Date of Award

2003

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.Sc.

Department

Biological Sciences

Keywords

Biology, Ecology.

Supervisor

Ciberowski, J. J. H.

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

Invasive species are becoming increasingly common components of Great Lakes zoobenthic communities. Elton (1958) proposed that biotic resistance against exotic species establishment is greater in intact communities than in those disturbed by human activities. However, Baltz and Moyle (1993) suggested that if abiotic conditions are appropriate, invasion is likely, regardless of the biota already present. I tested these hypotheses by investigating the distribution of Echinogammarus ischnus Stebbing, 1898, an exotic amphipod, at U.S. Great Lakes coastal margin sites influenced by varying degrees of anthropogenic stress. Thirty-nine sites supporting Gammarus fasciatus Say, 1818, a common amphipod with habitat preferences similar to Echinogammarus ischnus, were evaluated (out of a total of 74 sites sampled across the entire U.S. Great Lakes coastline). A highly significant association was detected between Echinogammarus ischnus and Gammarus fasciatus (Yates corrected chi2 = 7.94, d.f. = 1, p < 0.020, n = 74), consistent with the expectations of Baltz and Moyle's hypothesis. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Biological Sciences. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2003 .K36. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 43-03, page: 0772. Adviser: Jan Ciborowski. Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2003.

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