Document Type
Thesis
Major/Program
Environmental Studies
First Advisor's Name
Jennifer S. Rehage
First Advisor's Committee Title
Committee Chair
Second Advisor's Name
Philip Stoddard
Third Advisor's Name
Joel Heinen
Keywords
Everglades, invasive species, range expansion, behavioral traits, fitness
Date of Defense
2011
Abstract
Invasive range expansion is correlated to life- history variation, boldness and dispersal behavior. The invasion of the African Jewelfish in Everglades National Park provides an opportunity to test life-history trait variation, boldness and dispersal behavior in the invasion success of this species.
My study examined variation in somatic traits, boldness, and dispersal of jewelfish across their invaded range. Life histories were examined on wild individuals. Boldness and dispersal were tested in outdoor experimental tanks. Tested populations from the invasion front have higher somatic traits, but they were not bolder than longer established populations.
Understanding the underlying mechanisms of invasions are key for the development of strategies looking to contain invaders and prevent their spread.
Identifier
FI11080804
Recommended Citation
Lopez, Diana P., "Trait Variation in an Everglades Invasive Species: Life histories, Boldness, and Dispersal in the African Jewelfish" (2011). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 454.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/454
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