http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification 720 https://escholarship.org/uc/bnhm_ucb_moorea/rss Recent eScholarship items from UCB Moorea Class: Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands Sat, 12 Sep 2026 20:45:21 +0000 https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8jt4w5jj <p>Natural and anthropogenic disturbances are changing coral reef systems at local and global scales. In Mo’orea, French Polynesia, it is unsure whether a Pocilloporid-and Poritid-dominant reef represents either a transitional, recovering community or a new, stable community (Pratchett 2010). Understanding the species-specific associations between coral-symbionts and their coral hosts will provide a more precise look at how symbionts contribute to their relationship. To better understand this mutualism, this study combined field surveys with phylogenetic analyses to examine the species-specific association between Trapezia crabs and their Pocillopora coral hosts and ask more broadly if there is an association between environmental variables and a morphological phylogeny of Trapezia. There was a significant association between certain species of Trapezia and Pocillopora (Likelihood ratio, x²=84.49, df=16, p=&lt;0.0001*), whereT. rufopunctata was found most frequently... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8jt4w5jj Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Ly, Vickie https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9q13k5tx Intertidal zonation of organisms is a key factor in ecological community structure and the existence of fundamental and realized niches. The zonation of two species of gastropods,Nerita plicata and Morula granulata were investigated using field observations and lab experimentation. The Nerita plicata were found on the upper limits of the intertidal zone while the Morula granulata were found on the lower limits. The distribution of each species was observed and the possible causes of this zonation were examined. Three main factors, desiccation, flow resistance and shell size were tested for their zonation. In the field, shell measurements of each species were made to see if a vertical shell size gradient existed; the results showed an upshore shell size gradient for each species. In the lab, experiments were run to see if the zonation preference found in the field existed in the lab as well. This experiment confirmed that a zonation between these species does in fact exist. Additional... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9q13k5tx Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Wormser, Vanessa https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9d638238 Aquaculture has many effects on the surrounding landscape. In Mo’orea, the only aquaculture operation is a shrimp farm in Opunohu Bay. To test the effect of shrimp farm runoff into the bay, a macroalgae field survey was conducted at different distances from the Opunohu River, where the effluent outlets. Algae cover was used to indicate nutrient concentration. I found that there is no significant relationship between distance from the shrimp farm outlet and algae cover. The red algae Acanthophora spicifera is a cultivated human food source and also a highly invasive species in Hawaii. It is found in Opunohu Bay. To test the effect of shrimp farm runoff on the growth rate of A. spicifera, I grew the algae in a laboratory setting in shrimp farm water and in ocean water. I found there to be no significant difference between the growth rates in the two water mediums. Additionally, I found that algae cover increases as distance from shore increases, and that algae prefers rock substrate... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9d638238 Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Horn, Rachel A https://escholarship.org/uc/item/81n5n6bv Abstract.Estuaries are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world; though human development and global warming are threatening them. Zooplankton communities can serve as biological indicators of stresses due to their short lifecycles and sensitivity to environmental shocks, such as salinity changes. Studies have looked at the effects of freshwater shocks in the lab outnumber those that surveyed natural zooplankton distributions change along the freshwater gradient created by outflow from rivers. This study surveys the distribution of various taxa and examines the relationship this has with salinity by sampling zooplankton in Pao Pao River and Opunohu River on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia. In addition, this study tests the ability of copepods native to brackish water in Pao Pao to survive various shocks of increasing or decreasing salinity over time, as well as their response to bright light. Significant differences were found in overall community composition... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/81n5n6bv Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Piterman, Sergey https://escholarship.org/uc/item/81m5864z <p>Abstract.Much of the recent decline in coral reefs can be attributed to coral disease; however, very little is known about coral immunity. Pink non-nomral pigmented immune response lesions have been seen on massivePoritescoral in Mo’orea. Field surveys were conducted around the island measuring; sedimentation, water flow rate, location in the fringing or back reef and the number ofDendropoma maximumandSpirobranchus giganteusembedded in the coral to test for an association with the immune response. Multivariate linear regression reveals a nearly significant positive association betweenSpirobranchusgiganteusand pink lesions. This study suggestsS. giganteusmay play a role in this immune response or be linked to some other confounding factor. Thus,S.giganteuscould be a potential bio-indicator for coral disease to help aid reef conservation efforts. </p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/81m5864z Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Lance, Shannon K https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7vz718v8 THE INFLUENCE OF CURRENT ON THE ADHESIVE POTENTIAL, DENSITY AND ABUNDANCE OF THE MAGNIFICENT SEA ANEMONE (HETERACTIS MAGNIFICA) IN MO’OREA, FRENCH POLYNESIA https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7vz718v8 Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Lewis, Caroline A, Ms. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5dd3n01g <p>As secondary producers, zooplankton species are crucial as a vehicle for energy transfer in marine ecosystems worldwide yet few studies have observed the zooplankton community in tropical island estuaries. This study aims to understand the distribution of the zooplankton community in two of the largest estuaries (Opunohu and Cook’s Bays) in the volcanic tropical island of Moorea, French Polynesia. The results show that a few taxonomic groups, especially copepod, dominate the zooplankton composition. Moreover, the zooplankton community and diversity is highly variable at each bay and between bays. In the laboratory, copepod salinity response was examined. Copepods were placed at different salinity treatments for 16 hrs and dead copepods were counted. The salinity experiments show greater mortality of copepods at the extreme ends of salinity concentration, 40ppt and 0 ppt, suggesting that salinity is a major component influencing the abundance in these systems. Monitoring fluctuations... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5dd3n01g Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Mendez, Carolina https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5952f5mk This study investigates the biomechanics, behavior, and distribution of urchin species in Mo’orea, French Polynesia to understand how they withstand hydrodynamic forces. Field surveys examined the flow distribution of four species:E. mathaei, Tripneustes gratilla, Diadema savignyiandEchinotrix calamaris. Flow tests were conducted on twoEchinometra mathaeisubspecies to measure spine angle under no flow and heavy flow conditions. Short spine urchin species were found in significantly higher flows than were long spine urchin species. Experimental findings revealed thatE. mathaeitype B temporarily adopts a more streamlined shape in response to increasing flow velocity, whileE. mathaeitype A does not. Understanding the streamlining behavior and other strategies for surviving hydrodynamic conditions is necessary in order to examine these organisms’ role in their environment. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5952f5mk Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Weiss, Amelia https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5182x106 <p>Habitat preferences are intrinsically linked to factors that facilitate the survival of a species. The relationship between these factors determines how well a species does in its environment. Often habitat choice is related to the availability of food, presence of predators, and proximity to other viable habitats, amongst other variables. How these variables interact depends on fluctuations in the trophic web of which they are a part.Corythoichthys flavofasciatusis a species of pipefish that occurs in the fringing and back reefs of Mo’orea, French Polynesia. It feeds on zooplankton and occurs primarily on dead coral heads that are covered in algal turf. This study aimed to understand the relationship between zooplankton abundance, habitat quality, and substrate types on the habitat preferences of this pipefish. A field survey of the abundance of zooplankton in different habitats was used to determine if more food was available in habitats that were dominated by dead coral.... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5182x106 Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Iyer, Neetha https://escholarship.org/uc/item/41z997bp <p>The importance of disturbance ecology grows as pristine habitat becomes increasingly encroached upon by land use change. This study focuses on the behavior of the burrowing terrestrial crabCardisoma carnifex(Herbst 1794) on the island of Moorea after its semi-permanent burrow was disrupted. In the first manipulation, a set of four disturbance treatments was applied to burrows in sand and dirt substrate to examine recovery time. The second manipulation increased the intensity of the disturbance to see if the crabs’ strategies change. The results showed a significant increase in recovery time with the intensity of disturbance in dirt substrates, but not in sand. There was also a significant combined effect of treatment and substrate type on recovery. The second set of data showed the same set of recovery strategies even as the disturbances were more intense. This shows that these crabs can restore their burrows in relatively low levels of disturbance, but it remains to be seen... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/41z997bp Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Hurley, Jacqueline https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3977m4tq Anthropogenic increases in atmospheric CO₂ compound the rates of long-term changes in the abiotic conditions of the Earth’s oceans. Because many physiological processes, including calcification rate, depend on these physical factors, there is mounting concern over how changes in temperature (T) and the CaCO₃ saturation of seawater will affect marine organisms.  These effects may be particularly relevant during development— many organisms produce protective calcified structures critical for pelagic dispersal and larval survivability.  I investigated how unmitigated increases in oceanic pCO₂ and temperature consistent with climate change predictions affect the embryonic development rate, hatching success, and veliger morphology of the opisthobranch gastropod,Stylocheilus striatus. Embryos were reared in four seawater treatments: 1) control (pH=8.02, T=27°C), 2) high-temperature (pH=8.02, T=31°C), 3) acidified(pH=7.67, T=27°C), 4) acidified high-temperature... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3977m4tq Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Allen, Trevor Riley https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3279865c Communities of non- vascular plants called bryophytes grow on limestone and basalt on Mo'orea, French Polynesia. The abiotic properties associated with living on each substrate is not well known, however. This study looks at the soil pH, buffering capacity, phosphate levels and substrate water holding ability associated with each substrate. In general, limestone has greater water holding capacity than basalt and its soils are more basic, have higher phosphate levels and have a greater pH buffering capacity than soils on basalt. This study also looks at the biological impact of these substrate abiotic differences by using multivariate discriminate analysis to compare bryophyte communities on each substrate. Five species are tightly correlated with a particular substrate. Ectropothecium sandwichense and Floribundaria aerunginosa prefer limestone whereas  Calymperes aongstroemii, Taxithelium vernieri, and Ectropothecium sodale, prefer basalt. Because the distribution of these species... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3279865c Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Wu, Jasper https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1td9248w Defense mechanisms have been long recognized as an important factor in establishing the development of many organism life histories. As a result, many processes associated with ensuring survivability have been very well established in organisms that utilize defense mechanisms. How these defense mechanisms have shaped the evisceration and regenerative processes of sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota still remain largely unstudied. In this study it is revealed that Holothuria leucospilota remain very consistent in their modes of evisceration, ejecting the same organs in every evisceration event. The consistency is compounded by the finding that approximately 28% of their body mass is eviscerated regardless of organism size. In terms of organ regeneration, the thickening of the mesentery tissues is apparent at Day 4 and regeneration of the digestive tract at Day 16. Sediment feeding also resumes at Day 16 along with the regeneration of the digestive tract. No regeneration of the... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1td9248w Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Hsieh, Vicki https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6tq3k5dh Epifoliar fungi are understudied, despite high prevalence across plant tissue. In this study, conducted on the island of Mo’orea, French Polynesia, an epifoliar fungus found on a high diversity of native leaves was identified and characterized. The rate of development was tracked and the characteristics of colonization were determined on mangrove ferns. Environmental conditions did not affect distribution, but did affect the growth rate of the fungal fruiting body. Host distribution was also surveyed and the fungi primarily occurred on naturalized plants. The potential use of this fungus as a bioindicator of plant and habitat health will be discussed. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6tq3k5dh Sun, 16 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Dasari, Mauna https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5n2925sj Social structures and population ecology can greatly influence individual behaviors in animal societies. The Common Myna (Acridotheres trisis) is a social, aggressive bird that is known as one of the world’s worst invaders. On the island of Mo’orea, French Polynesia,A. tristisis most often found in pairs and groups. It was anticipated that a pair ofA. tristiswould act as a team to increase foraging and defense efficiency. This study examined aggressive behaviors using behavioral observations ofA. tristisin pairs and groups on two different sites on the island. Food was added to the sites to determine how food availability may affect behavior. The results show that being in a group setting significantly increases aggression. A look at non-aggressive behaviors provided information on the most common behaviors seen inA. tristisboth in groups and pairs. Furthermore, the addition of food significantly increases aggression. The aggressive behaviors seen were increased with group type... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5n2925sj Sun, 16 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Mohan, Regina https://escholarship.org/uc/item/51f3q99p <p>Regeneration is common amongst all classes of echinoderms and is easily studied in the laboratory with abundant and tractable ophiuroid specimens. However, ophiuroid regeneration rates, both between species and within the same species, can exhibit uncommonly high variation even under identical laboratory conditions. Eighty-four Ophiocoma scolopendrina (Lamarck 1816), a brittle star which extends its arms out into the water column to suspension feed, were collected from the upper-intertidal zone of rocky beaches on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia for laboratory regeneration experiments. To determine the effects of position of autotomy and feeding level on regenerated length and differentiation of new biomass, two treatments were performed: an amputation treatment either 5 mm from the central disk or 30 mm from the distal tip; and a feeding treatment of high-food or low-food. Additionally, a field survey was conducted to assess predation pressure and autotomy of O. scolopendrina... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/51f3q99p Sun, 16 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 West, Elaine Allison https://escholarship.org/uc/item/26t6g09d <p>A controlled observation study was used to determine differences in athropod communities on fruits introduced to the island of Mo’orea, French Polynesia, approximately 300 and 1000 years ago respectively: papaya (Carica papaya) and Tahitian chestnut (Inocarpus fagifer), in two regions: an agricultural school and a tropical moist broadleaf forest. Distinct differences in communities existed by fruit and region, and there was interaction between the influence of region and fruit type. Papaya communities showed the most differences by region. Papaya communities had a greater mean number of individuals and taxa than Tahitian chestnut communities. Region did not have a significant effect on the mean number of individuals and taxa, but for both individuals and taxa the forested region showed more variation in the communities found on each fruit than in the agricultural region, perhaps due to greater niche differentiation (competition among species), on the less frequently disturbed... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/26t6g09d Sun, 16 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Starrs, Genoa Ione https://escholarship.org/uc/item/82z9b92j Coral Health and Disease: A Comparison of Cook's and Opunohu Bays in Mo'orea,French Polynesia https://escholarship.org/uc/item/82z9b92j Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Shea, Alessandra https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5524p5x6 Coloration in relation to ecology in the Asian spiny-backed spider, Thelacantha brevispina (Araneae, Araneidae) on Moorea, French Polynesia https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5524p5x6 Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Truong, Hua https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3nj9p99r Defense of a multi functional territory against interspecific intruders by the damselfish Stegastes nigricans (Pisces, Pomacentridae) https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3nj9p99r Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Hamb, Alexandra https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1h2827rv THE VISUAL CUES USED BY THE LEMON PEEL ANGELFISH (CENTROPYGE FLAVISSIMA) TO DETERMINE THREAT https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1h2827rv Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Post, Jessica https://escholarship.org/uc/item/18g2s6gt Suspension feeders are sessile marine organisms dependent on plankton and organic particles transported by the water column for food. This study focused on the distribution of four suspension feeders (Dendropoma maxima, Spirobranchus giganteus, Heteractis magnifica, and Tridacna maxima) in Mo’orea, French Polynesia based on current, suspended particle abundance, and substrate type. Both D. maxima and S. giganteus were more frequently present at the site with highest current flow and suspended particle abundance. The positive correlation between current and suspended particle, or food, abundance suggests that a stronger current transports more organic particles to a set location than a weaker current. In comparison, H. magnifica and T. maxima abundance and occurrence were not related to current. This is because they are less reliant than D. maxima and S. giganteus on the current for suspension feeding. In comparison, all four species studied showed substrate preference. The distribution... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/18g2s6gt Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Hann, Courtney Helen https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0b72h9z2 Crabs of the species <em>Dardanus pedunculatus</em> form a symbiotic relationship with <em>Calliactis tricolor</em> anemones on Moorea, French Polynesia. Crabs actively collect anemones for protection against octopus predation, while simultaneously giving the anemones a better habitat, defense against predators, and food as a result of the crab’s messy eating. In a laboratory setting, crabs will compete for anemones with larger crabs winning competitions. This paper examined crabs’ field collection patterns, and found that larger crabs collect more anemones, cover a greater percentage of their dorsal side with anemones, and carry a larger volume of anemones than smaller individuals. An experiment was designed to determine collection preference when unimpeded by field restrictions, and found that larger crabs show similar collection patterns as in the field, while smaller crabs cover a greater percentage of their dorsal side with anemones than in the field. This implies that abundance... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0b72h9z2 Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Atkinson, Lesje https://escholarship.org/uc/item/09v1g69f Plant-insect symbiosis and succession are important components of tropical ecosystems for understanding natural history and biodiversity. There are not many studies of gall succession and gall life cycles in tropical environments, even though it is an important component of tropical ecology. A number of gall specimens onSyzygium malaccense were followed over time, sampled for insect communities, and tested for areas of fungal coverage to determine if they underwent successional development and caused leaf decay outside the gall boundaries. Different gall stages were classified over this time period and were found to contain different communities. Desiccation and decay were found to cause gall color change, and the decay was limited to the gall boundaries avoiding theS. malaccense leaf.Syzygium malaccense galls were thus found to model succession, and also present a unique symbiotic system amongst a diverse set of tropical organisms. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/09v1g69f Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Au, Stephanie https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7x65s777 Coral health is an imperative aspect of coral reef ecosystems. Coral provides shelter, habitat, and nutrients for many organisms. Anthropogenic pollution that enters the oceans through runoff has negative effects on coral health such as inhibiting photosynthesis, growth, and reproduction. This study focuses on Cook’s and ‘Opunohu Bays in Mo’orea, French Polynesia. Each of the bays were assessed for substrate, algae, and coral composition as well as for a specific coral disease called Porites Trematosiasis (por trem) which is found exclusively on <em>Porites</em> coral heads. A total of forty-eight 10x10m plots were used to gather this information. The data indicate that sites were significantly better indicators for coral health and substrate difference as well as por trem than the bays, a comparison to past studies was made about the coral health and its change in the last twenty years. The coral health in Mo’orea has deteriorated in the past twenty years from natural causes... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7x65s777 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Shea, Alessandra https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7h7261w2 The hermit crab Dardanus pedunculatus and the sea anemone Calliactis tricolor engage in a mutualistic relationship in the tropical reef ecosystem of Mo’orea, French Polynesia. This mutualism is shaped by the pressures on D. pedunculatus individuals to acquire actively and compete for C. tricolor in the wild. D. pedunculatus exhibits a consistent trend in behavior when competing for and placing C. tricolor on its gastropod shell. Since C. tricolor seems to be a valuable resource to D. pedunculatus, this species engages in intraspecific competition. Experiments were designed to examine the behaviors of D. pedunculatus under laboratory conditions when competing for and placing their symbiont. D. pedunculatus individuals steal C. tricolor from one another, with larger D. pedunculatus dominating in these encounters. In contests between two D. pedunculatus individuals, competition is also based on size dominance. The size of the cheliped of the left-handed D. pedunculatus is the most... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7h7261w2 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Giraud, Camille https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7910219g Symbiosis of the Sea Star Shrimp (Periclimenes soror) and Cushion Star (Culcita novaeguineae): Host Fidelity, Host Finding, and Benefits https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7910219g Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Olliff, Eric Ryan Rich https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5qs3n2k7 Benthic invertebrates are vital not only for the place they hold in the trophic web of the marine ecosystem, but also for the incredible diversity that they add to the world. This is especially true of the dorid nudibranchs (family Dorididae), a group of specialist predators that are also the most diverse family in a clade of shell-less gastropods. Little work has been done on the roles that environment and behavior play on distribution patterns of dorid nuidbranchs. By carrying out habitat surveys, I found that two species of dorid nudibranchs (Chromodoris lochiandChromodorissp.) occupy different habitats in Cook’s Bay. Behavioral interaction tests showed that both species orient more reliably toward conspecifics than toward allospecifics.C. lochihas a greater propensity to aggregate thanChromodorissp. These findings indicated that the distribution patterns are a result of both habitat preference and aggregation behaviors. Further inquiry into these two areas is needed to make... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5qs3n2k7 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Hubner, Gwen https://escholarship.org/uc/item/56n206sn Social structure is key to a species' biology and ecology. Relations within a population can have important ftness consequences, but only recently have researchers been able to explicitly measure and quantify these relationships through network modeling. Social network analysis is the study of social groups as networks of nodes connected by social ties. In this study, network analysis is implemented to determine that there is a social structure within an aggregation of Himantura fai at feeding excursion sites. An ethogram defning H. fai behaviors is compiled. A sum of interactions network is subdivided into fve behavior networks to allow for further quantifcation of the relations within the aggregation. Size, color, and sex are found to be correlated to dominance, and an order of dominance is determined, with large females at the top and the smaller of both sexes at the bottom. To address the confounding factor of human presence at the study sites, the effects of feeding excursions... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/56n206sn Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Furst, Emmanuelle A. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3k0228kq BEHAVIORAL SYNDROMES IN JUVENILE DASCYLLUS TRIMACULATUS (THREE-SPOT DASCYLLUS) IN MO’OREA, FRENCH POLYNESIA: INDIVIDUAL VARIATION IN SHYNESS/BOLDNESS https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3k0228kq Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Parkhouse, Tess https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3h60v5m1 The study of systems containing multiple invasive species has long been superseded by the study of invasive impacts on native species. However, systems containing more than one invasive are likely to see the presence of ecological effects as a result of the relationships between those species. These effects are likely to be magnified in situations where invasives occupy similar niches. In this study I examine the foraging behaviors of two sympatric invasive bird species to determine if there is partitioning in either how, or where they forage. I also investigate their behavioral responses to the introduction of novel food stations, and natural fluctuations in foraging group size and species composition. Lastly I examine both their interspecific and intraspecific interactions. Results show that partitioning is present for both foraging behaviors and certain substrates being foraged on. Additionally, behavior at feeding stations trended towards foraging as opposed to vigilance.... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3h60v5m1 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Bates, Jennifer https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2vc5r6bc Defensive animal behavior is often a tradeoff between the energetic costs of defense and predator avoidance, with most animals choosing actions with the lowest energetic expense to evade their predators.Pholcus ancoralisis an introduced spider to Mo’orea, French Polynesia. I studied its defensive behaviors, with an emphasis on whirling, an energetically costly behavior which involves continual gyrations of the body. Different instars as well as females carrying egg sacs were disturbed with tactile, vibratory, and air movement stimuli to determine if larger instars and females with eggs have a higher whirling duration and frequency of defensive behaviors.P. ancoralisalso faced the potential spider predatorsThorelliola ensifera(Salticidae),Tangaroa tahitiensis(Uloboridae), andLeucauge granulata(Tetragnathidae) in a laboratory setting to determine if a higher whirling duration and higher frequency of defensive behaviors would lead to increased survivorship. The tactile stimulus elicited... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2vc5r6bc Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Chuang, Angela https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2r00j6bz <p>Epiphytic algae form complex communities on their macroalgae hosts. The brown algaPadina boryanaacts as a host for epiphytic algal communities, yet no studies have determined whether the community is host-specific.  To test for epiphytic host-specificity, four substrates were placed in Cook’s Bay for a three-week period and examined for epiphytic communities. My findings demonstrate that there is host-specificity and that substrate may influence the construction of epiphytic communities.</p><p>In addition to hosting epiphytes,P. boryanaexhibits phenotypic plasticity – it adopts different morphs in response to environmental conditions. In order to understand howP. boryanaresponds to its environment, I observed where the distinct morphs occurred and attempted a transplant experiment to induce morph change.  Furthermore, I compared the epiphytic communities on both morphs. My results support the hypothesis that the foliose morph occurs in shallower waters, while the turf morph... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2r00j6bz Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Flynn, Sierra Michelle https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0p22r9w3 The tropical sea urchin genus <em>Diadema</em>, is considered one of the most significant and abundant. Their population dynamics greatly influence the health of coral reefs. <em>Diadema</em> have anti-predator behavior and defenses that help them to maintain a stable population. I investigated the limited spatial vision in <em>Diadema savignyi</em>, by testing their directional orientation to a target representing a crevice space used to hide from predators. This is the fourth sea urchin echinoderm to demonstrate evidence of spatial vision, the first for the genus <em>Diadema</em>. Furthermore, my results demonstrate that <em>D. savignyi</em> use their spines to filter light to improve their spatial vision. <em>D. savignyi</em> which had their spines removed lost their spatial vision. However, in starting closer to the target, <em>D. savignyi</em> still oriented without spines, suggesting spatial vision is still possible. In a field and lab study on the emergence times of <em>D.... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0p22r9w3 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Frossard, Bryan Anthony https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8bv8v8nm <p>The process of plant recolonization takes place over a broad range of magnitudes and timescales. Studies of recolonization in tropical forest ecosystems are few in number making it an important addition to the ecological literature. To determine the effect of propagules and biotic factors such as sunlight, substrate and clearing level on the recolonizaton of plants, previosly-cleared plots were paired with adjacent, unmodifed plots in the forest. Species were identified in the plots and their abundance and presence or absence was compared to determine if one factor was more significant than another.The effect of propagules from the adjacent plot, sunlight availability and level of clearing were important determinants in what species were able to recolonize. Substrate did not show variation. Various biotic and abiotic factors are identifiable as determinants in recolonization but the complexity of interactions in tropical forest ecosystems makes predictions challenging.</p><p> </p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8bv8v8nm Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000 Yokum, Hannah Elizabeth https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7299f3zb Effects of Web Variation on Prey Capture in Tangaroa tahitiensis spiders (Araneae:Uloboridae) and the Influence of Substrate, Spider Size, and Maternal State on Web Characteristics https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7299f3zb Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000 Liew, Qi https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0cc962gp  The role of mutualisms among invasive species in facilitating invasions remains relatively unexplored. Yet such interactions have high potential to alter intact community composition and function due to their positive fitness effects on the species involved. The following study explores an interaction that evolved independently among naturalized hibiscus and invasive ants and Hemiptera that colonized the island of Mo’orea, French Polynesia centuries apart.  For this study, a geographic survey was conducted across 7 plots, which revealed the relationship to be present across a broad range of habitats. Manipulative field experiments were also ran in order to classify the association as a mutualism, parasitism or commensalism. These experiments quantified changes in abundances and behaviors of ants and Hemiptera in response to different availabilities of sugar resources to ants. Results from these field experiments support the hypothesis that the relationship is indeed a mutualism,... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0cc962gp Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000 Thayer, Lesley K https://escholarship.org/uc/item/39w8v60q <p>Sponges constitute an important part of marine and aquatic ecosystems, however compared to other benthic groups little is known about sponges. Knowledge of sponge species and distribution is extremely limited on Mo’orea, French Polynesia. The purpose of this research was to describe the distribution of sponges using Rapid Habitat Assessment surveys at different locations around the island and to investigate distributional influences that cause zonation via a transplant experiment. Sponge species were given arbitrary species names and identified based on basic morphological characteristics. RHA’s were conducted at five sites around Mo’orea sampling the sub habitats present on the reef in terms of % cover of substrate types and ecological benthic attributes as well as taxon abundance for coral, fish and, sponges. To examine influences on distribution one sponge species was transplanted from the fringing to the barrier reef and caged against various factors then evaluated based... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/39w8v60q Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0000 Desmet, Danielle N https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5t94w4gc <p>Color polymorphism has been implicated as an important component of cryptic coloration in organisms inhabiting complex environments. Recent studies have suggested that mantle color variation in Tridacnid clams may serve various functions, including as a mechanism to achieve background matching. The mantle color variation of Tridacna maxima was examined in a series of experiments, including a backgroundmatching photo survey, a predation experiment, and a zooxanthellae count. The results of the photo survey showed a significant correlation between T. maxima mantle and background color. T. maxima which did not match their background experienced a significantly greater rate of predation. Finally, the population of zooxanthellae was seen to increase for the same size of mantle area with age. These results suggest that balancing photosynthetic efficiency and anti‐predation needs can be addressed by mantle color variation throughout the lifetime of T. maxima.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5t94w4gc Mon, 8 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000 Ozog, Stosh Timothy https://escholarship.org/uc/item/58q9t3z0 <p>Jumping spiders (of the family Salticidae) are found around the globe including on the island of Mo’orea, French Polynesia. Unlike continents, an island system such as Mo’orea often magnifies the effects of an invasive species due to their increased frequency of unfilled ecological niches. In my distributional study most species I encountered were non-native, and in my behavioral study I investigated the potential for correlation between a species’ dominance in elevation-divided habitats and observed aggressive interspecies interactions. A total of 206 Salticidae were collected, 86 of which were utilized in my behavioral study. Of the eight jumping spider species encountered (six known, two unknown) I found there was no strong correlation between a species’ behavior towards other spiders and its distribution. Future studies could be directed concerning how spider behaviors besides interspecies aggression influence the dominance of that species in a given habitat.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/58q9t3z0 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Pena, Danielle L https://escholarship.org/uc/item/96k285wf <p>Sponges constitute an important part of marine and aquatic ecosystems, however compared to other benthic groups little is known about sponges. Knowledge of sponge species and distribution is extremely limited on Mo’orea, French Polynesia. The purpose of this research was to describe the distribution of sponges using Rapid Habitat Assessment surveys at different locations around the island and to investigate distributional influences that cause zonation via a transplant experiment. Sponge species were given arbitrary species names and identified based on basic morphological characteristics. RHA’s were conducted at fives sites around Mo’orea sampling the sub habitats present on the reef in terms of % cover of substrate types and ecological benthic attributes as well as taxon abundance for coral, fish and, sponges. To examine influences on distribution one sponge species was transplanted from the fringing to the barrier reef and caged against various factors then evaluated based... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/96k285wf Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Desmet, Danielle https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6q80v4hq <p>Land breeding sites are important conservation priorities for the preservation of seabirds that cannot breed over the ocean. An example of a seabird that must breed on land is the white-tailed tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus). This bird is frequently seen on the island of Mo’orea in French Polynesia, but little is known about whether this species spends time there for the purpose of breeding. I hypothesized that these birds are breeding on Mo’orea and therefore conducted a study that included (1) observations of group interactions; (2) time budget construction; and (3) number surveys. My group interaction observations revealed courtship behavior previously described by the literature but I observed no definite evidence of cliff‐face nesting. The time budget results showed that the tropicbirds spend a significant portion of their time flying over the land by themselves (73%), and at low elevation near vegetation (61%). The number survey revealed that the birds preferred to be... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6q80v4hq Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Maguire, Annie https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6cw9k97b <p>Geomorphological changes occur on a range of spatial and temporal scales. In the past, they have been primarily driven by abiotic factors like storm events and wave action. More recently, human impacts have begun to affect geomorphological processes. It is critical to understand where and how humans impact such processes in order to minimize environmental impact of activities like boating and adding infrastructure. I studied human impacts on the formation and continuous alteration of Motu Tiahura, Mo'orea, French Polynesia. By studying velocities, sediment distribution, beach profiles and wave heights in areas with and without human activity, it was found that humans are in fact having a geomorphological impact on Motu Tiahura.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6cw9k97b Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Hassen, Julia A https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5nq4z2s0 <p>Secondary compounds, often found in medicinal plants, are believed to have evolved as chemical defenses for many species. These bioactive chemicals have been shown to protect the plant from their numerous insect predators and pathogens through a wide variety of mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect these secondary compounds have on the amount of predation towards medicinal species. Looking at the amount of leaf herbivory and an antifungal bioassay of six species of Leguminosae, the main objective of the study was to find a correlation between predation and medicinal properties. Herbivore feeding preference appeared averse to medicinal leaves, although no relationship between leaf damage and yeast inhibition was found. A feeding experiment conducted using common herbivores inadvertently demonstrated the antifungal properties of the medicinal species, and gave further indication of an herbivore aversion to leaves with bioactive secondary compounds.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5nq4z2s0 Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Chan, Elliot https://escholarship.org/uc/item/47k0q1v2 <p>Studies on island biogeography in the Pacific have shown a biodiversity gradient that decreases from west to east, a pattern followed by numerous land and marine organisms. Based on this gradient, it has been hypothesized that Scleractinian coral biodiversity should follow the same gradient and be considerably lower in Mo‟orea, French Polynesia, than in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Rapid ecological assessments on six barrier reef sites surrounding Mo‟orea, as well as transects following the line intercept method at one site, provided data on Scleractinian coral species richness and composition. A phylogenetic study of character evolution was also performed to examine the evolutionary history of four characters related to coral reproduction and dispersal. Results revealed site-to-site heterogeneity between the six Mo‟orea sites and a mean site species richness of 30 species. Alpha diversity of the Mo‟orea barrier reefs and the GBR were not found to be statistically different,... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/47k0q1v2 Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Title, Alexandra C https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3nf0d8tr <p>The gastropod communities around motu Tiahura are currently under various stresses, both natural and anthropogenic. Distribution studies can help understand how these pressures are affecting gastropod communities. The shallow waters around motu Tiahura were partitioned into six distinct habitats. Transects were examined in each habitat to observe gastropod abundance and diversity. Results show that the waters off the conglomerate platform are the most diverse, while the lagoon is least diverse. Three of the habitats were relatively similar in gastropod community, while the other three were distinct. Night transects revealed that burrowing gastropods form a distinct nocturnal community. Differences between gastropod communities may arise from biotic interactions and unique physical factors in each habitat.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3nf0d8tr Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Wilson, Ryan W https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9hs4c5cx <p>Abstract. Zooplankton is an essential component of every coral reef system, not only because it is the base of many marine food chains, but also because it is an important stage in many marine animals’ life cycles. While by definition plankton is free floating, zooplankton ha been known to move in predictable patterns. This includes a daily diel vertical migration towards the surface at night and back to the depths during the day and fluctuations in abundance over the lunar cycle, usually peaking around the full moon. This study aimed to look at the amount of control plankters have in choosing their horizontal position over the reef by looking at substrate preferences of demersal zooplankton in the fringing reef. It was found that zooplankton emerge in the largest numbers from branching coral followed by coral rubble and sand and in significantly lower numbers from smooth coral. This suggests that demersal zooplankton is able to select the substrate on which it seeks... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9hs4c5cx Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 kobervig, carolyn p https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7tg1m3wr <p>This study aims to determine and compare survivorship of two populations of Sophora tomentosa (Fabaceae) on Mo'orea, French Polynesia. The two populations studied were on separate reef islets, or motu. One population, on the motu Tiahura, appeared healthy while the population, on the motu Fareone, appeared distressed. The life cycle of S. tomentosa was broken into four life-stages: developing seed, mature seed, immature and mature plant. The three parts of this study are designed to determine the percent survival between each of these four life-stages and address some of the potential factors effecting survivorship at each transition. To assess survival of developing seeds and the impact of insect granivores, seedpods were collected from each population and the seeds were inspected for evidence of insect damage. The rate of granivory was shown to be significantly higher than expected in the Fareone population, while it was shown to be significantly lower than expected in the... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7tg1m3wr Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Ahlgren, Christopher L https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5xs7j02h <p>Color polymorphism has been implicated as an important component of cryptic coloration in organisms inhabiting complex environments. Recent studies have suggested that mantle color variation in Tridacnid clams may serve various functions, including as a mechanism to achieve background matching. The mantle color variation of Tridacna maxima was examined in a series of experiments, including a background-matching photo survey, a predation experiment, and a zooxanthellae count. The results of the photo survey showed a significant correlation between T. maxima mantle and background color. T. maxima which did not match their background experienced a significantly greater rate of predation. Finally, the population of zooxanthellae was seen to increase for the same size of mantle area with age. These results suggest that balancing photosynthetic efficiency and anti-predation needs can be addressed by mantle color variation throughout the lifetime of T. maxima.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5xs7j02h Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Ozog, Stosh Timothy https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5qf941wv <p>Mo’orea, French Polynesia of the Society Islands archipelago is a highly isolated volcanic Pacific Island. It is vulnerable to invasion by introduced species due to this isolation in conjunction with its small size and disharmonic native biota. Falcataria moluccana is one such invader; since its introduction in the 1960s to reforest burned and eroded ridges it has established monodominant stands throughout the island. I studied the effects of this species on vegetation ecology, specifically native and non-native understory diversity, tree community dynamics, and species spread potential. Contrary to expectations, I found that native understory was able to persist despite ecosystem modifications caused by F. moluccana. However, the majority of native species present were post-disturbance taxa. Tree community analysis revealed that F. moluccana trees are able to grow to large sizes where other trees cannot, which suggests either niche differentiation or resource monopolization.... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5qf941wv Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Minnich, Amanda https://escholarship.org/uc/item/56h1b2h5 <p>Early Polynesians created monumental structures called marae, using coral as a major element in the construction of the ahu. This study will analyze the relative frequency of coral genera found in the ahu of three different royal coastal marae sites on Mo‘orea and evaluate its correspondence to the composition of adjacent coral communities. Volumetric measurements of the ahu and its constituent coral genera composition were calculated. Transects were performed in both the fringing and barrier reefs surrounding the marae sites in order to record size and frequency of the coral genera present there. Some marae site survey results revealed a strong correlation between the usage of coral as a major element of construction in marae, and modern coral genera distribution and abundance in the surrounding fringing reef. The barrier reef environment suffered minimal impact resulting from marae construction. When all coral genera were combined, there was a significant difference in coral... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/56h1b2h5 Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Pickard, Alexandria E https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2k21b65b <p>Sessile invertebrates are important for their contributions to community assemblages in terms of their competitive and trophic interactions. Colonial invertebrates make excellent model organisms for the study of ecological processes. Bryozoans, modular colonial filter feeders, are important competitors in a range of habitats and represent a potentially significant source of diversity. Little work has been done to catalog the Bryozoa of Mo’orea, French Polynesia. By examining coral rubble, artificial substrates and Turbinaria spp. algal fronds, I quantified the distribution of bryozoans in a shallow lagoon and simultaneously recorded their competitive interactions. I also quantified patterns of bryozoan richness and abundance with respect to depth and location. Finally, I conducted an experiment to determine the degree to which predation effects an abundant genus, Rhynchozoon spp. I found more bryozoans further from the barrier reef and in deeper water. There were vastly more... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2k21b65b Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Dibble, Connor D https://escholarship.org/uc/item/73t4j6xs <p>The factors contributing to biodiversity of terrestrial gastropods on Mo’orea, French Polynesia are investigated. Gastropods are sampled from four native forests of predominately Hibiscus tiliaceus, and four nonnative forests of predominately Falcataria moluccana within two elevational ranges. It is determined that the type of forest has an effect on the species composition of that habitat. Additionally, it is determined that elevation is a determinant in relative species composition. An additional variable possibly contributing to species distribution is the predatory detection of the introduced flatworm, Platydemus manokwari, by two predominant species of this study. This is primarily a study on the current biodiversity of a vastly neglected group of molluscs on island of Mo’orea.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/73t4j6xs Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Lovenburg, Vanessa https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2jz4s7z8 <p>Uca crassipes (Adams and White 1848) is one of two species of fiddler crabs found on Mo’orea, French Polynesia. Much like other animal populations, U. crassipes is subject to density dependent processes, such as competition, which increase with density. To better understand the relationship between competition and density, this study first looked at habitat differences between 8 distinct populations of U. crasspies on Mo’orea. It then explored differences in aggressive interactions between crabs at one high-density and one low-density site. In the field, both male and female fiddler crabs were found to fight more in the high-density population. Subsequent investigation of the effect of density on aggression in laboratory settings did not yield significant results. Though laboratory results were not significant, trends in data showed more fighting under high-density conditions. Further investigation is necessary to fully understand the effects of density dependent processes... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2jz4s7z8 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Mansfield, Christine https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1cc0f0mn <p>Islands of the south pacific are fragile ecosystems, home to native land and sea birds that evolved in the absence of predators. On Mo’orea, French Polynesia the first humans arrived around 600 AD bringing with them invasive vertebrate predators. This study examines one of these predators on Mo’orea by observing swamp harrier (Circus approximans) habitat preference and behavior to determine if it has changed in comparison to its source population. Also it will examine their role in seabird predation on Mo’orea through a series of animal waste sample collections at high elevations. Since swamp harrier introduction in 1885 their habitat preference has not much changed from their Australian source population. The majority of its time and foraging is spent over low vegetation, though some expansion into other habitats has occurred since there are no other raptors on the island with which to compete. Feral cats (Felis catus) are also prevalent on the island and along with the swamp... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1cc0f0mn Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Wilcox, Rebecca C https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5ds2z0rn <p>Abstract. A large cause of degradation of coral reefs is increased sedimentation and eutrophication caused by human modification of freshwater input into the marine environment. Effective tools must be used to monitor the effects of freshwater input before long-term damage is done to the fringing reef zone. One powerful tool is the use of bioindicators. This study attempts to identify possible bioindicators in coral rubble-inhabiting crustacean micro communities. Coral rubble was collected from 5 stream sites with paired controls and crustaceans were counted from each site. This study found that there were significant differences between stream and control sites in percent algal cover of rubble as well as 3 crustacean species (Thalamita admete, Alpheus parvirostris, Psuamis cavipes). Cuapetes sp. density also showed a significant negative correlation with pH levels. A colonization experiment was performed with no significant difference between stream and control sites.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5ds2z0rn Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Fletcher, Nicholas K https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1ft6r4hf <p>Parasites are ecologically significant organisms and must be understood to properly appreciate nearly any community. Parasitism is one of the most common (if not the most common) lifestyles, and parasites can influence species throughout a community. One group of parasites, the Eulimidae, is a large family of marine gastropods. Unfortunately, eulimids have not been thoroughly studied and host use behaviors have not been well characterized at the specific, or even generic levels. Therefore, this study seeks to describe host preference, host detection and tracking, and dependence on host access for two eulimid species, both sharing the macrohabitat environment. A series of experiments and a field survey showed that Peasistilifer nitidula was host specific, actively located hosts by chemical cues, reattached to hosts quickly, and required frequent access to the host for survival. Conversely, Melanella acicula had a preferred host but parasitized others as well, did not actively... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1ft6r4hf Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Will, Ian https://escholarship.org/uc/item/58c023v0 <p>Classical biological control aims to actively manage threats that cause immense losses in biological diversity. The introduction of a biological control agent Colletotrichum gloeosporioides f. sp. miconiae (Cgm) in April 2000 to Tahiti, French Polynesia was intended to control the massive spread of an invasive weed Miconia calvescens. However, while Cgm has subsequently spread to Mo’orea, its impact on reducing M. calvescens remains uncertain. The main objectives of this study are: (1) to quantify the amount of the fungal pathogen infecting the M. calvescens plants at three elevation ranges on Mo’orea, (2) to understand the impact of moisture on the proliferation of disease development, and (3) to test the influence of endophytic fungal communities on the competitive ability of Cgm. Results from quantifying leaf damage showed that at higher elevations, Cgm disease development is more rampant. In laboratory experiments, varying moisture did not significantly affect the health... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/58c023v0 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Chen, Irene Y https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3f59q25s <p>The island of Mo’orea in French Polynesia functions as a model system to study the biological and ecological concept of niche differentiation, whereby two or more species are forced into different habitats so as to avoid competition with each other. In the waters surrounding this island, two species of sea urchin within the genus Echinometra live in distinctly different habitats. Previous studies document Echinometra sp. A located exclusively on the fringing reef and Echinometra mathaei located exclusively on the barrier reef. This study investigated three short-term factors (available space, nutrient supply, and predation) that might be influencing this spatial distribution. None of these factors appear to be causing the separation of E. sp. A and E. mathaei. In fact, they all support the distributional findings of this study that showed non-mutually exclusive distribution data on the two reef types.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3f59q25s Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Zizka, Maria D https://escholarship.org/uc/item/14b9h07p <p>Abstract. Humans have continually interacted with and transformed their surroundings. Cordyline fruticosa Chevalier 1919, was among the many plants Polynesians brought with them as they voyaged from western Polynesia to eastern Polynesia. Polynesian culture is historically associated with C. fruticosa, which was centered around the ancient marae, or temples. The distribution of the large, sterile, green leaf variety was studied at marae and contemporary areas such as homes and businesses on Mo’orea, French Polynesia. I expected to find the sacred green variety around marae and the ornamental red varieties in contemporary locations. No C. fruticosa plants were found around marae sites. Contrary to predictions, the green variety of C. fruticosa was more prevalent at the contemporary sites than the red varieties. Local Tahitians were consulted on current attitudes towards and uses of C. fruticosa. These elders indicated that the sacred green variety continues to be utilized... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/14b9h07p Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000 borland, trisha m https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3tj9d52d <p>Pineapple farms dominate the agricultural landscape of Moorea, French Polynesia, with over 250 hectares of pineapple farmland. Agricultural runoff has been well known to affect stream ecosystems, in particular, photosynthetic organisms such as diatoms. Few studies have looked specifically at environmental effects of pineapple farm runoff. This study looks at how 1) pineapple farms affect stream chemistry, 2) pineapple farms affect diatom assemblage, and 3) individual effects of herbicides (atrazine and diuron) and fertilizers on diatom populations. No significant differences in stream chemistry or diatom assemblages in farm affected and unaffected areas were observed. Herbicides and fertilizers did not have any significant effects on diatom species richness and abundance.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3tj9d52d Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Wong, Eileen A. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/15d994df <p>Surface plankton tows were completed at select reef passes and lagoons over five weeks on the island of Mo’orea, French Polynesia. Differences in zooplankton species richness and abundance were analyzed based on location, salinity, and tide. Reef passes and lagoons varied in the average abundance of zooplankton as well as having different species prevalence. Lab experiments tested individual groups’ tolerance to varying salinity levels that were found in Cook’s Bay. There was a significant drop in copepod and crustacean nauplii populations when exposed to lower salinity levels.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/15d994df Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Harris, Matt https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4tc8j83k <p>Epiphytes contribute significantly to the biomass of forest canopies; however, in the tropics, epiphytes have been greatly understudied. This study seeks to better understand the effects of forest edge on the distribution of epiphytes as well as describe general characteristics of epiphytic communities on Inocarpus fagifer in Mo'orea, French Polynesia. It was found that species richness was relatively similar throughout the study site. While there was no significant difference between locality on buttress root or trunk of the host tree, moss communities in particular were significantly affected by distance from forest edge and proximity to perennial streams. Ferns were found to be somewhat correlated with their proximity to streams while liverworts and lichens were not greatly affected. Overall, location of epiphyte communities relative to edge or at different heights on the host tree did not play a large role in the establishment of epiphytes.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4tc8j83k Sat, 5 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Fok, Elaine https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4rw1w5hc <p>Island systems are especially vulnerable to the possibility of introduced species becoming invasive and crowding out native flora. Human disturbances such as clearing, development, grazing and agriculture have been known to facilitate the establishment of such disturbance-tolerant species. Cocos nucifera has been cultivated extensively on the lowland areas of the island of Moorea, French Polynesia since the 1800s and as coconut production become less profitable over time, plantations have been gradually abandoned as landowners look to more lucrative efforts. Plantations of varying ages of abandonment can be seen in different stages of succession around the island. Vegetation surveys were done on six sites (in three age classes) to assess the presence and abundance of native and invasive species and to study the changes in community structure over time. Decrease in groundcover and increase in aerial cover seem to indicate the pattern of succession most accurately. The number... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4rw1w5hc Fri, 4 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Nagayama, Yoko https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3f4961kq <p>Hermit crabs interact with each other in a variety of ways involving spatial use (aggregations, migrations), housing (shells), mating, recognition of conspecifics, and food. To test if isolation from conspecifics affects the behavioral interactions of hermit crabs, crabs of the species Coenobita rugosus (Milne-Edwards 1837) of Mo’orea, French Polynesia were isolated from each other for two days, four days, six days, fifteen days, and twenty-two days. They were kept in individual opaque containers with separate running seawater systems to prevent them from seeing or smelling each other. Afterwards, the hermit crabs were put into a tank two at a time and their behavior was recorded and compared to the behaviors of non-isolated crabs. Behaviors looked at fell into two categories: 1) “social” interactions, meaning that the crabs reacted to each other’s presence, and 2) “nonsocial” interactions, meaning that the crabs either ignored each other’s presence or actively avoided... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3f4961kq Fri, 4 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Van Zerr, Vanessa E. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8h64z52r <p>The process of succession takes place over a broad range of magnitudes and timescales. Studies of animal succession within short-lived microhabitats are few in number, making it an imporant addition to the ecological literature. The decomposing fruit fo the Tahitian Chestnut tree I. fagifer represents such a microhabitat. In this study, chestnut fruits from the island of Moorea, French Polynesia, were collected at different stages of decomposition, and the invertebrates inside were cataloged and identified to the most specific taxonomic category possible. Pitfall traps were set up at each location where chestnuts were collected in order to ensure that the dynamics of the chestnut habitat were different than the dynamics of the forest floor. Species richness and diversity for the chestnuts and pitfall traps were calculated and compared in order to test for trends of succession. There were no significant differences in richness or diversity for the pitfall traps, but significant... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8h64z52r Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Gillette, Greg C https://escholarship.org/uc/item/97r5p1r3 <p>Crown of thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci Linné 1758) are notorious coral reef devastators; they decimate coral populations, thus changing the coral reef habitat and killing many organisms that depend on the coral. Culcita novaeguineae (Muller and Troschel 1842), or cushion stars, are corallivores and generalists that live in Pacific reefs. Because C. novaeguineae and A. planci have similar food preferences, the presence of crown of thorns may change cushion stars’ eating habits. This study explored cushion star ecology and their laboratory feeding preferences in the presence and absence of crown of thorns. Laboratory experiments were conducted with three coral food choices (Porites sp., Acropora sp., and Monopora sp.) and algae covered rock. Cushion stars only ate Acropora sp. and Monopora sp. in laboratory experiments. They found among all three of those coral genera in the field and were rarely found near Pocillopora sp. Crown of thorns presence had no significant... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/97r5p1r3 Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Bell, Jennifer https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5d39b0w7 <p>Islands have been shown to be highly vulnerable to the invasion of non-native plant species. The island of Moorea, French Polynesia, is both geographically isolated and lacks a high diversity of native plant species, factors that promote the invasion of non-native plants. Disturbed areas, such as roadsides, have also been closely associated with the colonization and spread of non-native and invasive plants. Roads are particularly important vectors of alien plant invasions, aiding in dispersal and likely serving as starting points for edge effects. The present study considers both the alien and native flora in tropical secondary forests adjacent to paved vehicle roads, dirt vehicle roads, and backcountry hiking trails on Moorea, French Polynesia. The composition of total and alien plant species, level of invasion, and significance of edge effects were analyzed between the three corridor types. Significant differences in the alien plant compositions and level of invasion... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5d39b0w7 Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Hochrein, Heather https://escholarship.org/uc/item/55f1585w <p>Seawater pH measurements across different reef settings in Cook’s Bay (Moorea, French Polynesia) taken during October and November 2008 were compared and related to circulation and community composition in the reef flat, fringing reef, lagoon and bay. pH is thus an easy measure of seawater carbonate chemistry, which can be altered by community metabolism. Current velocity and percent cover of coral were greatest across the reef flat, yet no significant difference in seawater pH was found between the algal ridge and the lagoon. However, pH variations were discernible between the surface water from the fringing reef, which had the highest percent cover of algae, and water sampled at depth in the lagoon and bay. This study thus brings a better understanding of pH differences within a reef ecosystem and can serve as a benchmark for monitoring ocean acidification.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/55f1585w Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Frei, Olivier https://escholarship.org/uc/item/41j890fj <p>Aquatic invertebrates utilize multiple forms of sensory perception including chemical signaling, to evaluate their surrounding environment. The hermit crab Calcinus latens is able to detect external chemical cues within the complex coral rubble habitat. These discrete chemicals whether emanated from a potential predator, competitor or conspecific are received through chemosensory structures and elicit a specific behavioral response. This study examines the effect of four chemical treatments (control-ambient sea water, predator-Octopus bocki, potential competitor-Saron marmoratus and conspecific-Calcinus latens) on the number of times an individual Calcinus latens is observed in active, exploratory behavior verses stationary, defensive behavior. The results demonstrate a significant difference in the amount of time observed in defensive behaviors by the hermit crabs exposed to the treatment containing octopus chemical cues when compared to the other treatments. Across the four... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/41j890fj Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Iglesias, Ilysa S. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0pb9f7zw <p>Communities of photosynthetic prokaryotes are found around the world in a huge variety of locations, one of which is hypersaline mudflats. The estuary in Tamae, Mo’orea has been mostly filled in by a golf course and severely cut the population of microbial mats. Microbial mats in the Tamae mudflats in Mo’orea, French Polynesia were studied. Eight different morphologies were described and mapped. Additionally, their microhabitats described based on salinity, temperature, number of crab holes, and ground water depth and all but temperature saw certain significant differences. Transects were run from one end to another, and using the same environmental parameters, changes over the entire mudflat were observed. There were no trends with temperature. All of the other parameters exhibited trends and seem to have an influence over mat distribution, however there is not concrete evidence to support the claim that these are the factors that limit these microbial mat distributions. This... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0pb9f7zw Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Minnameyer, Angela https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0972z8np <p>This study was conducted on Mo'orea, French Polynesia to investigate and record the impacts of ecotourism on two populations of himantura fai, pink whiprays or pink whiptail stingrays. Two sites were chosen each with varying impact to rays. Photographs and recordings were made and analyzed. Thirty eight individual rays were identified, 29 from one site and 8 from the other. Five kinds of scarring were described and compared between the two. It was found the more dense ray population was more injured and impacted and habituated to humans. The higher frequency of injury suggests a lower quality of life and indeed a negative impact from ecotourism. A mock mark and recapture study was done using the Lincoln-Peterson method. The population estimates were 30 and 8, suggesting the 29 and 9 rays identified are the entire populations. No rays were seed at both sites, which suggests site fidelity.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0972z8np Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000 McCoy, Brianna https://escholarship.org/uc/item/06z8z147 <p>This study focuses on the current distribution and habitat preferences of the sedge Kyllinga nemoralis. It is a weed on Mo'orea but an invasive to other islands of hte Pacific. Annual precipitation, temperature, water availability, soil moisture, soil type, canopy cover and elevation are shown to influence the distribution of this species. A minor transplant study affirms its preference of full sun locations to those with low light due to canopy cover.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/06z8z147 Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Johnson Sullivan, Christina https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6081t0kc <p>Animals must be locally adapted to their habitat to optimize use of available resources. In highly variable environments, behavioral change allows animals to optimize resources quickly enough to keep pace with their environment (Luttbeg 1999). The factors that determine the animal's behavior are often difficult to uncover. Coris gaimard (Quoy and Gaimard 1824), a species of wrasse, exhibits different foraging frequencies across its range. This study attempts to determine what biotic factors may affect the foraging behavior. The study compares the behavior of two populations of C. gaimard in two similar lagoons around the island of Moorea, French Polynesia and a population in a previous study done in Japanese waters (Shibuno et al. 1994). Standardized timed observations from Moorea showed an increase in the amount of foraging behavior at the site with a smaller prey base. The behaviors, however, maintained the same relative frequency as the behaviors seen in Japanese waters... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6081t0kc Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Strausser, Matthew https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5mz9d2zs <p>Free living corals are and important part of coral reef ecosystems. The members of the coral genus Fungia (Scleractinia, Fungiidae) exist as individual, free living, polyps. Fungiid corals can move actively, though expiation of body tissue, or passively, via being carried by strong currents. It was observed that fungiids were often found in close proximity to one another in the shallow reefs of Moorea, French Polynesia. This study set out to determine if fungiids were aggregated and if so, to test three factors which may be contributing to these aggregations; fungiid size, substrate preference and current speed. Furthermore, the effect of current on the rate at which fungiids can remove sediment from their bodies was tested. It was found that fungiids are aggregated. These aggregations consist of individuals of similar ages. Aggregations are found in branching corals much more often than expected and on sand much less often than expected. Aggregated fungiids are found in areas... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5mz9d2zs Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Ginsberg, Benjamin https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8z07027k <p>Plants often depend on other organisms to pollinate their flowers in order to successfully reproduce. On an island, plants face multiple challenges to establish and persist, especially if the plant depends solely on a specific pollinator not present on the island. A pollination and reproduction study was conducted on <em>Scaevola taccada</em>, a widespread coastal shrub, on the island of Mo’orea in French Polynesia. The pollinator community of <em>S. taccada</em> was composed of eight insect species, with the recently introduced honeybee, <em>Apis mellifera</em>, being the most frequent floral visitor. Both site and wind speed were found to have significant effects on visitation rate. A high percentage of successful seed set from pollinator-exclusion studies suggested <em>S. taccada</em> may be able to successfully self-pollinate. The length of flowering times was found to be significantly associated with successful seed set, with flowering times serving as an indicator... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8z07027k Thu, 6 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Liao, Irene T https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2fd1r8df <p>I studied the habitat selection and thermal biology of two cryptic South Pacific skinks (Emoia cyanura and Emoia impar) in order to determine whether or not differences in thermal preference affect habitat partitioning. I measured sun exposure and thermal characteristics of microhabitats selected by each skink, and then quantified preferred substrate temperatures and preferred body temperatures in a laboratory thermal gradient. Compared to E. impar, E. cyanura inhabited areas with open canopy cover, and selected significantly warmer substrates in the field and lab setting. E. cyanura also had a significantly higher preferred body temperature that E. impar. Furthermore, E. cyanura had significantly less variability in preferred body temperature than E. impar. These findings up hold Huey and Slatkin’s (1976) theory on the costs and benefits of lizard thermoregulation, and support the hypothesis that differences in thermal preference provide E. cyanura and E. impar with a mechanism... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2fd1r8df Mon, 3 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000 McElroy, Matt T https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0cp1v4zg <p>The terrestrial biota of the French Polynesian archipelago presents a unique opportunity for study due to a relatively poor understanding of its biology. Among the terrestrial invertebrates, the Apoidea are one of many taxa with incompletely documented biodiversity. This study investigated the diversity of the bees on the island of Mo'orea, part of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. Across a range of elevations, I collected 239 individual bees and observed the floral visits of an additional 266 bees. The visited floral species were recorded to assess apoid use of floral resources, and vegetation surveys of collection sites were conducted to assess the available floral community. A total of five genera of bees were found on Mo'orea, including two which are recorded for the first time in the Society Islands. This study suggests that introduced species, rather than native species, comprise the bee biota of Mo'orea, with the longest established species seemingly introduced... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0cp1v4zg Sat, 1 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Rejas, Daniel https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2cv2z8zr <p>Invasive species are known to displace native habitat and threaten biodiversity. Lantana camara has invaded over 60 countries and island groups and is one of the top invasive plant species in French Polynesia. Few studies discuss the relationship between L. camara and anthropogenic disturbances, though it is known to be associated with disturbance. I surveyed the major roadsides of Moorea, French Polynesia for L. camara cover in association with environmental factors, resulting in an estimated L. camara roadside area cover of 1.99%. L. camara presence was significantly correlated to roadside habitat types, highest in areas of agricultural disturbance. L. camara presence and area cover were positively correlated to soil moisture and slope. Faunal species richness was higher in areas where L. camara was present. Germination experiments reared no results over six weeks. However, in a vegetative growth experiment, cuttings had greatest height growth over two weeks under the heaviest... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2cv2z8zr Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Lin, Stephanie https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1n31w1ck <p>Foraminifera are known to occur in fouling communities, but no extensive studies of foraminifera assemblages on these communities exist. We know little about the differences (if any) in the succession, diversity, distribution, and selective strategies of foraminifera found in fouling communities, and nothing at all has been documented about the foraminifera in fouling communities on Moorea, French Polynesia. This study examined foraminifera assemblages in fouling communities of three substrates on Moorea (cement, plastic, and metal). An experiment on the succession of foraminifera over the course of four weeks on submerged steel fouling tiles was also conducted. Hierarchical cluster analysis determined that forams in fouling communities do not show a preference for metal, plastic, or cement substrate, and that foram assemblages in fouling communities on the island are similar, regardless of their locality around Moorea. Succession followed a typical trend, but may have... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1n31w1ck Sun, 26 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Rowlands, Myfanwy https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0ms0w4tt <p>Planktonic larvae of many marine organisms have been known to cycle in abundance according to lunar phases. It is unknown, however, if these cycles are caused by timed release of larvae by the adults in accordance with lunar cues or if predation pressure on the larvae varies across the lunar cycle. Larvae of some invertebrate taxa are capable of predator detection and avoidance, suggesting that predation on meroplankton is lower than dispersal models predict. This study tracked lunar cycling of decapod larvae from Oct. 6, 2008 to Nov. 13, 2008 in Moorea, French Polynesia. Predator avoidance capabilities of the larvae and relative predation pressure during each phase of the moon were also tested in a laboratory setting. Larval abundances on the reef were highest during the new moon period and lowest during quarter and full moons, suggesting predation does affect lunar abundance cycling. Decapod megalops stage larvae were found to be capable of predator avoidance but younger... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0ms0w4tt Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Endo, Brandon https://escholarship.org/uc/item/68h231wm <p>The growing concern for threatened or endangered species has made conservationists recognize the need to accurately assess the status of small populations. In order to do this, the survivorship and fecundity of each life stage must be established to determine the population’s overall growth rate. A small population of the evergreen tree Calophyllum inophyllum can be found on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia. This tree is an excellent study organism because it has been internationally recognized as an endangered species and its large spherical seeds allow it to be traced easily. It grows along the coast, and the seeds float in water and continue to be viable for over three months. Determining the fate of the seed is one important step in developing useful models for conservation managers. The factors tested are survivorship, loss, and fecundity in the seed to seedling life stage. A seed-sowing experiment yielded 36.24% germination, which is much lower than past... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/68h231wm Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Zerbib, Lauren D https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7xj4g5dm <p>Herbivory plays an important role in shaping coral reef community structure. Herbivores consume algae on the reef, helping to prevent coral dominated reefs from “phase shifting” to algae dominated ones. Here I examine how the presence of an herbivorous sea urchin, Diadema savignyi, influences algae growth on Porites sp. coral heads using inclusion and exclusion cages. Corals were either caged with D. savignyi or no D. savignyi, or not caged at all. Treatments were applied for 25 days and percent algae cover was estimated weekly while algae length was measured on day 25. After 25 days, variation in algae cover and algae length were not significantly associated with D. savignyi presence. Corals kept in the presence of D. savignyi had the same amount of algae as corals that D. savignyi had been excluded from. These results are identical to a similar experiment that was performed in the laboratory in which corals were placed in a tank either with or without D. savignyi.... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7xj4g5dm Thu, 9 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Hoey, Jennifer https://escholarship.org/uc/item/08r6q8f4 <p>Studies examining benthic macrofauna of estuaries are becoming more prevalent in the scientific community but none have yet been conducted on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia. The present field study surveyed four estuaries on the island: the Papeahi, Paopao, Urufara and Vaihana Rivers. Organisms were collected and abiotic factors (including sediment type, depth, temperature, water flow, salinity, pH and dissolved oxygen) were measured to find correlations between species diversity and species abundances and the physical conditions that surround them. Abundance of taxa varied considerably among estuaries. Correlations were found between diversity and temperature and between gastropod abundance and depth/salinity. Many correlations reported in previous studies were absent; however this is most likely due to low abundances, small sample sizes and time constraints.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/08r6q8f4 Tue, 7 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Giusto, Bianca J https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4nf0h53b <p>The island of Moorea, Society Islands (French Polynesia) provides a unique opportunity to examine patterns of spider diversity on a small high volcanic island. I collected spiders at a range of elevations (0~900m) and habitats (disturbed coastal, streamside, mid-elevation ridges and high mountains). This allowed me to map distributions and look at differences in spider assemblages. Specimens were identified to family level. I found a total of 30 different morphospecies. A total of 1738 spiders were collected (using sweep netting and active searching) represented by 12 families, 16 determined genera and 12 determined species. My survey revealed that streamside and coastal communities had the greatest overall biodiversity while having the lowest native diversity. Mid-elevation ridges and high mountains had lower overall diversity but higher native biodiversity. Differences in overall diversity may be due to variation in structural differences between these habitats. In the future,... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4nf0h53b Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Yang, April https://escholarship.org/uc/item/50v2993w <p>The interspecific competition between three container sharing mosquitoes was investigated to further understand the reasoning for ovipositing partitioning previously analyzed. Past studies have demonstrated distinct difference in larval use of containers between Aedes aegypti and Aedes polynesiensis, preferring artificial and natural containers, respectively. Additionally, Culex quinquefasciatus is present in both types of containers. It was hypothesized that this partitioning was the result of interspecific competition between the species. To analyze this, two treatments were conducted to induce competition; food limiting (between Ae. aegypti and Ae. polynesiensis) and space limiting (between all three species), with the emergence rates being the calculated variable. ANOVA tests revealed that when food is present, Ae. polynesiensis competes better interspecifically than intraspecifically, suggesting that competitive displacement occurs in natural containers. It was also... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/50v2993w Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Pocock, Katherine https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9wm5x273 <p>Since the 1960’s the crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci¸ has devastated coral reefs. There are many competing theories about the causes for these outbreaks of A. planci. One of the leading theories is that it is an anthropogenic cause. As a result, Marine Protected Areas (MPA) may be a way to protect coral reefs from outbreaks of A. planci by removing anthropogenic effects and allowing the reef to protect itself. Coral reef health was assessed using fish population diversity, percent live coral reef coverage and density of A. planci. Lowest live coral reef coverage was 42.97% with 80.70% the highest. Highest Simpson’s 1-D diversity index value was 0.47 for outside of a MPA with 0.82 the highest index value for a site inside an MPA. Density of A. planci were found to be 12.5 per hectare, which is below outbreak densities. No significant differences were found in any metrics for inside or outside MPAs.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9wm5x273 Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Park, Albert https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4fk5z3v2 <p>While secondary compounds are produced by plants in low abundance, these bioactive compounds are essential to human survival for their medicinal applications. These same compounds are crucial to plants, having evolved as defense mechanisms against herbivory. Chief among the theories of plant responses to herbivory, the Optimal Defense Theory (ODT) hypothesizes that plants will allocate defenses in direct proportion to the risk of a particular plant part to herbivory and the value of that part in terms of loss of fitness to the entire plant. Through insect damage assessments and antimicrobial assays, this study investigates the correlation between herbivory and medicinal activity and whether or not the within-plant ODT is followed in three ethnobotanically useful Malvaceae species, Thespesia populnea, Hibiscus tiliaceus and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. All three plant species demonstrated an inverse relationship between herbivory and medicinal activity. Variation in secondary composition... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4fk5z3v2 Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000 Cox, Hayley https://escholarship.org/uc/item/52v27033 <p>Wood-decaying macrofungi are an important component of forest ecosystems because they are the major decomposers of dead woody debris and are crucial for nutrient cycling. This is especially true in the tropics where biomass is high. However, most studies to date have focused on temperate forests in the northern hemisphere. Little is known about wood-inhabiting fungi in French Polynesia. In fact, no identification materials exist. The following study seeks to fill this gap in knowledge. First, a general survey was done of the wood-fungi occurring in the mountains of Moorea. Next, in a pilot study, all Hibiscus tiliaceus dead wood (&gt;1cm) was measured and surveyed for fungi using 10, 25-meter line transects. The aim of this phase was to determine if wood with fungi has different characteristics than wood without. Fungi were found on 61% of wood surveyed, but larger logs, and wood of intermediate decay were more likely to have at least one species. An additional 20 transects... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/52v27033 Tue, 6 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000 Wheaton, Felicia https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1fz795cf <p>The effects of human activities on the earth’s environment have gained increasing attention in recent years. With coral reefs declining worldwide, efficient tools for assessing reef health are more important than ever. The species of larger foraminifera known as Peneroplis pertusus share key characteristics with reef building corals. By examining the populations’ natural distribution along with the abiotic factors affecting bleaching, a better understanding of reef systems as a whole is achieved. In this study, P. pertusus was collected from ten different sites on a fringing reef in Moorea, French Polynesia. Collected from coral rubble at one, two, and three meters depths, they were analyzed for abundance, size, and extent of bleaching. Light experiments were used in the laboratory to determine response to increased solar radiation. One-way statistical analysis, along with the Wilcoxon test found no strong correlation between depth and percent bleaching. A difference... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1fz795cf Tue, 6 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000 Ellison, Aimee https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8hk9852g <p>Octopuses are known for the advanced behaviors and elaborate displays used in predator avoidance. Although studies have provided anecdotal evidence on the defense mechanisms of these animals, whether these behaviors vary under light and dark conditions is unknown. This study investigated the diurnal and nocturnal predator defense mechanism s of Octopus bocki (Adams, 1941) in Moorea, French Polynesia. Seven behaviors were identified as primary defense mechanisms for protection from fish predators during daylight and nighttime hours. Rates of occurrence and durations for defense behaviors significantly differed between diurnal and nocturnal conditions, as O. bocki frequently Crawled during the daylight hours , but sat still and Curled during the nighttime hours. Results indicate that O. bocki modifies predator defense behaviors for survival under light and dark conditions.</p> https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8hk9852g Mon, 26 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000 Valencia, Natalie https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9pz5690t <p>The study of microorganisms and filamentous blue-green algae holds great ecological and geological importance; such microbial communities to be on of the first forms of life as well as the initial source of atmospheric oxygen. In Moorea, an island in the South Pacific, the microbial communities found on the intertidal mudflats have been widely studied and characterized. However, little is known about the marine mats that are consistently covered with seawater. This study surveyed the algal communities present in the shallow lagoon formed at Temae Beach, a public sand beach located on the northeast tip of Moorea. Seven morphologically different mats were observed and their distributions determined and mapped throughout two regions: the littoral (intertidal and sub-tidal) and back reef. The majority of mats were found within the sub-tidal while none were seen within the intertidal and very few observed within the back reef region. A common trend observed within this distribution... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9pz5690t Tue, 20 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000 Chang, Carol https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7b94s417 <p>Previous studies of the feeding biology of Culcita novaeguineae Muller &amp; Troschel in Hawai’i have shown that the cushion star prefers to prey on coral species of the genus Pocillopora over the genus Porites. Distribution and feeding biology studies of C. novaeguineae in Cook’s Bay on the island of Mo’orea, French Polynesia have shown that it habitats near Porites spp. coral in areas where Porites spp. coral is sparse, and prefers to prey on Acropora spp. coral. The purpose of this study was to further examine coral prey preference of C. novaeguineae in Mo’orea, using specimens from four areas on the island for better representation of its feeding ecology on Mo’orea, French Polynesia. My studies showed that C. novaeguineae in Mo’orea prefers Acropora spp. and Pocillopora spp., over Porites spp. (p=0.0046), and showed no preference for Acropora spp., over Pocillopora spp.. The study further determined that C. novaeguineae primarily feeds nocturnally, and moves persistently... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7b94s417 Mon, 12 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000 Hawkins, Sigrid V. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6vt6p2w8 <p>Ferns present an interesting case in island biogeography because of their unusually high dispersal ability. A general survey of the filmy ferns (Hymenophyllaceae) of Moorea, French Polynesia was undertaken by observing distribution in the field, conducting tests of desiccation tolerance, and inferring a phylogeny based on morphological characters. A total of 12 filmy fern species (including three species previously unreported in the literature for Moorea) were found to occur in moist, wellcovered habitats throughout the island, with distinct sets of high elevation and low elevation species. Five species were included in an experiment to determine relative degree of desiccation tolerance; results indicate that terrestrial species have lower desiccation tolerance than epiphytic or epipetric species. In order to place the Moorea filmy ferns in the larger archipelago context, eight additional Society Island species were included in the phylogeny for a total of 20 taxa based on... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6vt6p2w8 Fri, 9 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000 Nitta, Joel H. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8xx4w41z <p>The objective of this study was to determine if the distribution of insect species and presence of herbivory differed between native and non-native plants in the coastal region of Mo'orea, French Polynesia. Therefore, four native plant species (Barringtonia asiatica, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Terminalia catappa, Thespesia populnea) and four non-native plant species (Carica papaya, Mangifera spp., Morinda citrifolia, Musa spp.) were sampled. Each collected insect was tested for herbivory, and placed in a cup with a 2X1in. piece of undamaged leaf from the tree it was found and frequently checked for damage. Significantly greater insect species abundance was found on native plants compared to non-native plants (p=0.0431). No significant difference was found in richness (p=0.6409) or diversity (p=0.8451) between native and non-native plants. Significantly more herbivory damage was observed on the whole tree in native plants (p=0.0001). The herbivory trials found more cases of herbivory... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8xx4w41z Thu, 8 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000 Prado, Erin M. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7fq439n2 <p>While water striders (Hemiptera: Gerridae) have a global distribution different species have adapted to very different habitat types. Freshwater water striders such as Limnogonus luctuosus live in areas along streams and rivers with little to no flow. Marine water striders, such as coastal species Halobates hawaiiensis, have adapted to life on the surface of the ocean. Since these types of water striders live in such different habitats, and face different environmental factors their food preference and behavior can be quite different. In this study, average density of L. luctuosus individuals was measured along the Opunohu River. Also, food preference, behavior, and the effects of increased density were tested in the laboratory for both L. luctuosus and H. hawaiiensis. Response time and frequency of approach to mobile and immobile prey items were recorded for H. hawaiiensis and L. luctuosus. H. hawaiiensis preferred immobile prey while L. luctuosus preferred mobile prey.... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7fq439n2 Thu, 8 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000 Riley, Melissa K. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/12t2697d <p>Spirobranchus giganteus Pallas 1766 is an obligate associate of coral. This study focused on the distribution of five branchial crown colormorphs (Blue, Brown, Marigold, Purple, and White) on eight coral species (Acropora I, Acropora II, Porites I, Porites II, Porites III, Porites IV, Porites V, Porites VI) by quadrat sampling method. White was the most abundant colormorph, representing 24.0% of the total. Blue was the least abundant colormorph at 9.5% of the total. There were no significant differences in Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H’) of colormorphs between coral species. Also, relative colormorph abundance did not differ significantly between coral species or between the Front and Back positions. Only Blue and Marigold differed significantly in relative abundance between Top, Midde, and Bottom positions. Findings support a colormorph distribution of colormorphs. There are two possible explanations: 1) mortality and selection effects on distribution and 2)... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/12t2697d Thu, 8 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000 Song, Daniel S. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9s6740fr <p>The defensive behaviors of four opisthobranchs (Glossodoris cincta, Risbecia imperials, Stylochelius striatus, and Dolabrifera dolabrifera) were observed and categorized. The displays studied were mantle flexation, mucus production, mantle secretion, inking, and rearing. Members of each species were placed in two laboratory situations containing two different antagonists. The antagonists (Dardanus lagopodes and Lutjanus fulvus) were chosen because they were carnivorous, abundant, and found in the same ecology as the opisthobranchs studied. Additionally, they were chosen because they differed phylogenetically, physiologically, and behaviorally and, therefore, represented two very different predators. In some cases, individuals exhibited different defensive behaviors in the presence of different antagonists. Differential responses could reflect physiological, biological, or phylogenetic differences between the four observed opisthobranch species. In some instances, defensive... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9s6740fr Wed, 7 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000 Ghazali, Sameen R. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9jm2351g <p>Autotomy and regeneration are widespread in many groups of invertebrates and vertebrates, such as annelids, crustaceans, amphibians, and reptiles. Regeneration is common in all classes of Echinodermata and prevalent in ophiuroid brittle stars. Moorea, French Polynesia was surveyed for species of brittle stars living on coastal areas of the island in different habitats.</p><p>Ophiuroid populations were sampled in habitats such as a mangrove marsh, a sandy beach with coral rubble and a jetty with coral rubble and conglomerate coral to determine percentages with regenerating arms. Macrophiothix longipeda (Lamarck 1816) from the mangrove marsh and two populations of Ophiocoma scolopendrina (Lamarck 1816) from the beach and jetty were studied to determine if there were differences in experimental rates of arm regeneration after induced autotomization. Each habitat was colonized by distict ophiuriod assemblages and had different percentages of regenerating individuals; M. longipeda... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9jm2351g Wed, 7 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000 Chinn, Sarah https://escholarship.org/uc/item/93n6h93r <p>Epiphytes are important in forest ecosystems because they contribute to species diversity and aid in nutrient cycling. Despite this, the ecology of tropical epiphytes, particularly nonvascular species, is not well understood. This study compared epiphyte richness, cover, diversity, and species distributions to host tree diameter, canopy cover, aspect, and height on the trunk. Thirty-two Metrosideros collina trees were sampled for epiphyte species every 0.5 centimeters along circumferential transects at 0, 0.75, and 1.5 meters off the ground. Host tree diameter at 0.5 meters was measured, as well as canopy cover at North, South, East, and West. Epiphyte cover was lowest at the bottom of the trunk and highest at 1.5 meters. Richness correlated positively with diameter and canopy cover, but it did not vary significantly with height or aspect, according to the Wilcoxon and Tukey tests. Epiphyte cover correlated positively with canopy cover, but it did not vary significantly with... https://escholarship.org/uc/item/93n6h93r Wed, 7 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000 Dobbs, April M.