Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Herzing, Denise L.

Abstract

This study examined the coefficients of association (COAs) of Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenellafrontalis, in the Bahamas that have been part of a long-term underwater observational study since 1985. First, three social units were designated based on analysis of association indices. The units appeared to coincide with clusters of individuals with similar ranges; however, there were insufficient ranging data to determine whether the social units were separate geographical units. The associations within and between these social units were analyzed to determine whether the units comprised separate communities. Results indicated that separate communities did not exist. Analysis of association indices of the 26 individuals with known relatives demonstrated that there is preferential association among kin. Also, effects of social segregation based on sex and age class, which are evident in the population as a whole, are absent in kin dyads.

Extent

46 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2007.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00000843

Format

pdf

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