis for influence of sperm competition on sex allocation in Comparing Trees), an analysis method that animals. synthesizes multiple taxon-area cladograms. We found strong linear species-area relationships in the Greater Antilles, while the younger and less complex Hawaiian Islands had very weak species-area relationships. In the Greater Antilles, in situ and

21

Fenwick, Allyson, University of Central Florida. directional epistasis resulted in a more rapid loss of Meta-analysis and phylogenetics: the Great hybrid fitness than nondirectional epistasis. These American Biotic Interchange as a case study results have implications for empirical studies, and (systematics). suggest that in a polygenic context, reproductive Meta-analysis is a tool commonly used to divergence may occur through a few loci that cause answer ecological questions, but it is rarely used in incompatibilities throughout the hybrid genome. evolutionary research. The statistical process involves determining effect sizes for multiple studies Fogarty, Nicole D., Florida State University. The and then calculating an overall effect size as a test of significance of hybridization in a threatened the significance of the factor of interest. Because Caribbean coral genus, Acropora (evolution). historical biogeographic hypotheses are best tested Caribbean acroporid corals, Acropora with multiple independent lineages, meta-analysis of palmata and A. cervicornis, have experienced phylogenies with associated divergence dates can be dramatic declines since the 1970s and are listed as a powerful tool for testing the effect of a particular threatened under the Endangered Species Act. These event on speciation rates of a variety of taxa. The species form a hybrid, A. prolifera, which was not closure of the Isthmus of Panama 3.5–2 million years given protective status but its ecological and ago and the associated Great American Biotic evolutionary roles may influence the fate of this reef- Interchange has been proposed as a major driver of building genus. Throughout the Caribbean hybrids diversification, although other researchers have vary in abundance with no clear geographic pattern. argued that major radiations had occurred before This study will determine if this variation occurs as a isthmus closure. Using meta-analysis, I tested the result of differences in the strength of reproductive effects of the closure of the Isthmus on speciation isolating barriers, variation in success of asexual rates of terrestrial and freshwater angiosperms and fragmentation, or differential fitness of hybrids. vertebrates. I also tested the influence of dispersal Observations of overlapping spawning times and no mode on speciation rates. Our results suggest that statistical difference in conspecific and heterospecific this event did not have a significant effect on no-choice crosses suggested a lack of isolating speciation rates overall, and highlights one way in barriers; however, choice crosses revealed which molecular evidence is reevaluating conclusions conspecific sperm precedence (CSP). CSP is only drawn from fossils. effective when conspecific and heterospecific sperm collide with an egg simultaneously; therefore, the Fierst, Janna L., and Thomas F. Hansen, Florida State decline in the parental species may lead to increased University. Genetic architecture in reproductive hybridization. Hybrid ramet abundance varied across isolation (evolution). sites; however, this was a poor indicator of hybrid The Bateson-Dobzhansky-Muller model of genetic diversity. Hybrids were often found in speciation predicts that post-zygotic isolation evolves extremely shallow habitats where disturbances due to the accumulation of incompatible epistatic generated fragments and encouraged asexual interactions, but few studies have quantified the propagation. Hybrids persisted in this habitat by fast relationship between genetic architecture and reattachment rates and their ability to withstand reproductive divergence. Directional epistasis has thermal and irradiant stress, possibly as a result of a been shown to be important in the evolution of unique clade of zooxanthellae found in some hybrids. genetic architecture, and we examined how the The prevalence of the typical afflictions that plague direction and magnitude of epistatic interactions acroporids (e.g., bleaching, disease, parasitism, and influenced the evolution of hybrid incompatibilities predation) was comparable in the parental species in an individual-based simulation model. We found and hybrid. These results suggest habitat selection that populations evolving under stabilizing selection and disturbance frequency dictates hybrid abundance. experienced suites of compensatory allelic changes that resulted in genetic divergence between Fox, A., A. Schrey, H. Mushinsky, and E. McCoy, populations despite the maintenance of a stable, high University of South Florida. Genetic diversity and fitness phenotype. A small number of loci were then gene flow in the sand skink, Plestiodon reynoldsi, incompatible with multiple alleles in the genetic among continuous and interrupted scrub habitat background of the hybrid and these interactions in central Florida (conservation). resulted in loss of fitness for both F1 and F2 hybrids. The sand skink, Plestiodon reynoldsi, is a The identity of these incompatibility loci changed fossorial lizard restricted to the scrub located on the throughout the evolution of the populations. central ridges of peninsular Florida. The sand skink Reproductive isolation did not evolve when epistatic is threatened throughout its range, and urban and interactions were very strong or very weak, and agricultural development of its already naturally

22

fragmented habitat poses a conservation threat. As a sediment below were comprised primarily of H2- result of natural fragmentation, barriers to gene flow consuming methanogens. We propose that the may already exist, and further development may have biogeochemical cycling is this system is dominated consequences for the genetic diversity of P. by primary production by cyanobacteria coupled to reynoldsi. Previous research shows genetic structure anaerobic degradation of organic matter via throughout the range of P. reynoldsi. The goal of our fermentation and methanogenesis. The moderately study is to conduct a more fine scale examination on alkaline water derived from these ophiolites may the extent of gene flow within and between scrub serve as an analog to extraterrestrial planetary bodies patches, using multiple microsatellite DNA loci. We where mafic and ultramafic rocks are common and screened 8 previously developed microsatellite loci in liquid water is present. individuals from a seemingly continuous scrub habitat in Davenport, Florida (n = 96) and from the scrub surrounding the Archbold Biological Station (n = 148) near Lake Placid, Florida. The Archbold region has patches of unsuitable wetland habitat, which may serve as barriers to gene flow, as well as, regions of more homogeneous scrub habitat. Assignment testing results (Structure and Geneclass2) indicate Davenport and Archbold are genetically distinct populations (K = 2; >90% correct assignment). Estimates of genetic differentiation were significant (FST = 0.024, P < 0.001) among sites; results followed an isolation by distance pattern. Results also suggest further differentiation may exist within sites. We are developing additional microsatellite loci and screening additional individuals to investigate the levels of relatedness within patches and the amount of genetic differentiation among sampled scrub habitat.

Green, Stefan J., David F. Blake, and Jennifer G. Blank, Florida State University. A novel microbial mat developing in ophiolite-hosted moderately alkaline springwater (ecology). On the modern Earth, microbial mats are usually restricted to environments where metazoal grazing is limited by "adverse" environmental conditions. Freshwater mats not associated with physical extremes are rare. Here, we report on a microbial mat developing in a small pond fed by moderately alkaline (pH 8.5 to 9.0) spring water derived from the Del Puerto Ophiolite (California). In addition to the pH, the water chemistry is unusual, with elevated magnesium and bicarbonate. We characterized the microbial community to gain insight into the persistence of this thin, stratified microbial mat, thriving despite the apparent absence of inhibitory environmental conditions. We performed cultivation-independent molecular analyses to identify the dominant microorganisms in this system. Analyses specific to the domain Bacteria revealed the presence of a diverse community of common soil and water bacteria, and two dominant, novel clades of cyanobacteria most closely related to cyanobacteria from geothermal microbial mats. The archaeal communities in the microbial mat and the

23

Havird, Justin C., and Larry M. Page, University of COX-2 forms in the teleosts. Using standard primer Florida. Systematics of the Lepidocephalichthys design, PCR, and cloning methods, 9 novel COX complex and evolution of sexual dimorphism in sequences were obtained from the lancelet, Atlantic loaches (systematics). hagfish, sea lamprey, euryhaline killifish, and Loaches of the genus Lepidocephalichthys longhorn sculpin. These sequences readily align with (Cobitidae) are widely distributed in Asia, ranging other COX forms and contain all the critical domains from India and Pakistan to China and Malaysia. and amino acids for cyclooxygenase function. To These freshwater fishes are small loaches (ranging further characterize the evolution of COX in the from 13 to 80 mm SL) in the family Cobitidae that chordates, phylogenetic analyses were performed inhabit most freshwater environments in southeast using COX protein sequences from a wide range of Asia and some species have become popular chordates, including the novel sequences found in aquarium fishes. There are currently 15 recognized this study. The results of these analyses suggest a species in Lepidocephalichthys and 7 species in the complex evolutionary history for COX, characterized closely related genera Lepidocephalus and by at least 3 distinct lineages in the chordates Kottelatlimia. The systematics of these loaches is represented by the urochordates, cephalochordates, chaotic. The most recent reviews of the and vertebrates. Lepidocephalichthys complex described new species, but did not remark on characteristics of the related Hess, Charles, and Antoine Laniray, Florida State genera or address species outside the ranges of the University. Landscape changes on the study areas. Motivated by recent collections in Apalachicola National Forest (conservation). Sumatra and Thailand, we provide a review of the Historical practices and a focus on uplands genera Lepidocephalichthys, Lepidocephalus, and have led many land managers to believe that 3- to 5- Kottelatlimia. This includes the characteristics of year fire return intervals are enough to maintain the these and other closely related genera, descriptions of longleaf pine ecosystem. On the Apalachicola all common species, a description of a new species National Forest (ANF), the current fire regime has from Thailand, and a discussion of relevant allowed many fire-dependent species to persist, and morphological characters used for classification. One this forest is considered one of the best-burned such character is a modification of the pectoral rays parcels in the National Forest system. The fire return in mature males, referred to as the lamina circularis. frequencies in the ANF have failed to maintain the We also describe the high level of variation in this characteristic transition zones between the coniferous character within the Cobitidae, discuss other types of uplands and deciduous bottomlands. I analyzed sexual dimorphism found in loaches, and address its aerial photographs taken over a span of 70 years for use in systematics; particularly in reference to a 50 randomly selected sites and used GIS to estimate proposed new genus from southeast Asia. the amount of encroachment of titi (Cyrilla racemiflora and Cliftonia monophylla) into the Havird, Justin C., and David H. Evans, University of transition zones. In that period an estimated 14% Florida. The evolution of cyclooxygenase in the (80,000 acres) of the wet prairie/longleaf system has chordates (molecular). been lost to titi encroachment. When areas with Cyclooxygenase (COX) is the enzyme found greater than 5-year fire return intervals were in animals responsible for converting arachidonic compared to those with 3- to 5-year intervals, no acid into prostaglandins. These prostaglandins then significant differences were observed. Only one perform multiple functions including regulation of compartment in the sample showed evidence of inflammation responses, changes in vascular tone, maintaining the wet flats characteristic of the and ion transport/osmoregulation. There are two Apalachicola and it had a fire-return interval of less main forms of COX found in vertebrates: COX-1 than 3 years. These results suggest that fire-return and COX-2. There are also two nonvertebrate COX intervals of more than three years, at least with non- forms found in the sea squirts (Ciona) named COXa growing-season burns, are not adequate to maintain and COXb which represent an evolutionary the edges of the longleaf pine ecosystem. independent lineage of COX in the chordates. Therefore, the first goal of this study was to sequence Holly, D. Christopher, and Gary N. Ervin, COX forms from evolutionarily ancestral chordates Mississippi State University. Alteration of in order to more fully understand the evolutionary ecosystem function by a model invasive species: history of COX in the chordates. Another goal was connecting pattern to process (ecology). to confirm current studies which hypothesize that a In situ decomposition of above and genome duplication event and subsequent losses of belowground plant biomass of the native grass COX genes have resulted in multiple COX-1 and species Andropogon glomeratus (Walt.) B.S.P. and

24

exotic Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv. (cogongrass) smothering ground vegetation and has been seen was investigated using litter bags over the course of a climbing in tree tops, creating an impediment to 12 month period. The above and belowground certain forest management activities such as biomass of the invasive Imperata always prescribed burning. The objectives of this study were decomposed faster than that of the native to evaluate the effectiveness of chemical treatments Andropogon. Also, belowground biomass of both as a control for the invasive fern and to evaluate the species decomposed at a consistently faster rate when response of nontarget plants to the chemical placed within an invaded area consisting of a treatments and absence of the fern. Four sites were monotypic stand of Imperata as opposed to within a chosen across north Florida to conduct the study. native plant assemblage. However, there was no There were fifteen treatments of metsulfuron, similar such trend observed in the aboveground plant glyphosate, and imazypyr at different rates and material. The microbial communities associated with different combinations. Our preliminary results show the invaded sites often differed from those found in that the high rate of glyphosate, the glyphosate- the native vegetation and provide a possible causal metsulfuron tank mix, and the three-way mix of mechanism by which to explain the observed glyphosate, metsulfuron, and imazapyr had the differences in decomposition rates. The microbial greatest effect on % crown reduction of fern, with communities differed not only compositionally, as 80% or more reduction 60 days after treatment indicated by ordination analyses, but also compared to the control plot which had about 16% functionally with respect to enzymatic activity crown reduction due to frost dieback. Previous essential to the decomposition process. This study studies have suggested the use of metsulfuron supports the growing consensus that invasive plant because it caused less damage to native understory species alter normal ecological processes and plants than glyphosate. Further research will highlights a possible mechanism (alteration of evaluate residual effects of these treatments on non- microbial assemblages) by which Imperata may alter target plants and long-term control of Japanese an ecosystem process (decomposition). climbing fern.

Jue, Nathaniel, Thierry Brule, Chris Koenig, and Kaminski, Cynthia, University of North Carolina at Felicia Coleman, Florida State University. Shelf to Asheville. Effects of forest canopy gaps on shelf? Gene connectivity of gag, Mycteroperca microarthropod populations in the southern microlepis, across the Gulf of Mexico (evolution). Appalachians (ecology). Populations of the grouperfish gag across This study explored the effects of canopy the Gulf of Mexico on the West Florida Shelf and disturbance on soil microarthropod abundance at five Campeche Back are examined for patterns of gene sites within Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, in the connectivity. Current models, differential Nantahala Mountain Range of western North reproductive timing, and settlement patterns suggest Carolina. Scientists at Coweeta have been studying the possibility of asymmetric gene flow. the impact of forest disturbance from natural disasters Mitochondrial control region and microsatellite such as hurricanes and ice storms. In March 2002 markers are examined to explore patterns of canopy gaps were formed by felling trees to mimic connectivity. Data suggest some evidence for these disturbances. Eight experimental plots of differentiation among populations and unevenness in gapped canopy and two control plots of closed genetic exchange. canopy were used within each of the five sites. Two of the five sites measured 20 m, versus 40 m, in Jones, Estelle, and Kimberly Bohn, University of diameter to test the effects of gap size. Florida. Control methods for the invasive Microarthropods were collected using 15 cm2 mesh Japanese climbing fern in natural areas of bags filled with 2 g of leaf litter. Litter bags were northwest Florida and implications to nontarget placed in a three by four pattern at each plot on forest plants (ecology). February 1, 2004, and were collected every other Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium month for two years. To examine canopy effects, japonicum) is a nonnative invasive plant species in average oribatid, collembola and total the southeastern United States that is listed on the microarthropod numbers were compared between Noxious Weed List by the Florida Department of gapped and control plots. Gap size effects were also Agriculture and Consumer Services. It disrupts the investigated by comparing differently sized control structure and function of Florida’s natural and gapped plots. A significant difference was found ecosystems. Native forest species must compete with between control and gapped plots for all three the vigorous fern for resources including space, light, categories of microarthropods. However, there was moisture, and nutrients. It can form thick mats no significant difference due to size variation in

25

either control or gapped plots. Abiotic factors did not into secondary structures that are critical for proper differ between gap and control plots. Similarity in ribosomal processing. In this study, we modeled the abiotic factors was attributed to the aggrading forest secondary structure of the second internal transcribed growth in gap plots. Significant differences in spacer (ITS2) from sixteen PLDs (as well as an microarthropod numbers were attributed to presumed outgroup taxon) using minimum free energy and greater litter inputs in control plots. phylogenetic comparative methods. The secondary structural models predicted for these dinoflagellates Kimble, S. J. A., and R. W. Thacker, University of consisted of four paired helices separated by five Alabama at Birmingham. Phylogenetic and unpaired regions, consistent with those reported from taxonomic distinctness of populations of many eukaryotes. All of the structures were highly Caribbean mangrove root sponge species stable (ΔG = -66.1 – -122.3 kcal • mol at 37°C) and (ecology). several structural characters were found to be The roots of tropical mangrove trees form an conserved either across the PLDs or were specific to ecosystem (mangal) that provides habitat for a high monophyletic subgroups, strengthening previously diversity of marine organisms including algae, inferred phylogenetic relationships among taxa. bacteria, cnidarians, gastropods, sea stars, bivalves, Additionally, an 18 bp motif was identified in the bryozoans, ascidians, juvenile fishes and sponges. PLDs whose position corresponds to a ribosomal How many marine communities are structured processing site described from other eukaryotes. remains poorly understood, including mangrove Potential applications of these ITS2 secondary sponge communities. Biodiversity indices abound in structures include utility in strain and species ecology, but most are overly sensitive to sample size identification as well as serving as a tool for and do not account for the higher taxa represented by identifying and excluding rDNA pseudogenes when the species present. Evaluations of higher taxonomic assessing biodiversity within the PLDs. data can be valuable for detecting perturbation of communities before traditional biodiversity indices Kovacs, Jennifer L., and Michael A. D. Goodisman, can. Biodiversity indices accounting for higher taxon Georgia Institute of Technology. I will survive: data have recently been developed and are used to what factors influence hibernation survival in measure the biodiversity of sponge communities in social wasp queens? (animal behavior). the Caribbean. Using survey data from Belize and In order to produce reproductive offspring, Panama, these new indices are used to measure the queens of annual yellow jacket species must survive taxonomic distinctness of sponge communities at for an entire year. The path to reproduction is various levels of geographic resolution. Phylogenetic treacherous, and only a small percentage of those evaluations of these communities are also studied queens produced by a colony actually make it the full using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 year. It is thought that many die off during the long, (CO1) sequences available from online databases and cold months spent overwintering, but the factors that sequenced in our lab. Other applications are affect queen survival, and therefore their fitness, are undertaken using these data, including a unknown. Previous studies performed in our lab biogeographic evaluation of the effects of mangrove have found that queens with longer lengths and from island size on sponge community makeup. particular colonies mate at higher frequencies than shorter queens from other colonies, but whether these Kocot, Kevin M., and Scott R. Santos, Auburn queens are somehow more fit and therefore better University. Secondary structural modeling of the able to survive hibernation is unknown. Previous second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) from studies performed in bumble bees found that mating Pfiesteria-like dinoflagellates (Dinophyceae) status (i.e., mated vs. unmated), as well as the colony (molecular) the male mate originated from, influenced queen Pfiesteria piscicida is a harmful bloom- overwintering survival in that species. In this study, forming alga that has received a great deal of we explored various factors, such as mating status, attention due to its association with large fish kills mass before hibernation, body length, colony of and neurological problems in humans. Since the origin, etc., that may influence overwintering discovery of Pfiesteria, several other Pfiesteria-like survival. To do this, we mixed unmated queens with dinoflagellates (PLDs) have also been identified. queens that had mated with males under laboratory Genetic identification and phylogenetic relationships conditions, in hibernation boxes that were maintained among the PLDs commonly utilize sequence data at 4°C, and checked weekly for recently expired from the genes and spacers of the ribosomal RNA queens. Dead queens were removed and (rDNA) operon. Of these, the internal transcribed morphological measurements were taken. The results spacers (ITSs) have been previously shown to fold of this study will provide us with a better

26

understanding what traits a "fit" queen possesses and assemblages from proximal nesting beaches remains will shed light on other areas of interest, such as mate obscure. To better understand the contribution of choice and polyandry in social insects. discrete nesting beaches to feeding assemblages off the southeastern U.S. coast, an in-water survey was Kowal, Virginia Anne, University of North Carolina conducted from Wilmington, North Carolina, to St. at Asheville. The effect of sampling effort on Augustine, Florida, targeting subadult loggerhead sea species richness estimates of flower visitors turtles with both fisheries-dependent and fisheries- (ecology). independent trawling over a seven-year period. In Estimates of species richness, while useful recent years, however, the focus of the survey has and common to many subdisciplines of biology, are been more concentrated in those feeding areas in and problematic in their reliance on adequate sampling around Charleston, South Carolina. In this study, effort. How much sampling is required for an genetic data (mtDNA control region sequences) were accurate estimate of species richness, and what levels used to validate the Charleston feeding assemblage as of sampling will render communities comparable? an appropriate proxy for the entire South Carolina These are important questions that must be addressed coast; subsequently these data were used to assess before conclusions can be drawn regarding the temporal variation in nesting beach contribution to relative richness of communities and environments. I the coastal subadult feeding aggregation. We observed flower visitors at four plant species in the compare this temporal component of genetic presence and absence of an invasive plant to variation to that component among nesting beaches, determine the sampling effort necessary to accurately and discuss the use of these data in conservation estimate species richness of flower visitors. Visitor efforts aimed at this threatened species. species were recorded exhaustively in a single flowering season. Visitors were also examined for Lotterhos, K. E., Florida State University. Using the pollen of the visited plant to ascertain whether dynamic regression models to estimate the relative visitor richness accurately measured pollinator role of competition and environmental forcing in richness. Empirical visitor accumulation curves for the recruit abundances of Pacific coast rockfish each plant species suggest qualitatively that even (ecology). when sampling effort was high, saturated species A central question in population dynamics is richness estimates were elusive for some of the plant understanding the relative roles of environmental species. Results indicate that some visitor species variance versus species interactions in determining were not pollinators, and that the frequency of species abundances. The estimation of competition visitation of a particular visitor species did not coefficients in many species is difficult without predict whether this species was likely to carry knowledge of the naturally occurring densities and pollen. Asymptotic species richness counts were the scale of interaction. This is particularly true for used to show that visitor species numbers and fish species, where manipulation of species densities diversity were not significantly affected by the is difficult. Using a dynamic-regression approach, I presence of an attractive invasive plant. While am investigating the relative role of environmental documenting empirical and exhaustive visitor taxon forcing and species interactions in determining the sampling curves for four plant species, this work recruit abundances of two competing species of explores the sampling dynamics of plant-pollinator rockfish: the black rockfish, Sebastes melanops, and communities and highlights the effect that inadequate the yellowtail rockfish, Sebastes flavidus. sampling effort may have on overall characterization Recruitment in this system is highly driven by the of plant-insect community structure. oceanographic process of upwelling, which drives production during the larval period of rockfish.. But Leibman, A. N., M. A. Roberts, M. D. Arendt, C. J. the relative importance of upwelling versus species Anderson, B. Stender, A. Segars, D. Whittaker, and J. interactions in determining recruitment is not well M. Quattro, University of South Carolina. Temporal understood. The results from this study will be variation in nesting beach contribution to a South important in the management and conservation of Carolina subadult loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta Pacific coast rockfish, which compromise the core of caretta) feeding assemblage (conservation). the Pacific coast bottom fishery. The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) possesses a unique life history that includes Luhring, Thomas M., University of Georgia, complicated subadult and adult migratory patterns. Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. Population For example, subadult individuals are known to ecology of greater siren (ecology). congregate annually in large coastal feeding We have, at best, a basic understanding of assemblages, but the contribution to these the life histories of the permanently aquatic "giant

27

salamanders" of the southeastern Coastal Plain Martin, Charles W., John F. Valentine, Katherine (Amphiumidae and Sirenidae). The role that sirenids, Blankenhorn, and Susan A. Sklenar, University of in particular, play in wetland ecology is poorly South Alabama/Dauphin Island Sea Lab. The understood. What we do know from previous studies invasion of Eurasian milfoil (Myriophyllum is that greater siren, Siren lacertina, can attain spicatum) in Mobile Bay: does a reduction in substantial concentrations of biomass (233 g/m2), disturbance frequency facilitate invasion success? prey heavily on a myriad of invertebrates, and will (ecology). consume other aquatic salamanders. I conducted a Biological invasions are among the most mark-recapture study at Dry Bay, a 5-ha Carolina bay pervasive yet least understood consequences of the in South Carolina, from September 2006 to urbanization of our estuarine ecosystems. In Mobile September 2007. Monthly capture sessions consisted Bay, this urbanization has led to the construction of of 10 consecutive nights of sampling with a variety of an earthen causeway, HWY 90, which has been traps. A robust design was used for the first and last hypothesized to have created a "vacant niche" that four months of the study to permit population allowed invasive species to gain a foothold. Here, we analysis with program mark. Preliminary estimates provide the results of a test designed to determine if at Dry Bay indicate a much more conservative this "vacant niche" allowed the establishment of estimate of biomass and densities of greater siren invasive Eurasian milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) in than previous studies. I also present estimates for, the Mobile Bay estuary. Results from a field survey survivorship, recapture probability, size classes, showed that community composition varies greatly individual growth rates, minimum size at first with causeway location. Submerged aquatic reproduction, and seasonal changes in the average vegetation (SAV) south of the causeway is dominated body condition index of individuals within the by native wild celery, while milfoil dominates to the population. north. Salinity is consistently lower north of the causeway than to the south. Thus, we performed an Manjerovic, Mary Beth, and Jane M. Waterman, experiment which documented milfoil growth across University of Central Florida. Trade-offs of a range of salinities recorded at the study site. reproductive quality and immunity in a highly Results suggest that salinity has no effect on milfoil promiscuous species (animal behavior). growth (p = 0.566). A subsequent experiment A central component to understanding showed that milfoil can not competitively exclude evolutionary biology is to examine the trade-offs that wild celery from the region either (p = 0.427). While exist for maximizing reproductive success. The we have not yet documented how milfoil became ability to reproduce successfully may be established, reanalysis of the field data suggests that compromised by the body's physiological response to wave action may limit milfoil proliferation to infection. The trade-off is further complicated when quiescent embayments north of the causeway. As individuals multiply mate, as degree of infection such, we now hypothesize that the causeway provides potentially increases with increasing promiscuity. a "vacant niche" through reduced physical Males in highly promiscuous systems invest more in disturbance, which has allowed milfoil to proliferate. testicular tissue to offset sperm competition but levels of spermatogenesis vary with immune function. The McGhee, Katie E., Florida State University. The immunocompetence handicap hypothesis (ICHH) stability of male dominance status in the bluefin suggests that male sexual traits may lower the ability killifish (animal behavior). to resist pathogens through steroid suppression of the In species that form dominance relationships immune system (Foldstad & Karter 1992). In order based on aggressive behaviour, an individual's to examine the relationship between reproductive momentary dominance status can affect immediate success and immunity, we looked at ejaculate access to resources or potential mates. But if characteristics (e.g., investment, quality) and dominance status is to influence lifetime reproductive indicators of immune function (e.g., spleen size, success and thereby contribute to the evolution of leukocytes) in a highly promiscuous species. particular behaviours, it must be repeatable across Preliminary data show a significant negative individuals and replicable over time. I used dyadic relationship between testes size and spleen mass interactions in a round-robin design to investigate the suggesting that males with increased pathogen stability of dominance status among male bluefin resistance experience high immunosuppression which killifish (Lucania goodei). Males formed linear would be consistent with an increase in dominance hierarchies that were remarkably stable spermatogenic investment and ejaculate quality. over time even when males did not encounter one another for five weeks. Male rank was not associated with body size but was associated tightly with the

28

level of individual behavioral activity; males who among hosts in induced resistance could potentially emerged with higher ranks exhibited higher overall shift the strength or outcome of interactions between rates of behavior toward other males and females. herbivores. In this study, we investigated the The behavioral phenotype, as measured by overall potential for variation in the interaction between the activity level, was significantly repeatable at 0.485, specialist herbivores Manduca sexta and Leptinotarsa which accounts for the stability of the dominance juncta across genotypes of their common host plant, hierarchies. Males encountering one another a Solanum carolinense. We found that the interaction second time did not display shorter trial durations or between these herbivores varied between an lower levels of aggression in re-establishing the amensalim and no interaction, depending on which original dominance relationship. The stability of genotype was considered. This is most likely due to behavioral phenotypes and dominance ranks suggests interactions between the host's induced resistance that these phenotypes are inherent characteristics of type and the digestive physiology of the two individuals rather than short-term responses to recent herbivores. social experience or daily levels of food or stress, and may potentially have a genetic basis. Metzger, Genevieve, Fred Kraus, and Christopher Parkinson, University of Central Florida. Historical McGregor, Anna E., Douglas Nowacek, Carolyn biogeography of the New Guinea crowned snakes Angell, Michael Moore, Florida State University. Is (Elapidae: Aspidomorphus) (systematics). it a long way down? North Atlantic right whales The New Guinea crowned snakes, genus (Eubalaena glacialis) change their behavior in Aspidomorphus, comprise three species of small response to increased buoyancy (animal behavior). elapid snakes endemic to New Guinea and the Blubber thickness of North Atlantic right surrounding islands. Here we address the whales, Eubalaena glacialis, varies considerably biogeographic history of the species within this genus based on the life history of these animals, affecting based on approximately 1100 base pairs of the the energetic output necessary for locomotion mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and 1200 base because this tissue is positively buoyant. The free- pairs of a nuclear intron sequence. We sequenced 47 ranging nature of these oceanic animals has Aspidomorphus individuals and three outgroup taxa. prevented monitoring of their behavior and Phylogenetic analyses using Bayesian methods were measurement of their body condition, but new performed to determine evolutionary relationships of technologies have made both of these measurements the three species within Aspidomorphus and to possible. This study compares the relative duration determine if there is phylogeographic structure of active and passive phases of locomotion, measured among populations of A. muelleri and A. lineaticollis. with a remote archival tag, with the amount of Our analyses resulted in a well supported phylogeny buoyant tissue, measured with an ultrasound device, that fully resolves the relationships between the three in individual free-ranging right whales. Animals described species of Aspidomorphus and suggests with thicker blubber layers had shorter phases of phylogeographic structure in A. muelleri and A. active propulsion and longer phases of passive lineaticollis. We use the phylogeny to suggest a gliding than animals with thinner layers when biogeographic hypothesis of the radiation of crowned surfacing from foraging dives. The maximum body snakes across New Guinea. pitch and rate of travel used during descent and ascent phases were also different between animals Miller, Mary-Elizabeth C., and William M. Graham, with blubber layers of different thickness. Right University of South Alabama. The influence of whales appear to made behavioral changes in ecological and physical factors on the settlement response to increased positive buoyancy, enabling and survivorship of the moon jelly (Scyphozoa; them to increase the duration of passive locomotion Aurelia sp.) in the northern Gulf of Mexico on ascent and decrease the energy actively spent on (ecology). overcoming the buoyancy of their blubber on Jellyfish blooms in the northern Gulf of descent. Mexico broadly overlap with areas of low oxygen concentrations, such as the so-called "dead zone" of McNutt, David W., and Amber L. Lefstead, Florida the Louisiana-Texas shelf. The ability of jellyfish to State University. The indirect, plant-mediated thrive in such altered habitats is a function of the interaction between two specialist herbivores entire life-history, including the pelagic medusa, varies among host plant genotypes (ecology). planula larva, and benthic scyphistoma. To this end, Indirect competition between herbivorous we are investigating the relationship between low insects may occur through the induced defense of a dissolved oxygen concentrations and the survival and shared host plant. In these systems, genetic variation growth of Aurelia sp. in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

29

We hypothesize that, under low dissolved oxygen by considering the influence of MTOM on the conditions, scyphistomae have a competitive production of transgressive jaw biomechanics in advantage within the benthic community. A set of simulated hybrids between Lake Malawi cichlid laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate species. Notably, F2 hybrids are transgressive for the effect of dissolved oxygen on planulae settlement function, but not the component traits that contribute and scyphistomae viability. Greatest planula to function. In our model, transgression is a settlement rates occurred under lowest dissolved consequence of recombination among alleles oxygen concentrations (1.3 mg/l), indicating that specifying the lengths of the lower jaw and maxilla. reduced dissolved oxygen promotes settlement Our genetic model can be tested by breeding Malawi perhaps as signal of physiological stress on planula cichlid hybrids in the laboratory and examining the swimming. The survival of scyphistomae under resulting range of form and function prolonged (55 days) hypoxic conditions decreased only marginally, however the rate of asexual budding Pathikonda, Sharmila, Azmy S Ackleh, and Susan was significantly reduced under these conditions. Mopper, University of Louisiana, Lafayette. Benthic community assemblages were also Invasion, disturbance, and competition: modeling significantly altered due to low oxygen conditions. the fate of coastal plant populations (conservation). Field experiments revealed increased survival of Wetland habitats are besieged by abiotic and polyps in deeper, low oxygen waters compared to biotic disturbance such as invasive species, high oxygen surface waters. We believe tolerance to fragmentation, and salinization. Predicting how these the physiological stresses of hypoxia and suspected forces will alter local population dynamics and reduction of competition and predation in hypoxic community structure is a central challenge to areas make these areas particularly susceptible to ecologists. Using stage-structured matrix models, we jellyfish recruitment and viability. The competitive examined the potential effects of abiotic disturbance advantages of jellyfish may be exacerbated if they on native blue (Iris hexagona) and invasive yellow occur in environments that are affected by (Iris pseudacorus) iris populations. Iris is an ideal anthropogenic impacts such as hypoxia. model for testing these questions because of its clonal/sexual mating system and tolerance of diverse Myers, Darryl, Florida State University. Daniel wetland conditions; comparing ecologically Simberloff's ecological field experiments, 1969– comparable iris congeners can help elucidate key life- 1981 (history and philosophy of science). history traits underlying demographic responses. Our Field biology, such as ecology, is often models, parameterized with empirical data and field thought of as observational in contrast to the direct observations, predict dichotomous responses of manipulation of test subjects that prevails in the native and invasive iris to salinity stress. laboratory. However, the career of ecologist Daniel Colonization of freshwater or brackish habitat by Simberloff was largely built on performing both species rarely led to coexistence. In 66% of experiments on species, ecosystems, and habitats in freshwater marsh simulations, invasive iris the field. I explore the significance of Simberloff's populations excluded the native within 50 years. field experiments both in their contribution to theory However, in 96% of brackish marsh simulations, the (for example testing the predictions of the theory of native species excluded the invasive within 25 years. island biogeography) and in the wider context of field Coexistence of species only occurred when we versus laboratory practices. introduced periodic hurricane salt pulses into the freshwater marsh. Our results indicate that abiotic Parnell, N. F., C. D. Hulsey, and J. T. Streelman, disturbance can limit the spread of invasives in some Georgia Institute of Technology. Hybridization circumstances. As disturbances such as invasive produces novelty when mapping of form to species and salinization of habitat become more function is many-to-one (evolution). widespread, modeling can become a valuable tool in Two recent but separate lines of research are managing critical habitats and plant communities. used to explain the origin of novel features and functions. The first invokes the model of Petes, Laura E., and Alicia J. Brown, Florida State transgressive segregation, where hybrid offspring University. Effects of salinity on Apalachicola exhibit trait distributions outside of the parental oyster disease (ecology). range. The second considers the explicit mapping of The Apalachicola estuary in the Florida form to function and illustrates manifold paths to panhandle is under increasing threat due to reduced similar function (called many to one mapping, freshwater input from the Apalachicola- MTOM) when the relationship between form and Chattahoochee-Flint River watershed. During function is complex. We fuse these research themes summer 2007, a severe drought in the U.S. Southeast

30

led to low river flow and withholding of fresh water that males from more distant populations have to supply residents of Atlanta, Georgia, with drinking evolved novel protein compositions with which water. High salinity in Apalachicola Bay led to die- females are unfamiliar, forcing females to allocate offs of economically and ecologically important more resources into immunity. Moreover, these oyster (Crassostrea virginica) populations, probably results have broader implications toward life history as a result of both predation and disease. A tank tradeoffs between immunity and reproduction. experiment was conducted to determine the effects of salinity on oyster disease and mortality. Twenty Prieto-Márquez, Albert, Paul Gignac, Shantanu Joshi, oysters (10 large and 10 small) were randomly and Gregory M. Erickson, Florida State University. assigned to one of four different salinity treatments: Testing the utility of osteological correlates 9 ppt, 17 ppt, 25 ppt, and 33 ppt (n = 4 tanks per purported to reflect sex in non-avian dinosaurs treatment) at constant temperature. Growth, weight, (functional morphology). and survival were measured weekly for five weeks. Gender in nonavian theropod dinosaurs has High mortality occurred in the high-salinity been inferred using attributes in the pelvic girdles and treatments (25 and 33 ppt) and was size-specific, with tail skeleton that are presumed to be sexually large oysters suffering much higher mortality than dimorphic. In theory, wider pelvic canals and small oysters. At termination of the experiment, shorter, more caudally positioned first chevrons in surviving oysters were examined for Dermo disease, females act to facilitate the passage of eggs through caused by the protozoan Perkinsus marinus. Dermo the cloaca. In contrast longer, more cranially analyses revealed high prevalence and severity of positioned first chevrons in males afford ample disease. Results of this study suggest that high attachment area for the "penile retractor" salinity due to anthropogenic freshwater removal and musculature. The American alligator, Alligator drought could lead to increased oyster mortality due mississippiensis, has for the most part served as the to disease. model taxon for these sexual phenotypes. Nevertheless, little or no quantitative data has been Pinzone, Cheryl A., and Kenneth M. Fedorka, presented showing that these phenotypes truly exist. University of Central Florida. Sex with strangers: Here we used skeletons of wild-caught A. effect of male ejaculate on female immune mississippiensis and the squamate Iguana iguana to response in Drosophila melanogaster (evolution). test whether gender specific morphological The evolution of sex is such that there is a differences truly exist in these dinosaurian outgroups. continual "tug of war" battle to outmaneuver the A preliminary sampling of 17 females and 19 males strategy of the other sex so that each sex may of A. mississippiensis and 13 females and 7 males of maximize its own fitness. In this sexual conflict, I. iguana were examined. Measurements of the males can employ mating strategies that negatively pelvic canal area, dorsoventral height and affect females in the pursuit of maximizing mediolateral width of the pelvic canal, height reproductive success. In insects, a male strategy is to between the dorsal edge of the ilium and the ventral pass accessory gland proteins in their ejaculate that border of the ischium, and lengths and positions of can not only manipulate a female’s reproductive haemal arches 1 and 2 were made. Additionally, a behavior but can even shorten her lifespan. Females new method of shape analysis (Geodesic Distance may counter this tactic by upregulating their immune Analysis) was used to test for morphological system to fight against these foreign proteins. differences in the pelvic canal. ANCOVA was used Whether males are continually evolving ejaculatory to compare these data. No significant correlation proteins against female immunity can be tested based between sex and pelvic girdle morphology, chevron on predictions about the patterns of immune length, or position was found. Assertions that the expression. We found in Drosophila melanogaster osteology of pelvic girdles can indicate the gender of that females evinced the greatest immune response dinosaurs, was not supported. after mating to males from a distant location. Females did not respond as highly when mated with Raut, Samiksha, and Robert Angus, University of males of a closely related population, and showed the Alabama at Birmingham. Anal fin masculinization least response when mated to males of the same and vitellogenin inhibition as biomarkers of population. These results suggest that there is an endocrine disruption in female mosquitofish, antagonistic coevolution between male ejaculatory Gambusia affinis (ecology). proteins and female immunity. It appears that Numerous studies, both in the field and females are better suited to overcoming the laboratory, have demonstrated that a variety of composition of ejaculatory proteins if they have anthropogenic compounds can act as endocrine coevolved with the males. Conversely, it appears disruptors. Recently, discovery of pharmaceuticals in

31

wastewater treatment plant effluent is raising a new which selection can act. These extreme phenotypes environmental concern. Hence, there is a need to can promote speciation by increasing the potential for investigate the impacts of these compounds on hybrid organisms to create new niches or to dominate aquatic organisms, particularly fish. Additionally, for existing niches through parallel selection pressures accurate risk assessment it is necessary to determine and divergent natural selection. This can result in whether these pharmaceuticals have similar effects in hybrid speciation or introgression and extinction of fish as in humans. Spironolactone (SPL) is a drug the parental species. In particular, transgressive intended for human use, generally as a diuretic. It segregation has been implicated as a process through acts as an aldosterone antagonist and also exhibits which homoploid, hybrid speciation can occur, but anti-androgenic effects in humans. In this study, we some form of ecological divergence is necessary to examined the dose-dependent effects of SPL on impede parental gene flow. That ecological secondary sex traits in female western mosquitofish, divergence could manifest in territorial species Gambusia affinis. Fish were exposed for five weeks through transgressive aggression. to SPL at four concentrations: 10, 100, 250, and 500 nM, via water using the static renewal method. Sandidge, Rebecca, and Marcus Griswold, University Morphological masculinization of females, as of Florida. Logging riparian zones: impacts on evidenced by development of an elongated and epigaeic invertebrate communities (ecology). modified (with serrae and hooks) anal fin was Riparian zones in forest watersheds are observed in the three highest concentrations. important habitats for invertebrates, supporting high Correspondingly, RT-PCR data show a dose- species diversity and providing a transitional zone dependent inhibition of the estrogen-regulated between aquatic and terrestrial environments. vitellogenin gene expression in the SPL-treated fish. Vertebrates and aquatic invertebrates are often the These results thus demonstrate both androgenic and focus of forest disturbance studies; however, epigaeic anti-estrogenic modes of action of SPL in fish, quite invertebrates are relatively understudied despite their in contrast to its anti-androgenic effects observed in vital role in nutrient cycling, food webs, and soil humans. Additionally, these results support the use maintenance. Pitfall traps were used to sample of anal fin masculinization and vitellogenin inhibition epigaeic invertebrates in forested, reference as useful biomarkers of endocrine disruption in watersheds and watersheds impacted by forestry female mosquitofish. practices. Impacted watersheds were clearcut, leaving a 40–70 foot riparian buffer zone in the Robbins, T. R., J. N. Pruitt, L. E. Straub, E. D. downstream reach and selectively removing 50 McCoy, and H. R. Mushinsky, University of South percent of the basal area in the upstream portion. The Florida. Transgressive behavioral traits of data were used for comparison of species diversity, Sceloporus hybrids confer fitness through abundance, species composition, and feeding guild advantage in territorial defense (evolution). composition. Harvested watersheds were sampled We investigated the territorial behavior and streamside (0 m), at the buffer edge (10 m), and associated characteristics of Sceloporus woodi, outside of the buffer zone (20 m); forested sites were Sceloporus undulatus, and their hybrids using paired sampled at equivalent distances. Forested sites had lizard trials in the laboratory. Body size (SVL) and higher species diversity, significantly different inherent aggression predicted best the outcome of species compositions, and a higher ratio of predators territorial encounters. Mass, head-girth, and and detritivores. Clearcut sites had higher ratios of defender/intruder status played further roles within herbivores and omnivorous, generalists. Detrended the SVL/aggression framework. We also detected correspondence analysis linked changes in two extreme phenotypes in this natural hybrid community composition to key resources including population, one morphological (greater head-girth) canopy cover, leaf litter, and exposed soil. Data and one behavioural (greater inherent aggression). suggests selective harvest does not impact epigaeic Furthermore, the extreme aggressive behavior invertebrates while the larger impact of clearcutting exhibited by hybrids resulted in greater success in has a significant impact on community structure. defending and invading territories against either Results imply that buffer zones larger than the 40–80 parental species. The process through which hybrid foot size requirement may be necessary to preserve organisms express phenotypes that are extreme invertebrate communities and current management relative to parental lines is transgressive segregation. guidelines may require reassessment. Because hybrids have generally been thought to exhibit intermediate traits, transgressive segregation is a counterintuitive outcome of hybridization and can generate new and unexpected phenotypes on

32

Sargent, Lindsey, Stephen Golladay, Alan Covich, invaders, this species has already decimated some Stephen Opsahl, and Amy Rosemond, University of tropical island ecosystems. In Samoa, YCA Georgia. Invasion success of a nonnative crayfish associates with native plants bearing extrafloral (ecology). nectaries. I am investigating the ecological Examining species invasions can provide mechanisms that underlie YCA success in Samoa, insight into ecological and evolutionary processes. examining impacts of the invasion on indigenous We examined the distribution of a native crayfish, communities, and explicitly testing how community Procambarus spiculifer, and a nonnative crayfish, dynamics, specifically novel mutualisms with native Orconectes palmeri creolanus, within the lower Flint species, may feed back to influence the invasion. In River Basin, Georgia. Crayfish abundance was this talk I will present data from coarse-scale surveys, estimated by surveys of 26 sites in the Flint River and short-term behavioral experiments, and preliminary its tributaries. Within the Flint River, the relative findings from an ongoing community-level abundance of the two species varied from upstream manipulative experiment. to downstream. O. palmeri was found almost exclusively at upstream sites, while P. spiculifer was Schrader, Matthew, and Joseph Travis, Florida State more abundant downstream. O. palmeri collected University. Testing the viviparity conflict downstream were larger than those collected at hypothesis: parent-offspring conflict and the upstream sites, suggesting little recruitment of O. evolution of reproductive isolation in a poeciliid palmeri downstream. Within tributaries, only native fish (evolution). crayfish were observed. To examine these trends, we The evolution of viviparity and are collecting physical and chemical data throughout postfertilization maternal investment increases the the study area. In addition, we are assessing the potential for genomic conflicts between mothers and consumption of the two crayfish species by native offspring over the level of maternal investment. One and exotic fish predators. These data will provide a possible consequence of such conflicts is the possible mechanism for invasion success as well as acceleration of the evolution of reproductive isolation examples of predator prey relationships that differ between populations with divergent mating systems due to whether or not the species coevolved. due to a mismatch between offspring demand for Understanding the mechanism that allows O. palmeri maternal investment and maternal resistance to this to be a successful invader in some areas, but not demand. We tested this so-called viviparity conflict others, may assist in predicting the future invasion hypothesis using crosses between conspecific potential of this species. populations of a highlt matrotrophic poeciliid fish that differ in their level of polyandry. Our results Savage, Amy M., Kenneth Whitney, and Jennifer support the critical prediction of an asymmetry in the Rudgers, Rice University. Anoplolepis gracilipes rate of spontaneous abortion in reciprocal crosses invasion of the Samoan Archipelago: can between populations with different mating systems: mutualisms with native species amplify ecological the rate of spontaneous abortion was highest in impacts (ecology). crosses between females from a relatively Studies that explicitly test the role of monandrous population (monandrous females) and mutualisms in community dynamics are largely males from a relatively polyandrous population lacking in the ecological record. However, these (polyandrous males). However, the patterns of interactions are likely to be important to community offspring size that we observed were not consistent structure. They are abundant and widespread, with the pattern predicted by the viviparity conflict include multiple species from different trophic levels, hypothesis: crosses between a monandrous female and occur simultaneously with antagonistic and a polyandrous male did not produce larger interactions. Therefore, integrating mutualism into surviving offspring than the reciprocal hybrid cross. the study of ecological communities is likely to be Instead we found that polyandrous females produced critical to our ability to understand community-level larger offspring than monandrous females. In dynamics and predict the consequences of addition, offspring size was positively correlated with anthropogenic change. Invasive species are among maternal size in crosses involving a polyandrous the greatest of these threats to global biodiversity. male. There was no such correlation in crosses Tropical islands support high levels of endemism, involving a monandrous male. making them especially vulnerable to invader impacts. For these systems, invasion of the yellow crazy ant (YCA, Anoplolepis gracilipes) is of particular concern. Identified by the International Conservation Union as one of the world's 100 worst

33

Scyphers, Steven B., Sean P. Powers, Kenneth L. seasonally, however seasonal changes in parasite Heck, Jr., and Carly S. Steeves, Dauphin Island Sea assemblages are common. Our results help develop a Lab/University of South Alabama. Shoreline better understanding of the natural history of these stabilization and fisheries benefits of oyster reef organisms which is critical for the development of restoration in coastal Alabama (conservation). further studies where P. pugio is a key trophic Shorelines at the interface of marine and intermediate. Ultimately, this research addresses the terrestrial biomes are one of the most degraded and nature and ecological implications of the interactions threatened habitats in the coastal zone because of between P. pugio and its parasites. their sensitivity to sea level rise, storms, and increased utilization by man. Previous efforts to Smiley, Sarah A., Earl McCoy, and Henry restore shorelines have largely involved introducing Mushinsky, University of South Florida. unnatural structures to dampen wave energy. Prospecting for gold: sampling problems, habitat, Recently, restoration efforts have shifted towards and population dynamics of golden mice biogenic, or "living reefs." Beyond shoreline (Ochrotomys nuttalli) in south-central Florida stabilization, living reefs may provide additional (ecology). ecosystem services such as habitat for resident The golden mouse (Ochrotomys nuttalli) is a species of shellfish and finfish, providing feeding semiarboreal small mammal species that occurs resources for transient fishes, and improved water throughout the southeastern deciduous hardwood and quality via the filter-feeding bivalves. Currently, a pine forests. Although this species occupies a large-scale bioengineering restoration project is being relatively wide geographic range, it is not commonly undertaken by the University of South Alabama and captured in Sherman live traps. Low capture rates of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. This "living golden mice may be caused by their fairly specialized breakwater" project involves construction of four habitat preferences, small home range size, initial networks of reefs (each with three 5 × 50 m reefs) in reluctance to enter traps, arboreal tendencies, or true close proximity to eroding shorelines in coastal rarity. However, in south Florida where trees remain Alabama. We hypothesized that over time the evergreen and ground-nesting is common in some presence of eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) habitats, winter nest searching techniques utilized in reefs could stabilize and possibly facilitate the northern areas can prove less fruitful than live expansion of shoreline marsh grass as well as provide trapping. With these sampling problems in mind, this habitat for additional fishes. Our preliminary results project examines the results of over six months of support our hypothesis that created oyster reefs will trap data from a south-central Florida population of be utilized by transient fishes and provide substrate O. nuttalli. Captures of golden mice were for oyster reef recruitment. concentrated in an area of overgrown palmetto-oak scrub. Adult O. nuttalli exhibited little movement Sheehan, Kate, Just Cebrian, and Jack O'Brien, and a high degree of site fidelity over the sampling University of South Alabama/Dauphin Island Sea period. Capture rates of golden mice were relatively Lab. Distribution of parasite assemblages of grass low, but show a distinct peak in late winter shrimp in Mobile Bay (conservation). (February–March) when juveniles entered the The common grass shrimp (Palaemonetes population. Winter breeding is also supported by the pugio) is a common prey species to economically and body mass and reproductive body condition of ecologically important fishes and crustaceans in females during this time frame. This research estuarine habitats. P. pugio is host to a number of corroborates with data from other studies which obligate, facultative, and transient symbionts. A describe a winter breeding season in southern survey including 22 sites was conducted around populations of this small mammal. Mobile Bay, Alabama, during the winter (January), spring (May), and summer (September) of 2007 to Sterrett, Sean C., Lora L. Smith, Stephen W. determine the general prevalence and distribution of Golladay, Sara H. Schweitzer, and John C. Maerz, P. pugio parasite taxa. Here we report on obligate Warnell School of Forestry and Natural parasites that are easily observed on or within live P. Resources/Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research pugio (mircophallid trematodes, haplosporidian Center. Evaluating riparian disturbance and their hyperparasites, loricate ciliates, and bopyrid isopods) influence on aquatic turtles in the Lower Flint with the aid of dissecting microscope. Overall River Basin, Georgia (conservation). abundance and frequency of all parasites was Agriculture has been a major part of the compared among seasons and parasite assemblages economy in southwest Georgia, but this large-scale were analyzed using multivariate techniques. Results land use has also had many negative effects on indicate parasite frequency does not change terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Although limited data

34

exist, some known effects include sedimentation, hypervariable regions, I retained all nucleotides by chemical leaching, edge effects and most notably treating blocks of unambiguously aligned sequence habitat conversion. Freshwater turtle communities as if they were separate genes in a concatenated are among many groups of wildlife that may be multi-gene alignment with incomplete taxon impacted by agricultural disturbance to riparian sampling for each gene. Sequence alignments were habitats. Sedimentation and pollution from subjected to maximum-likelihood and Bayesian agriculture may negatively impact riverine turtles by phylogenetic analyses and species where assessed by reducing the abundance of invertebrate prey, and the applying a history-based phylogenetic species clearing or thinning of forests near rivers may reduce concept to the resulting topologies. Phylogeny-based the availability of logs needed for shelter and species delimitations have strong concordance with basking. The objective of this study will be to assess morphologically-defined species and reveal species richness and abundance of freshwater turtles additional species that were not previously in both unimpacted or restored and agriculturally- recognized. impacted tributaries of the Lower Flint River Basin (LFRB). Aerial photography and random site Sylvester, Jonathan B., Gareth J. Fraser, and J. Todd selection has been used to choose appropriate sites Streelman, Georgia Institute of Technology. Cichlid for sampling. Two methods of capture, aquatic hoop brain diversity develops at the boundaries traps and effort-managed snorkel surveys, will be (evolution). employed to sample all known species. During the The cichlids of Lake Malawi have summer of 2007, we made 349 captures of 301 undergone rapid diversification in the past million individuals representing eight turtle species along 3.5 years. For this reason, they represent a great system kilometers of Ichawaynochaway Creek. Preliminary for studying the processes of differentiation that lead results of seven sampled reaches have shown to speciation and morphological novelty. Malawi differences in capture abundances of yellow-bellied cichlids exhibit a wide range of phenotypes in all slider (Trachemys scripta) and Barbour’s map turtle morphological characters, such as dentition and jaws. (Graptemys barbouri) when considering the amount Their brains are highly variable as well, although of riparian disturbance. This research will add to these have been less studied. Variation has been knowledge of the influences of landscape scale observed in four major structures of the brain: the disturbances on turtle community ecology and optic tectum, telencephalon, cerebellum, and conservation. hypothalamus. We first demonstrated significant differences among adults of multiple species in the Swain, Timothy D., Florida State University. volume of the four structures. Next, we used whole- Phylogeny-based species delimitations: novel mount in situ hybridization with gene markers for the alignment of hypervariable nucleotide sequences three major developing regions of the brain, the results in phylogenies concordant with forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain, and their morphology (molecular). boundaries. Cichlid embryonic brains exhibit The precise and repeatable identification of variation in the expression of patterning genes species as independent units of evolution is necessary between species in the forebrain, which develops into for any assessment of the structure and evolution of the telencephalon and hypothalamus, and the biological systems; particularly in symbiotic systems midbrain-hindbrain boundary, which separates the where specific interactions strongly influence the optic tectum and cerebellum. These data suggest that fitness of species. Symbiotic zoanthids (phylum developmental adjustments in gene deployment Cnidaria, class Anthozoa, order Zoanthidea) form during the establishment of regional boundaries, associations with at least five different phyla and promotes a vast diversity of brain morphology among have global geographic and bathometric distributions; Malawi cichlids. however, the simple morphology of zoanthids challenge our ability to differentiate between intra- terHorst, Casey P., and Thomas E. Miller, Florida and inter-specific variation, and endemic and State University. Prey rapidly adapt to predation cosmopolitan species. The internal transcribed in pitcher-plant inquiline communities (evolution). spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA nuclear Evolutionary rates are generally assumed to gene was amplified from zoanthids collected from 10 be slow and have little influence on community different locations throughout the wider Caribbean structure relative to ecological processes, such as region. Hypervariable ITS sequences provide highly competition and predation. Yet rapid evolutionary informative molecular markers, but are not often rates have been observed in a variety of communities fully exploited because of difficulties in sequence and may be particularly likely to occur in natural alignment. Rather than discarding difficult-to-align microcosms. In such communities, evolutionary

35

change could significantly modify the effects of Weese, David A., and Scott R. Santos, Auburn ecological processes. We collected Colpoda sp., a University. Genetic identification of source ciliated protozoan, from natural pitcher plant populations for an invertebrate in the aquarium inquiline communities and exposed replicate trade (conservation). populations to selection by a larval mosquito predator Increasingly, managers are turning to for over 20 generations (one week). Both selected molecular genetics to aid in conservation efforts. and control populations were then grown under While such "wildlife forensic" approaches have common conditions without a predator. Population focused on large terrestrial and aquatic vertebrate growth rate of the prey increased significantly when species, their application to other traded organisms compared to control populations, likely due to has not been extensively explored. Here, we evolution of the rate of cell division in the protozoa. examined the utility of these techniques for Genotypes with increased division rates are less identifying source populations of aquarium susceptible to local extinction due to predation. ornamental invertebrates, utilizing members of the Selected populations also demonstrated a decrease in Hawaiian shrimp, Halocaridina, as a study system. average cell size, a trait consistent with increased These shrimp, restricted to anchialine habitats of the predator tolerance. When grown under common Hawaiian Islands, are popular in the aquarium trade conditions with a predator, the overall effect of due their ability to survive in hermetically sealed predation was significantly lower in selected lines containers for extended time periods. However, than in controls. Because of the similarity of time commercial harvesting may lead to the scales on which ecological and evolutionary depletion/extinction of populations. Based on the processes occur, evolution in a prey species may distribution of anchialine habitats across the ameliorate ecological effects due to predation. This Hawaiian Islands, we hypothesized that demonstrates that the convergence of ecological and commercially available Halocaridina originate from evolutionary rates has important effects that can populations in the land district of Kona, along the influence community structure. west coast of the island of Hawai'i. Mitochondrial gene sequences from 96 individuals were compared Toups, Melissa A., Aida T. Miro, and David L. Reed, to a large database of homologous sequences from University of Florida. previous studies. Bayesian clustering assigned Do modern humans have lice from archaic specimens to either the Kona, Ka'u (west and south hominids? (evolution). coasts, respectively, Hawai'i), or Kinau (south coast, Anthropoid primates have coevolved and Maui) genetic groups of these shrimp. Although cospeciated with ectoparasitic lice for the last twenty- some individuals originated from the Kona land five million years. Because lice evolve more rapidly district as hypothesized, our finding that than their hosts, they record more detailed historical commercially available Halocaridina are from three information. In this study, we use the population genetic groups spanning two islands suggests that genetic structure of Pediculus humanus, the human other populations also warrant management head louse, to explore host evolutionary history. consideration. While this study represents the first Human mitochondrial data shows an expansion application of molecular genetics in identifying 100,000 years ago, which is also evident in louse source populations of aquarium ornamental species, mtDNA. However, one striking difference between we feel that these techniques are amenable more human and louse mtDNA is the human mtDNA broadly since they are dependent on only a few coalesce to a single lineage rapidly (within ca. caveats. 100,000 years), whereas louse mtDNA lineages date back to the origin of the genus Homo (ca. 2 million Wiens, Karen, and Susan Mopper, University of years ago). Two hypotheses have been put forth to Louisiana at Lafayette. The ecological implications explain this phenomenon, (1) the founding of temperature and salinity for a native and populations of modern humans leaving Africa carried nonnative iris in coastal Louisiana (ecology). at least three distantly related louse lineages into the Iris pseudacorus is native to Eurasia and is present population, and (2) archaic hominids carried listed as an invasive species in 43 of the lower 48 louse lineages that persist today due to host switching states. It is a freshwater plant that tolerates high events. To test each of these hypotheses we salinities and is known to grow in salt marsh habitats simulated sequence data in a coalescent framework in both its native and invasive ranges. I. pseudacorus under each scenario to determine which is more shares habitat requirements and environmental likely to produce the louse gene tree. tolerances with a Louisiana native, I. hexagona. Despite its long term popularity as a landscape plant, I. pseudacorus does not appear to have established in

36

marsh environments of Louisiana. A previous Wilkie, Jacquelyn, College of Charleston. Spacial experiment found that salinity negatively impacted and temporal characterization of the surf zone the performance of I. pseudacorus seedlings and a macrofauna at Folly Beach, South Carolina pilot study showed that when I. pseudacorus (ecology). rhizomes established in a common garden The fish assemblage within the surf zone is experienced a salinity treatment of 8 ppt, they widely variable consisting of a large number of experienced strong mortality. These findings are at individuals which represent a small number of odds with published tolerance data for I. species. Although a few species in the surf zone in pseudacorus, and led to the hypothesis that elevated the South Atlantic Bight have been well studied, data salinity in combination with Louisiana’s high are lacking for most species, especially fishes. A summer temperatures may negatively affect I. study is being conducted in conjunction with a study pseudacorus. Growth chambers were used to test this of the surf zone in Horry County, South Carolina, hypothesis. We found that neither temperature nor which has a history of hypoxic events. The study salinity affected the early establishment of rhizome conducted on Folly Beach is being used to evaluate fragments. At low salinity, we found a significant long term changes to the macrofauna in the surf zone species effect, where I. pseudacorus grew faster than by comparing findings to studies conducted from I. hexagona. We also found a significant time effect 1969 to 1971, and 1980. A 19.8 m by 1.8 m, 9 mm as well. At higher salinity we found a species by bag seine is pulled through the surf zone parallel to time interaction. These results were unexpected and the shore for 100 m at two sites 0.5 km apart. suggest that the timing of a disturbance event leading Samples are taken biweekly within one hour of low to the fragmenting and dispersal of rhizome tide in the morning from June 2007 to August 2008. fragments could determine the establishment success After the seine is beached, each specimen is of fragments of native and invasive iris in coastal preserved, then measured and weighed. Before each wetlands. seine haul, the following physical measurements are taken: turbidity, temperature, salinity, percent dissolved oxygen, and concentration of dissolved oxygen. Data collected will be analyzed to compare species richness and abundance between counties as well as between seasons. Abundant species will be used in additional analysis to examine any correlations between abundance or biomass and any of the physical measurements.

37

Poster Presentation Abstracts

1. Abernathy, Jason W., Jianguo Lu, Zhenxia Sha, dwelling), Aterica galene (strictly forest dwelling), and Zhanjiang (John) Liu, Auburn University. and Gnophodes betsimena (could be found both in Complement control factor I in the channel catfish forest and outside forests) in some semi-deciduous (Ictalurus punctatus) is conserved through teleost forests of Ghana. Genetic diversity within and evolution (molecular). between populations of these species will be analyzed The complement system in vertebrates plays for using MtDNA cytochrome oxidase I (COI). a key role in host defense by promoting inflammation Butterflies were sampled from seven isolated forests and stimulating an immune response. Complement (sizes between 6 and 5000ha) including sacred groves control factor I (CFI) is a serine protease that (forests reserved by local communities). Therefore, it regulates complement activation through proteolytic is expected, in this study, that genetic diversity within activity. This protein is responsible for cleavage of the populations in each forest fragment will be low both third (C3b) and fourth (C4b) components of the due to absence/less gene flow and the influence of complement system. Thus CFI regulates the genetic drift. However, species in forest fragments complement activation cascades in both the relatively close to each other will indicate much alternative and classical pathways, at the C3 and C4 higher genetic diversity due to possible gene flow steps, respectively. Host regulation is crucial, since especially by G. betsimena, if it is able to move CFI functions in both innate (alternate pathway) and through matrices such as farms and cocoa plantations acquired (classical pathway) immunity. To date, that surround these forests. These forests fragments research on CFI genes in teleost fish has been are under threat because they are still reducing in size limited. Using degenerate and zebrafish primers, we due to human activities. The goal of this study is to discovered a partial CFI sequence in the channel recommend conservation measures for these small to catfish. BLAST tools at the NCBI website were used medium sized-forests to secure/maintain genetic to confirm the identity as CFI. We further obtained variability and the long-term survival of their the complete primary sequence of the CFI gene from biodiversity. mRNA by sequencing full-length cDNA. Alignments of both nucleotide and amino acid 3. Aschliman, Neil C., Florida State University. sequences were made from RefSeqs and UniGenes of Molecular phylogeny of stingrays and allies various other species available at the NCBI. Through (Batoidea: Myliobatiformes) using nuclear and phylogenetic analyses, we observed that the catfish mitochondrial DNA sequence data (systematics). CFI domain and deduced amino acid sequence is The order Myliobatiformes highly conserved with the common carp CFI, and (Chondrichthyes: Batoidea) comprises 10 families with zebrafish and Tetraodon predicted proteins. and approximately 175 species of stingrays and Further analyses suggest good conservation with pelagic rays. This group circumscribes a broad range other vertebrate species as well, including humans. of morphological disparity, from Urotrygon Our finding that catfish CFI is conserved in evolution microphthalmum, a diminutive stingaree with a disc is consistent with various other genes involved in the width of only 15 cm, to the seven-meter wide complement pathways and vertebrate host immunity. planktivorous Manta birostris. Myliobatiforms have A discussion and figures will be presented in the been morphologically well characterized, but there poster. remain numerous points of contention between studies. A molecular phylogenetic analysis of 2. Antwi, Josephine, and Janice Bossart, myliobatiforms was conducted to provide a Southeastern Louisiana University. framework for understanding the apparent Influence of forest fragmentation on the evolutionary changes in their morphology and genetic diversity of nymphalid butterflies ecology. The myliobatiform radiation dates to the (molecular). Cretaceous through Eocene, so a slowly evolving Species inhabiting fragmented forests are nuclear gene was expected to optimally resolve the isolated at different degrees preventing gene flow clade. Recombination activating gene 1 (RAG-1) between forests. Progressive inbreeding among these was chosen because it exhibits desirable properties in species leads to genetic drift with consequent loss of sharks and rays for phylogenetic analysis. This genetic diversity. The impact of fragmentation will nuclear locus was complemented by NADH be analyzed using three nymphalid (fruit-feeding) dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2), a faster-evolving butterfly species, Euphaedra medon (strictly forest mitochondrial protein-coding gene that is useful for

38

resolving closely related taxa. Genes were analyzed behavior of females and compared fecundity of separately and combined for a number of singly and multiple mated females. We predicted myliobatiforms under Maximum Likelihood and that females would exhibit increased fecundity Maximum Parsimony approaches. While unable to benefits due to multiple mating behavior. Based on fully resolve the interrelationships of myliobatiforms preliminary experiments we found that females of the and their allies, the ND2 and RAG-1 data sets agreed confused flour beetle sometimes mate with multiple upon a number of well-supported clades. Some are partners. The fitness effect of multiple mating on novel, while others are anticipated by morphology. female fecundity and egg-to-adult survival of eggs will be discussed. 4. Begnaud, Les, Jesse Castille, Brandon DeJean, Grant Guidry, and Caleb Williams, University of 6. Cannon, Johanna T., Amanda L. Rychel, Billie J. Louisiana at Lafayette. Effects of natal habitat and Swalla, and Kenneth M. Halanych, Auburn salinity on Iris hexagona populations (ecology). University. Molecular phylogeny of Hemichordata Many restoration projects fail because (systematics). habitat conditions, ecological factors, and population Resolving phylogenetic relationships within dynamics are poorly understood. Preliminary Hemichordata is important for understanding the experimental studies on potentially influential early evolution of the deuterostomes, including variables could improve the outcome of these large- characters of the last common deuterostome ancestor. scale and costly activities. The empirical data can be At present, Hemichordata is divided into two classes, combined with mathematical models to make more the solitary, free-living Enteropneusta worms, and the intelligent management decisions. Our project used a colonial, tube-dwelling Pterobranchia. These taxa, common garden experiment and stage-structured which have very different larval and adult body matrix models to examine the influence of natal plans, have been central to hypotheses of habitat and salinity on the performance of a native deuterostome evolution. Previous molecular wetland species, Iris hexagona. In the freshwater phylogenetic studies of hemichordates using 28S treatment, plants collected from brackish habitats had rDNA data or 18S rDNA data have suggested that a lower initial biomass but a higher relative growth enteropneusts are either monophyletic or rate compared to plants collected from freshwater paraphyletic, respectively. Here, we expand the wetlands. Our model integrates results from the number of hemichordate taxa in phylogenetic common garden experiment and previous field analyses using 18S rDNA data and employ more studies to predict iris population growth. Although quickly evolving mitochondrial gene sequences. initially smaller in size, irises from brackish marsh Preliminary data show enteropneust families as two produced larger populations than freshwater plants distinct monophyletic clades, with the colonial within five to fifteen years. Climate change is pterobranchs in between them. The deep-sea increasing both sea level and environmental salinity spaghetti worm Saxipendium coronatum is shown to in many coastal wetlands. These inevitable abiotic be a member of Harrimaniidae. Novel data from an changes should be considered when restoring undescribed deep-sea enteropneust species similar to damaged habitats; plants that are best adapted to Torquarator bullocki and a Gulf Stream tornaria them should be selected whenever feasible. larva suggest that these taxa are within the Restoration decisions can be improved by integrating Ptychoderidae. Implications of these phylogenetic field experiments and mathematical models. results for the evolution of deuterostome body plans will be discussed. 5. Bush, Brienne, Vericka Johnson, and Aditi Pai, Spelman College. Polyandry and its fitness 7. Dittler, Matthew J., and Robert H. Jones, Virginia consequences in the confused flour beetle, Polytechnic Institute and State University. How do Tribolium confusum (evolution). root-feeding insects alter fine root dynamics in Little is known about the mating behavior of oak-dominated forests of southern Appalachia? the confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum. (ecology). However, extensive research has been completed on The turnover of fine root biomass is a the mating behaviors of the red flour beetle, substantial carbon flux, accounting for over fifty Tribolium castaneum; a closely related species of the percent of net primary production in most terrestrial confused beetle. The objective of this study was to ecosystems. Because insect herbivores consume fine measure the extent of female multiple mating root tissue, they may play a significant role in root behavior among T. confusum females and determine turnover dynamics. In this study we assessed the whether multiple mating behavior increased female influence of naturally occurring densities of root- fecundity. Accordingly we observed the mating feeding insect assemblages on fine root productivity

39

by using an ingrowth core method to quantify fine further describe the possibility of hybridization based root biomass production with and without an insect upon genotypes. removal treatment (Lorsban?). Here we summarize data on insect larval densities collected during 9. Fort, John, Florida State University. Does the ingrowth core installation (summer, 2006) and species identity of competitors influence harvest (summer, 2007), and the fine root production reproductive fitness in Solanum carolinense? data from the ingrowth core experiment. Contrary to (ecology). our predictions, herbivore exclusion did not have a Individual plants within a community statistically significant, negative effect on average compete for limited resources in order to maximize fine root length or fine root biomass production. growth and reproductive fitness. How does the Rather, effects of herbivore exclusion on fine root identity of a plant’s competitor affect that plant’s productivity varied in direction and intensity performance? Niche theory predicts that plants with depending on the location of sample plots. We found more similar resource needs compete more strongly. no correlation between inorganic nitrogen availability Following this thinking, conspecific competitors and the effects of the herbivore treatment on root should reduce a target plant’s fitness more than non- productivity. Our results are in contrast to a similar conspecific competitors. The neutral theory of study by Stevens and Jones (2006) in a longleaf pine, biodiversity, on the other hand, predicts that a target wiregrass system. We think that plant community plant’s fitness should be equally reduced by composition might explain this discrepancy because competition from any other plant, regardless of herbivores may have foraging and oviposition species. We observed the effect of different plant preferences for certain vegetation types due to competitors on the reproductive fitness (measured as differences in the ways they defend their roots seed production per plant) of Solanum carolinense. against herbivores. We are currently developing a Increased percent cover of neighbors from many suite of experiments to test this hypothesis. species (including other S. carolinense) did not affect seed production. On the other hand, increased 8. Ferrara, C. L., and F.M. Harper, Rollins College. percent cover of one particular neighbor (Sida Potential hybridization between the lizards Anolis spinosa) was associated with decreased seed sagrei and Anolis carolinensis in the Floridian production. These findings support one aspect of peninsula (evolution). niche theory (plants compete differently with Both Anolis carolinensis and A. sagrei are different neighbors), but are inconsistent with the small, subtropical, diurnal lizards that share a idea that intraspecific competition must be greater common evolutionary ancestor on the island of Cuba. than interspecific competition. Lizards within the genus Anolis are model organisms for studying factors that drive speciation because 10. Gentry, Jacqueline, and Rosanna Cappellato, island colonization and niche segregation has lead to Rhodes College. Carbon storage and sequestration over 150 extant species radiating throughout the of urban parks in Memphis, TN (conservation). Caribbean islands. Anolis carolinensis is the only Based on Earth Day Network data from anole native to the United States, but in the last 40 2002, the city of Memphis, TN, releases an estimated years A. sagrei has been introduced throughout the 64 million tons of anthropogenic CO2. This study Florida peninsula by accidental transport in cargo and aimed to observe the amount of carbon sequestered in produce from the Bahamas and Cuba. In this study, I Memphis parks and to compare this value to the use species morphology and genetic evidence to amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the city. We investigate the possibility of hybridization between collected data from 35 urban parks, covering 690 ha these two species of Anolis lizards in secondary of treed area. We measured tree area coverage in contact. Six locations in Florida where both lizards parks with Google Earth Pro and used the results of a occur were chosen as collection sites. Lizards were recent study done in a Memphis urban park, to captured by hand, photographed and assessed for 35 calculate the total value of carbon stored and diagnostic characteristics. In total, 221 lizards were sequestered. We estimated that parks store 41,000 captured and tissue was sampled from the tails of 61 MtC and sequester 6% of the carbon dioxide annually individuals for genetic analysis. Principal released by Memphis. However, because an aerial components analysis of 35 diagnostic characteristics coverage map does not provide an accurate revealed two distinct clusters of anoles, each measurement of the tree biomass and may not reflect pertaining to the defined species. One individual out the most recent changes in the parks, we additionally of the 221 collected lizards had a mixed phenotype surveyed two parks to determine the degree of and may be of hybrid origin. Genetic work is difference between the actual treed areas and those currently ongoing using an mtDNA marker (COI) to inferred from the aerial image. These measurements

40

indicated that values based on aerial images with satellite and aerial imagery. As a first step, we underestimated the amount of carbon stored and are comparing the known vegetation changes on St. sequestered by up to 77%, further underscoring the George Island with vegetation on nearby Cape ecological relevance of Memphis parks as George Island to determine the extent to which contributing to the reduction of anthropogenic CO2. vegetation patterns can be extrapolated to nearby areas using remote sensing technology. 11. Gornish, Elise, and Thomas E. Miller, Florida State University. Use of census data to inform and 12. Grinath, J. B., Florida State University. implement restoration of coastal dune vegetation Mutualistic repercussions: consequences of (ecology). ant/membracid interactions for an herbivorous Coastal regions along the Gulf of Mexico beetle and the host plant (ecology). provide vital habitat for an array of wildlife, Pairwise species interactions that result in including several threatened and endangered species. the exchange of benefits to individuals of both The vegetation and geomorphology in coastal areas species are termed mutualisms. The interactions are interlinked: the landscape determines which between ants and honeydew-producing homopterans plants can become established, while the plants have proven popular study systems, but the reciprocally act to stabilize sands and sediments. community-level impacts of these relationships Climate can affect both vegetation and morphology, remain poorly understood. To explore the direct and although the long-term effects of climate are not well indirect community relations of this type of understood. Understanding how the vegetation and mutualism, I conducted an experiment in 2007 with a geomorphology respond to storms and predicted species of ant (Formica obscuripes), a honeydew- climate change will be necessary to effectively producing membracid (Publilia modesta), an manage coastal areas. This has become particularly herbivorous beetle (Monoxia sp.) and the perennial evident due to recent storms such as Hurricanes Ivan host plant that these insects interact upon (2004), Dennis (2005), and Katrina (2005). We have (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus). Ant presence/absence censused the vegetation on permanent plots on St. treatments were crossed with three beetle abundance George Island in northern . Florida annually since manipulations on individuals of C. viscidiflorus in a 1999. Vegetation patterns across sites and years has fully factorial design using 15 replicate ant colonies. been analyzed using detrended correspondence The data indicate that ants reduced herbivory of the analysis (DCA). Correlations between vegetation beetle on the hostplant, but that such a benefit is not change and climate for the last 8 years demonstrate apparent among floral measures. Membracids are that the vegetation of island habitats is affected by a positively associated with ant tending throughout all variety of climate events. Vegetation on foredunes is developmental instars. The effect of the ant on the most affected by tidal surge and flooding associated host plant remains unclear and requires further study with major storms, while interdune areas are most of the herbivory by the membracids and larval affected by both surge and spring temperatures and beetles. backdune areas by spring drought. The census was used to identify six plant species that are either 13. Hale, Rebecca E., and Joseph Travis, Florida resistant to storm effects or respond positively State University. A comparative study of parental following storms: Centella asiatica, Fimbristylis care and life history evolution in birds (animal spp., Muhlenbergia capillaris, Schizachyrium behavior). littorale, Sporobolus virginicus, and Uniola If altricial bird species require more parental paniculata. Individuals of these six species have care, then is altriciality associated with greater been transplanted into fore-, inter-, and backdune parental effort? We suggest that such an association habitats and are being monitored bi-monthly for should arise from reciprocal selection on parental survival and growth. These transplant experiments effort and early life traits. If so, then coevolution will test the prediction that these species may be between developmental traits and parental effort useful for restoring damaged coastal areas. Results could give rise to a continuum of parental effort that of this work will help local, regional and national parallels the continuum from precocial to altricial reserve managers to implement efficient and cost- offspring. Here, we explore the association between effective methods of management and restoration to hatchling development and parental effort, with the ameliorate the effects of climate change on dune expectation that species at the altricial end of the habitats. In the future, we are interested in developmental spectrum should depend on care determining whether the predictions of vegetation longer and should be more likely to exhibit biparental change on St. George Island can be extrapolated over care than precocial species. We also explore the a wider scale using ground-based spectral data along alternative hypothesis that changes in hatchling

41

development and parental effort are simply Astrotoma agassizii is distributed widely throughout evolutionary consequences of selection of body size, Antarctica and southern South America. This species fecundity, and survival. is a brooding echinoderm without a planktonic larval stage, and therefore may have limited dispersal. In 14. Hickman, Caleb R., and Maureen B. Peters, this study we wanted to evaluate hypothesized Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. Is there a barriers to gene flow in the Southern Ocean, such as colony-specific chemical cue to elicit an aggressive depth, geographic distance and the Polar Front, a response in the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis region between Antarctica and South America invicta)? A field study (aimal behavior). marked by large temperature change and high flow Understanding aggression in the red velocity. Two mitochondrial genes were sequenced imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) is important in and compared from populations of A. agassizii from evaluating their invasive potential in the southeastern Antarctica and South America. Populations U.S. Aggression has been a focal aspect of fire ants' separated by the Polar Front were shown to be ability to compete with other species. Fire ants use isolated and belonged to separate genetic lineages chemical cues to detect an intruder whereby an lacking morphological distinction. However, within aggressive response is displayed. Chemical cues are lineages, genetic continuity was displayed across a a form of communication where colony members can large geographic range. Therefore, despite lacking a coordinate an attack. These attack cues could planktonic larval stage, A. agassizii can disperse possibly vary between colonies that compete for across substantial geographic distance within resources. In this field study, we determine if attack continental shelf regions. These results indicate that chemical cues alone elicit an aggressive response. geographic distance alone may not be a barrier to We also determine if colony specific attack cues dispersal, but rather the combined effects of distance, evoke a more aggressive response. To test this we depth and the Polar Front act to prevent gene flow measure the degree of aggressive response between between A. agassizii populations in Antarctica and cues from different colonies. Furthermore, we South America. Similar levels of genetic diversity outline future studies to determine the aggressive and divergence likely exist within other Southern community dynamics of monogyne and polygyne Ocean invertebrates. Additional work is needed to colonies in comparison to native ant colonies where further document biodiversity in this isolated genetic assays will determine colony types. biogeographic region in order to more fully understand the dynamic physical processes and 15. Hill, E. Pierson, and Joseph Travis, Florida State extreme environmental conditions driving this University. Introgressive hybridization and diversity. habitat disturbance in the Nerodia fasciata- Nerodia clarkii watersnake complex in north 17. Janosik, Alexis M., Andrew R. Mahon, and Florida (evolution). Kenneth M. Halanych, Auburn University. A The study of hybrid zones can reveal molecular phylogeography of two Antarctic processes important to the production and species in the genus Odontaster (Odontasteridae; maintenance of species and hybrid introgression can Asteroidea) separated by the Drake Passage be a threat to the conservation of locally adapted (molecular). forms. Two species of closely related watersnakes The sea star Odontaster validus is one of the (genus Nerodia) hybridize along the northern coast of most abundant species in the Antarctic. With a Florida in human-modified habitats. By using a circumpolar distribution, including the Sub-Antarctic, combination of morphological and molecular O. validus has been referred to as a keystone species approaches, these hybrid populations will be of the Antarctic. Another member of this genera compared with populations from intact habitats to found in South American waters, O. penicillatus, elucidate patterns of natural selection, reproductive exhibits morphological similarity. Its planktotrophic isolation, and gene flow. mode of development provides a great potential for dispersal although the Antarctic Circumpolar Current 16. Hunter, Rebecca L., and Kenneth M. Halanych, (ACC) may be acting as a biogeographical barrier. Auburn University. Phylogeography of an Population structure, genetic connectivity, and Antarctic brooding brittle star (molecular). distribution of these species have never been Studies examining population structure and rigorously examined by using molecular tools. These genetic diversity of benthic (bottom-dwelling) marine relationships were examined with a combined invertebrates in the Southern Ocean have emerged mitochondrial 16S ribosomal and cytochrome COI recently. However, many groups remain unstudied, dataset from specimens collected throughout the echinoderms being one example. The brittle star Southern Ocean. The results show a separation

42

between the populations of Odontaster spanning the greater insight into community dynamics. One way Drake Passage, preventing gene flow from occurring, to effectively collect data about an organism or despite a planktonic larval stage. community is to conduct repeated censuses. Standard techniques, which note the species or the 18. Jiang, Ke, Curtis Hansen, Leslie Goertzen, number of individuals present, fail to accurately Auburn University. Geographic distribution, represent the community because they do not account diversity and flowering time of North America for species biomass. Including measurements of wild grapevines (evolution). biomass during repeated censuses can allow for better The distribution and diversity of wild comparisons of species, habitat, and role within the grapevine (genus Vitis) in North America are community. Reef and seagrass sponges, which investigated using online herbaria database. The perform a number of important functional roles in hypothesis that wild Vitis species are reproductively their communities (e.g., water filtration, shelter, isolated by different flowering times is tested by stabilizing coral), are compared using census data analyzing location and time of flowering specimen collected from Belize in June 2006 and 2007. collections. All species showed slight delay of Locations and volumes of each individual were flowering with the increase of latitude. Significant recorded during the first census and the recensus difference of flowering time was observed among noted presence or absence of sponges, remeasured some species. Major genes in pathways controlling individuals, plotted and measured new (recruited) flowering time will be characterized in Vitis. The sponges. Species accumulation curves suggest each variation and molecular evolution of these candidate community was sufficiently surveyed. The reef genes will be studied. habitat had greater species diversity than the seagrass. Changes for each species, biomass and 19. Johnston, Cora A., and Romuald N. Lipcius, number of individuals, were not always directly Hampshire College. Macroalgae as alternative related. Five species lost individuals but increased in primary nursery habitat for juvenile blue crab in total volume and one species found in both Chesapeake Bay (conservation). communities had different patterns of change. Coral As eelgrass beds—the optimal primary reef species increased in volume and individuals nursery habitat for juvenile blue crab (Callinectes while seagrass species generally decreased in volume sapidus)—perish, restoration efforts must consider and individuals. Additional data is necessary to alternative habitats such as macroalgae like predict if these short-term changes allow long-term Gracilaria spp. Within the theoretical framework of predictions for both communities (i.e., stability). the predation risk and growth rate µ/g) trade-off Piecing together each aspect on a year-to-year basis hypothesis, survival of three size classes (<15 mm, will assist with local conservation and management 15–25 mm, and 25–50 mm carapace width) of of natural communities. juvenile blue crabs was examined in field experiments within seagrass, mud, and Gracilaria 21. King, Joshua R., Florida State University. Size- patches. As expected from the nursery habitat abundance relationships in Florida ant paradigm, survival was high for small and large communities: sociometry reveals how social juveniles in seagrass, and lowest for all juveniles in insects break the energetic equivalence rule mud. In Gracilaria patches, survival of all juvenile (ecology). size classes was high, often higher than in seagrass. Social insects are among the most abundant This suggests that the complex structural refuge terrestrial organisms, yet little is known of how social provided by Gracilaria spp. may be an effective insect communities divide resources because it is substitute primary nursery for juvenile blue crabs difficult to measure the size and number of their until they reach a relative size refuge from predation colonies. The body size–abundance relationships of at ~30 mm carapace width. Restoration efforts the ants of five upland ecosystems in Florida were should consider macroalgae like Gracilaria spp. as a studied. I tested whether abundance, energy use, and viable alternative nursery for the vanishing eelgrass total biomass were distributed among species and beds in Chesapeake Bay. body sizes as predicted by Damuth's energetic equivalence rule. Estimates of average worker body 20. Joyner, Jessica, and Janie Wulff, Florida State size, colony size, colony mass, and field metabolic University. Sponge community dynamics— rates were used to examine the logarithmic summary of Belize reef and seagrass census relationships among body sizes, population energy (ecology). use and total biomass. These analyses revealed Within communities, organism abundance significant variation and did not support the energetic changes and following key organisms can provide equivalence hypothesis. Specifically, population

43

energy use and total biomass were strongly skewed Carolina into Texas). In order to reconstruct the toward species with larger workers and colonies. evolutionary history of these salamanders we have Because body size was positively related to colony amplified, purified, and sequenced 1100 base pairs of size and medium to large species were among the the mitochondrial gene Cty-b and 1000 base pairs of most abundant species in the fauna, it is clear that the nuclear gene RAG-1. We have produced a larger species with larger colonies account for a phylogenetic reconstruction using Bayesian disproportionate fraction of the total abundance and Inference, with separate partitions for each gene and mass of ants. codon position. Our results suggest that dwarf salamanders are more speciose than reflected by 22. Lee, Jee Young, and Soojin Yi, Georgia Institute current taxonomy and as a result we propose to of Technology. How reliable is sequence similarity elevate several populations to specific status. as an inference for functional orthology? A case study using human and mouse genes (evolution). 24. Mayon, Mindy, and Janice Bossart, Southeastern Orthologous relationships between genes in Louisiana University. Insect assemblage of Winn different genomes are often judged by sequence Parish saline prairies (ecology). similarity, because functional evidence of orthology Saline prairies are rare and endangered is lacking in most cases. However, this practice may habitats found scattered throughout northern lead to misidentification of orthologous relationships. Louisiana. They are nearly entirely unstudied, but We investigated human and mouse genomes to are known to be home to six animal species of investigate whether genes identified to be concern and one federally listed plant species. An orthologous based upon sequence similarity alone insect assemblage will provide valuable insights into differ from genes that have some functional evidence this unique and sensitive habitat and be a solid supporting orthologous relationships. To answer this foundation for further research. For one year, pitfall question, we first determined wehther gene pairs and flight-intercept traps will be used to (between human and mouse) with some functional systematically collect insects in Winn Parish saline evidence of orthology have experienced stronger prairies and the adjacent forest habitats. The traps functional constraint (asmeasured by dN/dS) than will be placed along transects that begin at the edge those with sequence similarity alone. Second, we then extend to both the forest and the prairie habitats. tested whether gene pairs with functional support Community diversity will be characterized with show stronger conservation in their gene respect to species identities and their abundances. coexpression network. We found that (i) regardless The data from both habitats will be statistically of the functional support, functional constraint compared. Potential invasive species and species of increases with sequence similarity and (ii) gene gene concern will also be identified. coexpression patterns are not influenced by sequence simliarity or the presence of functional support of 25. Mesko, J., and F. M. Harper, Rollins College. orthology. Thus, at least for these two traits DNA analysis of the seastars Asterias rubens and (functional constraint and coexpression patterns), A. forbesi using nuclear markers (evolution). sequence similarity is a good measure of functional As a result of the last glacial maximum, the orthology. northwest Atlantic experienced wholesale extinction of many obligate rocky intertidal invertebrates. 23. Lloyd, Dorothy H., Courtney A. Morgan, and Following the retreat of the ice-sheets, the sibling David A. Beamer, East Carolina University. The big species of seastars Asterias rubens and A. forbesi picture on tiny salamanders: a phylogenetic expanded out of refugia in Europe and the southern survey of dwarf salamanders (systematics). United States, respectively, and formed a secondary The dwarf salamander (Eurycea contact zone in the Gulf of Maine and along the coast quadridigitata), perhaps concomitant with its small of Nova Scotia. Despite having an initial divergence stature, has consistently been overlooked by time of approximately 3.0 my, it is unclear whether systematists. Due to the physical resemblance of one sympatric (co-occurring) populations of Asterias spp. another, all populations of dwarf salamanders have are reproductively isolated. Both species share the traditionally been viewed as a single species. The same microhabitat, have the same prey items and recent description of a second species, E. have overlapping spawning periods. Previous studies chamberlaini, that was long confused with E. in our lab have demonstrated reciprocal gamete quadridigitata suggests a need to carefully examine compatibility in controlled settings, and we have populations rangewide. We have sampled over 50 found evidence of limited natural hybridization populations of dwarf salamanders throughout their through comparisons of morphology (phenotype) and entire distribution (the coastal plain from North mitochondrial DNA markers (genotype of maternal

44

lineage). In this study, I am expanding on this work related species that minimized the time spent in the by confirming the hybrid status of previously vulnerable size range. The results obtained in this identified individuals using nuclear markers for two study suggest that S. rosenblatti plays an important introns, ATPSβ-7 and Ef-1α-4. Using these bi- role in the ecology and life histories of juvenile L. parentally inherited markers I will be able to further varia and L. variegata. describe hybridization in individuals from sympatric populations. Results of the preliminary analyses of 28. Pfaller, Joseph B., Gregory M. Erickson, Paul DNA sequences for previously identified hybrids as Gignac, and Nathanael Herrera. Ontogeny of bite- well as individuals from allopatric populations using force generation in a durophagus turtle (functional intron ATPSβ-7 will be presented. morphology). The edentulous, akinetic feeding apparatus 26. Miller, Gabriel J., Lora L. Smith, Steve A. found in turtles provides a simple, yet relevant, Johnson, and Dick Franz, University of Florida. system to conduct investigations of allometry and the Home range, habitat use and refuge use of the ontogeny of feeding biomechanics and performance. Florida pine snake at Ichauway in southwest While considerable attention has been given to the Georgia (ecology). organization of skull elements and musculature in Florida Pine snakes are believed to be turtles, very little data has been obtained on the declining and currently are considered a species of biomechanical performance of the jaws (e.g., bite special concern in Florida. Habitat destruction is force) and beak (e.g., strength, pressure generation). surmised to be a major source of the decline. In Feeding mode is a key factor determining southwest Georgia, the Ichauway property is one of morphological evolution and diversification of turtle only a few islands of ecologically functional upland skulls, whereby diet (especially durophagy) leads to pine habitats with a viable population of Florida pine parallel morphologies in different clades. Processing snakes. The purpose of this study is to understand and consuming hard prey (durophagy) in turtles is the general requirements of pine snakes in the relatively common, and this behavior is typically longleaf ecosystem including habitat use (at the associated with an ontogenetic diet shift away from landscape and micro-scale levels), refuge use and more soft-bodied prey. Because durophagy requires home range. A total of 12 Florida pine snakes (8 a feeding apparatus with sufficient biomechanical adult males, 3 adult females, and 1 sub-adult female) properties to produce and support high bite-forces, are being tracked for this study. significant morphological changes across ontogeny would be expected. In this case, because bite-force 27. Olson, Grant L., and William A. Szelistowski, generation is ecologically relevant, it is a good model Eckerd College. Adaptations of juvenile mangrove for which to examine the relationship between littorinids to predation by the pufferfish Sphroides allometry and the ontogeny of biomechanical rosenblatti (ecology) The adults of two species performance. of mangrove littorinids, Littoraria varia and L. variegata, use vertical migration and growth to a size 29. Richard, Bonnie J., and Erin J. Watson, refuge to avoid intense predation by the puffer fish Southeastern Louisiana University. The effects of Sphoeroides rosenblatti in the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Chrysomya rufifacies on the Louisiana insect Rica. Juveniles of both species, however, are both carrion community (ecology). unable to migrate above the jumping range of puffers, The role of necrophilous insects in ecology which can reach up to 13 cm above the water surface, is to recycle decaying remains back into the outlying and are too small to satisfy the size refuge obtained ecosystem. In forensic science, the studies of these by adults. We hypothesized that juveniles of both necrophilous insects play an important role in species have mechanisms that reduce predation determining postmortem intervals. It is important to during this period of high vulnerability. Data from have a record of necrophilous insects in each region, field surveys and predation trials revealed that since each region has its own unique ecosystem. juveniles exhibit several anti-predation adaptations: Because of this, if an invasive species is introduced, a (1) Increasing vertical distribution above the water record of its effects on the native carrion ecosystem surface within the jumping range of puffers decreased should be well-documented. The last time the puffer predation. (2) Juveniles concealed in root necrophilous insects of southeastern Louisiana were junctures, compared to those on outer root surfaces, monitored was in 2004. Since that time, an faced lower rates of puffer predation. (3) Juveniles aggressive invasive species of blow fly has been exhibited vertical migrational behaviors that introduced. The purpose of this thesis is to record the minimized the time spent in the jumping range of effects of Chrysomya rufifacies, an invasive species, puffers. (4) Juveniles grew at fast rates compared to on native necrophilous dipteran and coleopteran

45

populations. C. rufifacies larvae are facultatively environmental effects on the dispersal phenotype of cannibalistic and feed on other calliphorid larvae, and that species. Third, I will present future questions I also repel the native necrophilous insects from the plan to address for my dissertation research. carcass. The results will not only update the record of necrophilous insects in the Ponchartrain Basin, but 32. Zakas, Christina, John Binford, Sergio also examine the effects of C. rufifacies and its Navarrete, and John Wares, University of Georgia. apparent repelling capabilities on native species. It is Restricted gene flow among barnacle populations also expected that the results will aide in future indicates possible selection or ecological shift experiments to isolate the repellant(s) used by C. (evolution). rufifacies. Larval recruitment in benthic costal communities is strongly affected by oceanographic 30. Shah, Premal, University of Tennessee, topography. Notably, current change and differences Knoxville. Are RNA thermometers unique? in upwelling regimes can cause a break in settlement (molecular). patterns even in proximal regions. On the Chilean Microorganisms are constantly faced with a coast, barnacle settlement in the upper intertidal changing environment. This has thus led to evolution regions shows a marked decrease in recruitment of molecular sensors that permit them to regulate above 32/33°S, possibly due to such oceanographic their gene expression in response to the changes in factors or differences in selective pressures. In order temperature, nutrient availability etc. One of the to better understand this observed community shift, means by which microbes sense an increase in genetic comparisons of the mitochondrial CO1 gene temperature is by thermodynamic "melting" (opening of Notochthamalus scabrosus have been synthesized up of base-pairs) of regulatory regions of mRNAs for populations both north and south of the break. called RNA thermometers. It has been previously Phylogenetic analysis of the CO1 markers shows 3 hypothesized that there exists a small set of genes, distinct clades of one northern and two southern which are translationally regulated by this populations, demonstrating that this recruitment mechanism. We used RNA folding simulations to break is related to genotype. Further genetic identify potential RNA thermometers in the E. coli comparisons in nuclear markers such as EF1 are genome. Contrary to our expectations, we show that currently being analyzed to better resolve parental mRNAs have an inherent tendency to "melt" with an source populations as well as specific selective increase in temperature depending on the sequence. pressures. With these results, more conclusive However, this property is not unique to the genes that evidence can determine if this recruitment pattern is are categorized as RNA thermometers, as a large due to physical barriers or a sudden ecological shift. fraction of genes undergo an increased melting of varying degree at high temperatures. We believe that the thermo-sensing property of mRNAs is a very widespread phenomenon.

31. Tso, Sarah, Florida State University. Amphicarpy as a tool for studying dispersal (evolution). Why dispersal evolves has been a compelling question in the study of evolution and ecology but is inherently difficult to study both because it is difficult to describe the phenotype and to track the fate of the seeds that are dispersed. Amphicarpic plants can avoid these difficulties because they produce both underground and aerial seeds and the dispersal phenotype can be described as the proportion of the different seed types that are produced. The different seed types may be adapted to deal with the different selective factors associated with near and far dispersal. First, I will identify selective factors and the spatial scale over which those selective factors are important to the survival of a native species in its natural habitat. Second, I will provide evidence of both local adaptation and

46

Notes:

47

Notes:

48

Notes:

49

Notes:

50

Notes:

51