Winters in north-temperate climates impose high
thermogenic demands upon small birds which are met by
seasonal acclimatization. This thesis investigates the
extent and mechanisms of seasonal acclimatization in darkeyed
juncos (Junco hyemalis) inhabiting western Oregon.
Although insulation is significantly increased in
winter, acclimatization is primarily metabolic. Increased
metabolism is required...
Newly emerged steelhead fry (Oncorhynchus mvkiss) of hatchery and
wild origins were studied in laboratory stream channels and natural
streams. Objectives of the study were to determine if and how earlier
emerging hatchery fry influence the emigration, realized densities,
growth, habitat use, social structure, and activity patterns of
localized populations...
The early life history stages and metamorphosis in Dover
sole (Microstomus pacificus) are described from 201 larvae and
juveniles. Unlike other pleuronectids, with the possible exception
of the deep-sea sole (Embassichthvs bathvbius), initial migration of
the left eye is not associated with metamorphosis or transition from
plankton to benthos. The...
Gradients of physical disturbance are central to
theories of community organization yet rarely are studies
performed in which physical factors are experimentally
manipulated. Pothole tidepool algal communities exhibit
distinct zonation patterns from top to bottom that result
from scouring by rocks and other debris in the pools.
Scouring is easily...
Some parasites may modify the behavior of their
hosts. Altered behaviors may: 1) benefit the host in
that they defend against the pathogen, 2) benefit the
pathogen and represent manipulations of the host
response, and 3) benefit neither the host or the
pathogen and simply be a product of the...
The Mark 0. Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC)
public education opportunities include interpretive programs
offered along the Estuary Nature Trail. The purpose of this
study was to determine the effectiveness of three informal
education programs, interpretive signs, a self-guided trail
brochure, and guided naturalist walks, in imparting
information on the...
I examined the biomechanical factors that influence the sizes of intertidal macroalgae by studying a population of Fucus gardneri at Fogarty Creek Point, OR. I constructed a mathematical model to predict optimal sizes and probabilities of survival for Fucus under conditions of high and low wave exposure. Predicted optimal sizes...
As ecologists are being called upon to predict the consequences of human
perturbations to natural communities, an important goal is to understand what factors
drive variability or consistency in nature.
In the rocky intertidal of San Juan Island, Washington, a comparative
experimental approach was used to investigate spatial and temporal...
The influence of loss of diversity on community dynamics and ecosystem functioning has recently received considerable attention. Although study of biodiversity has a long history within ecology, empirical investigations exploring consequences of loss have been rare. Because many factors confound diversity comparisons, experimental manipulations of diversity offer the most direct...
Juvenile steelhead are known to associate with shiner groups, though they also compete for food. Steelhead form dominance hierarchies within cohorts and aggressively defend feeding territories against all other fish. This study focused on the differential effect of shiner competition on steelhead of different social standing.
Survival of subordinate juvenile...