Fecal samples from 277 goats on eleven farms in Florida were examined to determine the prevalence and intensity of the multiple species of Eimeria that infect goats in this region. The number of oocysts per gram of fe...Fecal samples from 277 goats on eleven farms in Florida were examined to determine the prevalence and intensity of the multiple species of Eimeria that infect goats in this region. The number of oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) was determined by the modified McMaster technique. Species identification was done following sporulation. Eimeria oocysts were found in 97% of the fecal samples. Goats less than one year of age shed significantly more oocysts than goats greater than one year of age (P < 0.01). Goats of the Nubian breed had the highest OPG counts when compared to Boer, Boer-Spanish crosses, and Saanen breeds. Nine Eimeria spp. were identified. Eimeria arloingi (91%), E. ninakohlyakimovae (82%) and E. alijevi (79%) were the most prevalent species. Other species present were E. caprina (60%), E. christenseni (60%), E. hirci (46%), E. caprovina (29%), E. aspheronica (15%), and E. jolchijevi (9%).展开更多
A stratified random sampling approach was employed to quantify total biomass across prevalent non-commercial forest understory species found in six counties of northwest Florida, USA. The moisture content （wet basis...A stratified random sampling approach was employed to quantify total biomass across prevalent non-commercial forest understory species found in six counties of northwest Florida, USA. The moisture content （wet basis） and calorific values of these species were also measured. Total green biomass from forest understory species was estimated to be around 12 million metric tons, mostly comprised of Cliftonia monophylla （titi, buckwheat tree） and Cyrilla racemiflora （white titi, swamp titi）. This understory forest biomass would be sufficient to generate about 28.8 million GJ of electricity or 1589.25 million liters of ethanol. A need was identified to determine the inventory of forest understory biomass at the state level and assess the overall sustainability of utilizing forest understory biomass for bioenergy.展开更多
Changing landscapes and land-use practices are altering habitat for Florida wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo osceola). However, an understanding of habitat determinants of nest success is lacking for this unique turk...Changing landscapes and land-use practices are altering habitat for Florida wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo osceola). However, an understanding of habitat determinants of nest success is lacking for this unique turkey subspecies, potentially limiting conservation success. We examined female wild turkey nest site selection and nest success at microhabitat and patch levels using logistic regression in an Information-Theoretical framework in Florida, 2008-2010. We captured and radio-equipped adult female turkeys, and followed birds to nests. Nests were monitored to document success, and habitat was measured at multiple levels at nest and random sites. Females selected nest sites in dense vegetation (i.e., increased saw palmetto cover [Serenoa repens] and higher palm stem densities) that may have provided lateral and vertical cover for concealment at the microhabitat level (i.e., area within 7 m of the nest), while selecting for a more open habitat (i.e., decreasing hardwood and conifer stem densities) at the patch level (i.e., area within 28 m of the nest). Similarly, successful nests were in more dense vegetation at the nest site (i.e., increased saw palmetto cover) in an otherwise more open habitat (i.e., lower basal area) than unsuccessful nests. Habitat management that creates patches of dense shrub vegetation such as saw palmetto within an open landscape may be best for Florida wild turkey nesting habitat and success.展开更多
Semen characteristics of naturally fertile pairs and their correlation with fertility of eggs in Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis) were examined. Six pairs were used in this experiment, and all of the...Semen characteristics of naturally fertile pairs and their correlation with fertility of eggs in Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis) were examined. Six pairs were used in this experiment, and all of them that had bred before were housed in open individual pens. These pairs were isolated physically each other but not visually and audibly. Semen was collected twice (Tuesday morning and Friday afternoon) from February 26 to June 4, 1993. The standard methods at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center were used collecting and evaluating the semen and spermatozoa. and incubating the eggs. There were statistically individual variations (p<0.05) about successful collecting attempts, semen volume, semen concentration, spermatozoon’s motility,spermatozoon’s number per collection, live spermatozoon’s number, male’s response to semen collection, and morphology of spermatozoa except the giant cell. There was a significantly (p<0.05, correlation coefficient was (0.73 or (1 .00) negative correlation between fertility of eggs and the multiple value of semen (sperm) characteristics of naturally fertile pairs in Florida sandhill crane.展开更多
Beginning in the 1980s,dramatic ecological changes happened to the bay and the adjacent Everglades.Several U.S.government organizations such as the U.S.Geological Survey and National Park Service united to try to rest...Beginning in the 1980s,dramatic ecological changes happened to the bay and the adjacent Everglades.Several U.S.government organizations such as the U.S.Geological Survey and National Park Service united to try to restore these ecosystems.As part of the whole project,this study establishes a baseline of variability for the last 100 to 4000 years in seagrass abundance(an indicator of water quality),展开更多
Tree species in coastal forests may exhibit specialization or plasticity in coping with drought through changes in their stomatal morphology or activity, allowing for a balance between gas exchange and water loss in a...Tree species in coastal forests may exhibit specialization or plasticity in coping with drought through changes in their stomatal morphology or activity, allowing for a balance between gas exchange and water loss in a periodically stressful environment. To examine these responses, we sought to answer two primary research questions: a) how is variation in B. simaruba’s stomatal traits partitioned across hierarchical levels, i.e., site, tree, and leaf;and b) is variation in stomatal traits an integrated response to physiological stress expressed across the habitat gradient of Florida Keys forests? At eight sites distributed throughout the Keys, five leaves were collected from three mature trees for stomatal analysis. Leaf carbon stable isotope ratio (δ13C) was determined to infer the changes in water use efficiency caused by physiological stress experienced by each tree. The results showed that substantial proportions of the total variance in three traits (stomatal density, stomatal size, and δ13C) were observed at all levels, suggesting that processes operating at each scale are important in determining trait values. A significant negative correlation between stomatal density and size across scales was observed. Path model analysis showed that environmental variables, distance to ground water and ground water salinity, affect leaf δ13C indirectly, via its effects on stomatal traits, not directly to leaf δ13C. Therefore, the combination of small and densely distributed stomata seems to represent a strategy that allows B. simaruba to conserve water under conditions of physiological drought induced by either higher ground water salinity or flooding stress at very low elevation.展开更多
The Florida Current （FC） largely fills the Straits of Florida and is variable on a broad spectrum of time and space scales. Some portions of the variability are due to variable forcing by tides, winds, heating/cooli...The Florida Current （FC） largely fills the Straits of Florida and is variable on a broad spectrum of time and space scales. Some portions of the variability are due to variable forcing by tides, winds, heating/cooling, and throughflow; other portions are due to intrinsic instabilities of the FC. To predict, as well as to better understand this complex regime, a nowcast/forecast system （East Florida Shelf Information System （EFSIS）） has been implemented and assessed （http：//efsis. rsmas. miami. edu）. EFSIS is based on an implementation of the Princeton Ocean Model （POM） with mesoscale-admitting resolution on a curvilinear grid. It is forced by a mesoscale numerical weather prediction system （called Eta） run operationally by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction （NCEP）, eight tidal constituents from a global tidal model, and lateral boundary conditions from an operational global ocean prediction model, i.e., the Navy Coastal Ocean Model （NCOM）. Real-time observations of coastal sea level, coastal sea surface temperature, coastal HF radar-derived surface current maps, and FC volume transport are used to verify and validate EFSIS. EFSIS is part of an evolving strategy for real-time predictive coastal ocean modeling methodology, and for fostering the understanding of the variability of the regime on several time and space scales. Here, some of the verification and validation results are provided, as well as diagnostic analyses of dynamical processes. The central point is that an example is provided of a ＇scientific revolution＇ in progress that combines real-time observations and numerical circulation models to yield a credible sequence of synoptic views of coastal ocean circulation for the first time.展开更多
Increased sedimentation rates have been attributed to increased anthropogenic activity in watersheds throughout Florida and many parts of the world. The Manatee River, located on the west coast of Florida （USA）, lik...Increased sedimentation rates have been attributed to increased anthropogenic activity in watersheds throughout Florida and many parts of the world. The Manatee River, located on the west coast of Florida （USA）, like many other coastal watersheds, has experienced depletion in natural resources, increased nutrient loading, and increased pollution. LARs （linear accumulation rates） from watersheds throughout Florida suggest that anthropogenic activity increased bulk sedimentation by as much as 4-fold. The objective of this study was to construct a record of sedimentation and improve upon previous studies by determining individual sedimentary constituent MARs （mass accumulation rates） based on short lived radioisotopes （2~~pb and 234Th） to characterize changes in sedimentation attributed to increased anthropogenic development. This study constructed records of sedimentary accumulation rates to compare pre-development records to the past 100 years of anthropogenic development and identified specific changes in sedimentation attributed to anthropogenic activity. Anthropogenic development increased deposition of terrigenous material into the river from 2-fold to I 0-fold （0.3-2.0 g/cm2/yr） over three periods： （1） predevelopment period （1900-1941）; （2） agricultural development period （1941-1970）; （3） urban development period （1970-2010）. The mobilization of this amount of terrigenous material has implications for effects on water quality and biological communities within the river.展开更多
文摘Fecal samples from 277 goats on eleven farms in Florida were examined to determine the prevalence and intensity of the multiple species of Eimeria that infect goats in this region. The number of oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) was determined by the modified McMaster technique. Species identification was done following sporulation. Eimeria oocysts were found in 97% of the fecal samples. Goats less than one year of age shed significantly more oocysts than goats greater than one year of age (P < 0.01). Goats of the Nubian breed had the highest OPG counts when compared to Boer, Boer-Spanish crosses, and Saanen breeds. Nine Eimeria spp. were identified. Eimeria arloingi (91%), E. ninakohlyakimovae (82%) and E. alijevi (79%) were the most prevalent species. Other species present were E. caprina (60%), E. christenseni (60%), E. hirci (46%), E. caprovina (29%), E. aspheronica (15%), and E. jolchijevi (9%).
文摘A stratified random sampling approach was employed to quantify total biomass across prevalent non-commercial forest understory species found in six counties of northwest Florida, USA. The moisture content （wet basis） and calorific values of these species were also measured. Total green biomass from forest understory species was estimated to be around 12 million metric tons, mostly comprised of Cliftonia monophylla （titi, buckwheat tree） and Cyrilla racemiflora （white titi, swamp titi）. This understory forest biomass would be sufficient to generate about 28.8 million GJ of electricity or 1589.25 million liters of ethanol. A need was identified to determine the inventory of forest understory biomass at the state level and assess the overall sustainability of utilizing forest understory biomass for bioenergy.
文摘Changing landscapes and land-use practices are altering habitat for Florida wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo osceola). However, an understanding of habitat determinants of nest success is lacking for this unique turkey subspecies, potentially limiting conservation success. We examined female wild turkey nest site selection and nest success at microhabitat and patch levels using logistic regression in an Information-Theoretical framework in Florida, 2008-2010. We captured and radio-equipped adult female turkeys, and followed birds to nests. Nests were monitored to document success, and habitat was measured at multiple levels at nest and random sites. Females selected nest sites in dense vegetation (i.e., increased saw palmetto cover [Serenoa repens] and higher palm stem densities) that may have provided lateral and vertical cover for concealment at the microhabitat level (i.e., area within 7 m of the nest), while selecting for a more open habitat (i.e., decreasing hardwood and conifer stem densities) at the patch level (i.e., area within 28 m of the nest). Similarly, successful nests were in more dense vegetation at the nest site (i.e., increased saw palmetto cover) in an otherwise more open habitat (i.e., lower basal area) than unsuccessful nests. Habitat management that creates patches of dense shrub vegetation such as saw palmetto within an open landscape may be best for Florida wild turkey nesting habitat and success.
文摘Semen characteristics of naturally fertile pairs and their correlation with fertility of eggs in Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis) were examined. Six pairs were used in this experiment, and all of them that had bred before were housed in open individual pens. These pairs were isolated physically each other but not visually and audibly. Semen was collected twice (Tuesday morning and Friday afternoon) from February 26 to June 4, 1993. The standard methods at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center were used collecting and evaluating the semen and spermatozoa. and incubating the eggs. There were statistically individual variations (p<0.05) about successful collecting attempts, semen volume, semen concentration, spermatozoon’s motility,spermatozoon’s number per collection, live spermatozoon’s number, male’s response to semen collection, and morphology of spermatozoa except the giant cell. There was a significantly (p<0.05, correlation coefficient was (0.73 or (1 .00) negative correlation between fertility of eggs and the multiple value of semen (sperm) characteristics of naturally fertile pairs in Florida sandhill crane.
文摘Beginning in the 1980s,dramatic ecological changes happened to the bay and the adjacent Everglades.Several U.S.government organizations such as the U.S.Geological Survey and National Park Service united to try to restore these ecosystems.As part of the whole project,this study establishes a baseline of variability for the last 100 to 4000 years in seagrass abundance(an indicator of water quality),
文摘Tree species in coastal forests may exhibit specialization or plasticity in coping with drought through changes in their stomatal morphology or activity, allowing for a balance between gas exchange and water loss in a periodically stressful environment. To examine these responses, we sought to answer two primary research questions: a) how is variation in B. simaruba’s stomatal traits partitioned across hierarchical levels, i.e., site, tree, and leaf;and b) is variation in stomatal traits an integrated response to physiological stress expressed across the habitat gradient of Florida Keys forests? At eight sites distributed throughout the Keys, five leaves were collected from three mature trees for stomatal analysis. Leaf carbon stable isotope ratio (δ13C) was determined to infer the changes in water use efficiency caused by physiological stress experienced by each tree. The results showed that substantial proportions of the total variance in three traits (stomatal density, stomatal size, and δ13C) were observed at all levels, suggesting that processes operating at each scale are important in determining trait values. A significant negative correlation between stomatal density and size across scales was observed. Path model analysis showed that environmental variables, distance to ground water and ground water salinity, affect leaf δ13C indirectly, via its effects on stomatal traits, not directly to leaf δ13C. Therefore, the combination of small and densely distributed stomata seems to represent a strategy that allows B. simaruba to conserve water under conditions of physiological drought induced by either higher ground water salinity or flooding stress at very low elevation.
文摘The Florida Current （FC） largely fills the Straits of Florida and is variable on a broad spectrum of time and space scales. Some portions of the variability are due to variable forcing by tides, winds, heating/cooling, and throughflow; other portions are due to intrinsic instabilities of the FC. To predict, as well as to better understand this complex regime, a nowcast/forecast system （East Florida Shelf Information System （EFSIS）） has been implemented and assessed （http：//efsis. rsmas. miami. edu）. EFSIS is based on an implementation of the Princeton Ocean Model （POM） with mesoscale-admitting resolution on a curvilinear grid. It is forced by a mesoscale numerical weather prediction system （called Eta） run operationally by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction （NCEP）, eight tidal constituents from a global tidal model, and lateral boundary conditions from an operational global ocean prediction model, i.e., the Navy Coastal Ocean Model （NCOM）. Real-time observations of coastal sea level, coastal sea surface temperature, coastal HF radar-derived surface current maps, and FC volume transport are used to verify and validate EFSIS. EFSIS is part of an evolving strategy for real-time predictive coastal ocean modeling methodology, and for fostering the understanding of the variability of the regime on several time and space scales. Here, some of the verification and validation results are provided, as well as diagnostic analyses of dynamical processes. The central point is that an example is provided of a ＇scientific revolution＇ in progress that combines real-time observations and numerical circulation models to yield a credible sequence of synoptic views of coastal ocean circulation for the first time.
文摘Increased sedimentation rates have been attributed to increased anthropogenic activity in watersheds throughout Florida and many parts of the world. The Manatee River, located on the west coast of Florida （USA）, like many other coastal watersheds, has experienced depletion in natural resources, increased nutrient loading, and increased pollution. LARs （linear accumulation rates） from watersheds throughout Florida suggest that anthropogenic activity increased bulk sedimentation by as much as 4-fold. The objective of this study was to construct a record of sedimentation and improve upon previous studies by determining individual sedimentary constituent MARs （mass accumulation rates） based on short lived radioisotopes （2~~pb and 234Th） to characterize changes in sedimentation attributed to increased anthropogenic development. This study constructed records of sedimentary accumulation rates to compare pre-development records to the past 100 years of anthropogenic development and identified specific changes in sedimentation attributed to anthropogenic activity. Anthropogenic development increased deposition of terrigenous material into the river from 2-fold to I 0-fold （0.3-2.0 g/cm2/yr） over three periods： （1） predevelopment period （1900-1941）; （2） agricultural development period （1941-1970）; （3） urban development period （1970-2010）. The mobilization of this amount of terrigenous material has implications for effects on water quality and biological communities within the river.
