In this dissertation, new theory and its applications are developed to predict three properties of complex ecological communities: stability, equilibrium response, and non-equilibrium dynamics. First, a graph-theoretic analysis identifies the interconnections in a complex ecosystem that promote or diminish stability (Chapter 2). The hierarchy of interactions that influences stability and...
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PhilippeA. Rossignol Hiram W. Li
In this dissertation, new theory and its
Entomological evidence can be used for estimating post mortem interval (PMI). Decomposition studies have been conducted throughout the world and these studies have demonstrated that insect succession generally follows a similar pattern at a taxonomic level, specifically family, but varies at the genus and species levels with respect to geographic...
This research examines two of parameters of vectorial capacity for mosquitoes associated with catch basins in Corvallis, Oregon. The parameters of interest were determining 1) abundance of the mosquito species associated with the catch basins and 2) feeding patterns of local mosquito species. Three species of mosquitoes were collected from...
The myxozoan parasite, Ceratomyxa shasta, is the most significant pathogen of juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Klamath River, CA, USA. This parasite requires two hosts - a freshwater polychaete (Manayunkia speciosa) and a salmonid - to complete its life cycle. The complex life cycle and large geographic area...
Elton (1927) realized that, intuitively at least, nature was complex and stable. And that the last property contributed to the first. This idea was challenged mathematically by Gardner and Ashby (1970) and May (1972), and in the years following various models have attempted to reconcile these opposing views. Unlike previous...
Calow (1983) realized that differences between parasites and their free-living
relatives can be explained by the differences in nutrient richness. I
propose a model that is based on Calow's idea which identifies the relative
position of different trophic strategies (e.g. predation, grazing, parasitism and
others) based on (1) the differences...
Mosquito-borne pathogens are the cause of important, often deadly diseases
worldwide; and, use of repellents is one of the components of mosquito control programs.
The most effective mosquito repellent is N,N-dimethyl-m-toluamide, known as DEET.
Speculation on the adverse effects of DEET have been on the rise since the 1980s, and...
The probing behavior and feeding activity of green peach aphid, Myzus persicae
Sulzer, on Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. tenebrionis- transgenic potatoes, insecticide
treated potatoes, and host plants with different preference were electronically
monitored. I found that first, transgenic potatoes had no effect on green peach aphid
probing suggesting that transmission of...