Display Full Text | Download Full Text
154.49 kB PDF file

Degree

Master of Science, Miami University, Zoology, 2003.

Abstract

Several investigators have documented a negative density-area relationship (i.e. higher population densities in smaller fragments) for Peromyscus leucopus (the white-footed mouse). The purpose of this thesis is to investigate if high densities of P. leucopus are consistent among seasons and if higher densities may be due to greater reproduction, as a result of higher food availability, in small than large fragments. Observations of nest box use suggest that relative density and reproduction in small and large fragments differ among seasons. Higher densities in small than large fragments were only documented during the fall season. Observations of foraging patch use combined with reproductive data suggest that greater food availability in the edge may allow greater reproduction and thus contribute to higher densities in small fragments. Dense edge vegetation may be the primary contributor to greater food availability, although there is some evidence that there may be fewer competitors in small fragments.

Keywords

population density; Peromyscus leucopus; forest fragmentation; fragmentation; foraging; reproduction; deer tick; season; seasonality; negative density-area

Advisor

Douglas Bradford Meikle

Pages

70p.

Document number: miami1056475129
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1056475129

This ETD has been downloaded 325 times (through March 2013)