Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA
Date of Award
5-2009
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Fred Zaidan
Second Advisor
Dr. Robert Edwards
Third Advisor
Dr. Jonathan Lieman
Abstract
Salinity stress at 0 ppt, 9 ppt, 18 ppt, and 27 ppt was investigated in Nerodia rhombifer, a fresh water snake. The purpose of this study was to establish if exposure to salinity could elicit a hormonal response in the form of corticosterone. Salinity treatment 27 ppt was lethal for 50% of the snakes. Factors such as population and gender differences were not significant, p=0.748 and p=0.135, respectively. Exposure to the different salinities did not significantly affect the overall mass of the animal, p=0.951. A significant increase in circulating corticosterone was noted in salinity treatments 0 ppt and 18 ppt, p=0.038. The data collected from this study, can be useful in explaining the distributional limits for N. rhombifer along the Rio Grande and in other riverine systems.
Granting Institution
University of Texas-Pan American
Comments
Copyright 2009 Joana A. Cordoba. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/stress-responses-salinity-native-fresh-water/docview/305180955/se-2