Breeding ecology and behavior were investigated in a field study of three sympatric anuran amphibians in the Oregon Cascade Mountains: the western toad (Bufo
boreas), the Cascades frog (Rana cascadae) and the Pacific treefrog (Hyla regilla). A comprehensive study of the western toad mating system was conducted at three populations...
The influence of large-scale processes on natural communities has become one of the central issues of modern ecology. I combined field and laboratory studies to investigate the effects of variation in coastal upwelling on rocky intertidal communities along the central Oregon coast. I examined whether the growth of intertidal barnacles...
The vascular system of Aplysia californica is a simple visceromotor system with three main arteries innervated by a small pool of identified neurons. I used this system to
study the functions of neuropeptide transmitters and their actions on neural and muscle tissues. A central finding of this study is that...
Factors affecting the persistence of mussels (Mytilus californianus) and their associated epibiont species were studied along the central Oregon coast. Interactions between mussels and their algal epibionts (Endocladia
muricata) varied in sign and strength with environmental conditions. In extreme temperatures mussel—epibiont interactions determined survival of individual mussels,
and persistence of...
This dissertation focuses on science relevant to the design and implementation of marine reserves. The chapters explore a range of topics related to among-site variation in population, community, and ecosystem dynamics. My results demonstrate the value and feasibility of integrating this knowledge into more comprehensive conservation and management approaches. While...