Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Roesijadi, Guritno

Abstract

Anthropogenic modifications to' the St. Lucie River watershed have significantly altered the patterns offreshwater flow, resulting in extreme changes of salinity and the subsequent decline in the health ofthe estuary. While much is already reported for the response of Crassostrea virginica to temperature and salinity, distinct differences exist along its distribution range warranting site specific assessments for previously unstudied populations. A modified Central Composite Inscribed response surface analysis was designed to describe the response of the local C. virginica population to a range of endemic salinity and temperature combinations. Controlled temperature and salinity studies were carried out at the Gumbo Limbo Marine Science Center in a mesocosm facility specifically designed and constructed for this project. Condition index and RNA:DNA ratio served as response measures. Minimum values for condition index were observed at combinations of high temperatures(> 25 °C) and low salinities (< 5 psu). The analysis of oyster RNA: DNA ratios showed a similar pattern of response, although, in this case, its relationship with temperature and salinity was not as strong. The final models for mean condition index and the RNA:DNA ratios explained 77.3% and 35.8% of the respective variances.

Extent

64 p.

Comments

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

Identifier

FA00000745

Format

pdf

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