Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Kajiura, Stephen M.

Abstract

Crude oil causes both lethal and sublethal effects on marine organisms, but the impact upon sensory function remains unexplored. Elasmobranchs rely upon the effective functioning of their sensory systems for use in feeding, mating, and predator avoidance. The objective of this study was to test the effect of crude oil upon the olfactory and electroreceptive sensitivity of the Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina. The magnitudes of the electro-olfactogram (EOG) responses were significantly depressed by 26% (Glutamic Acid) to 157% (Cysteine) for all amino acids when stingrays were exposed to crude oil. The shapes of the EOG responses when exposed to oil were also significantly different, exhibiting a more protracted response compared to un-exposed stingrays. Oil exposed stingrays exhibited a significant decrease in orientation distance to prey-simulating electric fields. This study is the first to quantify the effects of crude oil on olfactory and electrosensory sensitivity of marine predators.

Extent

62 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00004776

Format

pdf

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