Browsing by Author "Barclay, Robert M. R."
Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ItemOpen AccessBehaviors of Western Spruce Budworm Moths (Choristoneura occidentalis) as Defences Against Bat Predation(Springer, 2006-07) Barclay, Robert M. R.; Lloyd, Natasha; Wilson, Joanna M.
- ItemOpen AccessEcological and behavioural factors affecting philopatry and life history patterns of yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) in the southern Alberta prairie region(2021-01-11) Holland, Berna-Dean; Ruckstuhl, Kathreen E.; Neuhaus, Peter; Ruckstuhl, Kathreen E.; Neuhaus, Peter; Barclay, Robert M. R.; Reid, Mary L.; Sicotte, PascalThe personality of an individual greatly influences its fitness. Yet, most conclusions about fitness, are often drawn from a population level perspective. In this thesis, I underline the importance of studying personality in behavioural ecology, and conservation. This thesis is the product of three years of research into personality, philopatry, and the life-history of yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris), occurring in the extreme southern region of Alberta. My research methodology involved a hybrid approach, incorporating both my Métis-Indigenous way of exploring, and experiments drawn from standardized methodologies of western science. This thesis represents the first detailed study of yellow-bellied marmots living within the prairie ecozone of southern Alberta Canada; one of the most northern ranges of this species. In Chapter 1, I present my observational findings of ecology and general life history patterns of this species as it occurs in this region. In chapter 2, I present my investigation into whether personality and sex of individual yellow-bellied marmots living in this region, play a significant role in philopatry; the tendency of individual offspring to remain within their natal home. The experiments revealed consistent response of individual marmots across a variety of situations representing an anti-predator context. However, the only factor found to have an effect on philopatry, was the sex of individuals. I end with a summary of my results and recommendations for future research.
- ItemOpen AccessThe Effects of Diet and Ultra Violet B Exposure on Vitamin D Levels and Muscle Performance In Mice (Mus musculus)(2019-09-17) Tsao, Natalie; Syme, Douglas A.; Barclay, Robert M. R.; Burton, Jodie M.Vitamin D is a steroid that promotes healthy bone structure and muscle function. It is obtained from the diet and synthesized in the skin during UV-B exposure from sunlight. In muscle, it influences calcium transport and promotes growth, with varied responses depending on muscle type. I hypothesized that reduced vitamin D in the diet and removal of UVB light, as occurs during hibernation or the Polar winter, will impact circulating levels of vitamin D to the extent that muscle contractile performance is altered. I also hypothesize that fast-twitch muscles will show greater responses of muscle contractile capabilities to treatments compared to slow-twitch muscles. Mice were used as a model, and fed diets with normal or low vitamin D, and exposed to normal or no UV-B doses for 3 months. Neither fast nor slow muscle types showed significant differences between treatment groups in force, power, force-velocity measures, or rates of fatigue. Serum vitamin D levels, measured at the midpoint and endpoint of the treatment, varied substantially among individuals, but not, on average, among treatment groups, indicating mechanisms of compensatory homeostasis in the face of reduced vitamin D supply. These results suggest that intermittent interruptions in dietary vitamin D or light exposure in mammals, such as those that hibernate or live above the Arctic Circle, do not impair muscle contractile function.
- ItemOpen AccessInfluence of Urbanization on Demography of Little Brown Bats (Myotis lucifugus) in the Prairies of North America(Public Library of Science, 2011-05-25) Coleman, Joanna L.; Barclay, Robert M. R.
- ItemOpen AccessThermoregulation and roosting behaviour of reporductive and nonreproductive female Western Long-eared bats (Myotis eviotis) in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta(National Research Council of Canada, 2006) Barclay, Robert M. R.; Solick, Donald I.
- ItemOpen AccessVariable Variation: Annual and Seasonal Changes in Offspring Sex Ratio in a Bat(Public Library of Science, 2012-05-03) Barclay, Robert M. R.
- ItemOpen AccessVariation in body temperature and isolation calls of juvenile big brown bats, Eptesicus fuscus(Elsevier, 2006-01-26) Barclay, Robert M. R.; Camaclang, Abbey, E.; Hollis, Lydia
- ItemOpen AccessWinter bat activity in the Canadian prairies(National Research Council of Canada, 2006-08) Barclay, Robert M. R.; Lausen, C. L.