Understanding the Ecological Role, Population Dynamics, and Geographic Distribution of Manihot Walkerae

Author

Gisel Garza, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

5-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Teresa Patricia Feria Arroyo

Second Advisor

Dr. Rupesh Kariyat

Third Advisor

Dr. José Guadalupe Martínez Avalos

Abstract

Walker’s Manihot, Manihot walkerae Croizat (Euphorbiaceae), is an endangered plant that is endemic to the Tamaulipan thornscrub ecoregion. Understanding M. walkerae’s geographic distribution, populations, and species interactions can provide essential information for the development of sound conservation strategies. To this aim, I asked the following questions: 1) What is the potential geographic distribution for M. walkerae? and, will it be affected by climate change? 2) Using global and regional extinction risk assessments, what is the extinction risk category for M. walkerae after incorporating species distribution models? 3) What do natural history observations reveal about M. walkerae’s population composition, and insect interactions? These questions were answered using species distribution modeling, both IUCN and Mexican Risk Assessment methods, and natural history observations. The results of this work could be used to establish national and international strategies to conserve this endangered species.

Comments

Copyright 2021 Gisel Garza. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/understanding-ecological-role-population-dynamics/docview/2564171068/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Garza, Gisel, "Understanding the Ecological Role, Population Dynamics, and Geographic Distribution of Manihot Walkerae" (2021). Theses and Dissertations. 875.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/875