| Type of Document |
Major Paper |
| Author |
Carlisle, Michelle
|
| URN |
etd-03152004-160413 |
| Title |
The Ecology of the White-throated Woodrat: Reviewing Theories and Exploring Possible Adaptive Strategies |
| Degree |
Master of Natural Resources |
| Department |
Natural Resources |
| Advisory Committee |
| Advisor Name |
Title |
| Trauger, David L. |
Committee Chair |
| Evans, Gary R. |
Committee Member |
| Huff, Jane N. |
Committee Member |
| Kelly, Marcella J. |
Committee Member |
|
| Keywords |
- desert
- adaptation
- Neotoma albigula
- woodrats
- Neotoma
|
| Date of Defense |
2004-02-23 |
| Availability |
unrestricted |
Abstract
The white-throated woodrat, Neotoma albigula, is a desert rodent, common in the southwestern United States. This species relies on behavioral and physiological adaptations in order to cope with a desert environment. The physiological adaptations of the white-throated woodrat prevent the animal from overheating but do not promote water conservation. The woodrat’s ability to survive in an environment with little water is attributed to behavioral modification, primarily food choice and nocturnality. However, it is possible that the white-throated woodrat may use other survival strategies that are not currently known. Although much of the literature regarding the white-throated woodrat promotes the idea that the species is dependant on cactus as a source of food that provides water, I observed a population of white-throated woodrats that survived in the absence of cactus. After making observations on this population, I reviewed the literature that pertained to the white-throated woodrat and similar species and used my own observations to explore means by which the white-throated woodrat may be surviving in desert environments. Review of the literature of N. albigula and the genus Neotoma suggests that there is tremendous variation among woodrat populations. I propose that woodrat populations are highly individualized and are very responsive to their environment.
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| Files |
| Filename |
Size |
Approximate Download Time
(Hours:Minutes:Seconds)
|
| 28.8 Modem |
56K Modem |
ISDN (64 Kb) |
ISDN (128 Kb) |
Higher-speed Access |
| |
N.albigula16.pdf |
455.03 Kb |
00:02:06 |
00:01:05 |
00:00:56 |
00:00:28 |
00:00:02 |
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