Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Ringrose, John Lyons, Thesis advisor (ths): Beresford, David, Thesis advisor (ths): Abraham, Ken, Degree committee member (dgc): Beresford, David, Degree committee member (dgc): Abraham, Ken, Degree committee member (dgc): Nol, Erica, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>I studied the abundance, distribution and diversity of horse fly and deer fly species (Diptera: Tabanidae) and mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) in the boreal forest region of northern Ontario in 2011 and 2012. I collected 19 mosquito species, including one species new for Ontario, Aedes pullatus (Coquillett). I documented 11 northern and one southern range extension. I also… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The distribution of animals is rarely random and is affected by various environmental factors. We examined space-use patterns, habitat selection and stress responses of whip-poor-wills to mining exploration activity.To the best of my knowledge, fine scale patterns such as the habitat composition within known home ranges or territories of eastern whip-poor-wills have not been investigated… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The fate of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in surface waters determines the ecological risk of this emerging contaminant. In this research, the fate of AgNPs in lake mesocosms was studied using both a continuous (i.e. drip) and one-time (i.e. plug) dosing regime. AgNPs were persistent in the tested lake environment as there was accumulation in the water column over time in drip mesocosms… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Recent declines in growth and condition of Great Lakes' lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) have been linked to ecosystem-wide changes stemming from the invasion of dreissenid mussels. To test the influence of invasive mussels on this commercially important coregonid species, we collected archived scale samples from ten Great Lake locations and analyzed long-term changes in… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p><italic>Ustilago maydis</italic> (DC) Corda is the causal agent of 'common smut of corn'. Completion of the <italic>U. maydis</italic> lifecycle is dependent on development inside its host, <italic>Zea mays</italic>. Symptoms of <italic>U. maydis</italic> infection include chlorosis and the formation of tumours on all aerial corn… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Stormwater ponds (SWPs) are a common feature in new urban developments where they are designed to minimize runoff peaks from impervious surfaces and retain particulate matter. As a consequence, SWPs can be efficient at retaining particle-bound nutrients, but may be less efficient at retaining nutrients that are present primarily in the dissolved form, like nitrogen (N). However, the… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Nitrogen is a major constituent of agricultural fertilizers, and nitrogen inputs to stream water via runoff and groundwater lead to a variety of negative environmental impacts. In order to quantify the movement of nitrogen through aquatic food webs, fourteen streams with varying land uses across South-Central Ontario were sampled for two species of fish, freshwater mussels, and water for… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Selenium is an essential trace nutrient to many organisms, yet in high concentrations it is toxic. Organic selenium is more bioavailable to aquatic biota than inorganic selenium, but is usually found in much lower concentrations. Algae are known to biotransform inorganic selenium into several organo-selenium compounds, but it is unknown whether any of these bioaccumulate in the food… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The damage to Sudbury's landscape from over a century of smelter and logging activity has been severe and impacts well documented. However, despite their abundance in the region, wetlands have received little attention. Recent studies have identified that nutrient limitation is as much a problem as metal toxicity and highlighted not only the importance of wetlands but also the need… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): McInnes, Mark Andrew, Thesis advisor (ths): Ellis, David A, Degree committee member (dgc): Thompson, Matthew, Degree committee member (dgc): Gueguen, Celine, Degree committee member (dgc): Stock, Naomi, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) are anthropogenic environmentally ubiquitous surfactants that tend to concentrate on water surfaces. This investigation looked at the effect of simulated rain on the atmospheric concentration of a suite of PFCAs (C2 - C12) above the bulk water system. Increased air concentrations of all PFCAs were detected during simulated rain events. Long chain… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Lin, Shang-Yao Peter, Thesis advisor (ths): Dorken, Marcel E, Thesis advisor (ths): Nol, Erica, Degree committee member (dgc): Crins, William J, Degree committee member (dgc): Freeland, Joanna R, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Sexual reproduction in flowering plants depends on investment in reproduction, the mode of pollen transfer, the availabilities of nutrient resources and potential mates, and the spatial scales over which these processes take place. In this thesis, I studied the general reproductive biology of Shepherdia canadensis (L.) Nutt. (Elaeagnaceae) and the suite of pollinators that visit the… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>I investigated the impact of beef-cattle farm management on the reproductive success of Bobolink (<italic>Dolichonyx oryzivorus</italic>) and Eastern Meadowlark (<italic>Sturnella magna</italic>) within Eastern Ontario. I monitored rotational grazing management regimes and hay cut dates while assessing breeding phenology and reproductive success of Bobolinks and… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Johnson, James Anthony, Thesis advisor (ths): Aherne, Julian, Degree committee member (dgc): Watmough, Shaun A, Degree committee member (dgc): Huber, Christian, Degree committee member (dgc): Cummins, Thomas, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>The objective of this thesis was to assess the influence of anthropogenic sulphur (S) and nitrogen (N) deposition, and harvesting on soil acidity and calcium (Ca<super>2+</super>), magnesium (Mg<super>2+</super>), potassium (K<super>+</super>) and N soil pools in plantation forest soils in Ireland. The response to reductions in anthropogenic S… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Majchrzak, Yasmine Nicole, Thesis advisor (ths): Burness, Gary, Degree committee member (dgc): Mastromonaco, Gabriela, Degree committee member (dgc): Murray, Dennis, Degree committee member (dgc): Bowman, Jeff, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Many facilities attempt to alleviate the risk of chronic stress in captivity by providing environmental enrichment shown to minimize behavioural disorders and stress in several species. One potential form of enrichment used in zoos is training animals to perform rides for guests, however, the effect of this activity on the welfare of individual animals has never been examined. I… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The structure and composition of the landscape can facilitate or impede gene flow, which can have important consequences because genetically isolated groups of individuals may be prone to inbreeding depression and possible extinction. My dissertation examines how landscape structure influences spatial patterns of genetic differentiation and diversity of American marten (<italic>… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>This study presents a detailed assessment of the chemical speciation of aluminum and zinc in three streams of a small, acid-sensitive forested catchment on the southern edge of the Precambrian Shield.</p><p>Speciation analysis was achieved using an in-situ analytical technique known as Diffusive Gradient in Thin film (DGT) which measures labile metals, and a predictive… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Glycine max (soybean) is an economically important plant species that registers a relatively low yield/seed weight compared to other food and oil seed crops due to higher rates of flower and pod abortion. Alleviation of this abortion rate can be achieved by altering the sink strength of the reproductive organs of soybeans. Cytokinin (CK) plays a fundamental role in promoting growth of… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Kelly, Nick, Thesis advisor (ths): Burness, Gary, Thesis advisor (ths): Wilson, Chris C, Degree committee member (dgc): Ridgway, Mark S., Degree committee member (dgc): McDermid, Jenni L., Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>In the face of climate change, the persistence of cold-adapted species and populations will depend on their capacity for evolutionary adaptation of physiological traits. As a cold-adapted Ice Age relict species, lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) are ideal for studying potential effects of climate change on coldwater fishes. I studied the thermal acclimation capacity and aerobic… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Hornseth, Megan L., Thesis advisor (ths): Murray, Dennis L., Degree committee member (dgc): Bowman, Jeff, Degree committee member (dgc): Fortin, Marie-Josee, Degree committee member (dgc): Ray, Justina, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Current major issues in conservation biology include habitat loss, fragmentation and population over-exploitation. Animals can respond to landscape change through behavioural flexibility, allowing individuals to persist in disturbed landscapes. Individual behaviour has only recently been explicitly included in population models. Carnivores may be sensitive to changing landscapes due to… more Year: 2014, 2014
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Caribou experience direct and indirect negative effects of harassment from biting flies, influencing behavior and activity on several spatial and temporal scales. I used systematic insect collection surveys during the summers of 2011 and 2012 to examine the spatial and temporal distributions of black flies (Simuliidae), mosquitoes (Culicidae), and deer flies and horse flies (Tabanidae)… more
