Theses and Dissertations
This collection contains the theses and dissertations approved for public release from Texas A&M University.
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Pearson, Heidi Christine, 1976- (Texas A&M University, August 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: I examined fission-fusion sociality in dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus), and investigated aspects of social convergence between dolphins and great apes. I used boat-based group focal follows and photo-identification to collect data in Admiralty Bay, New Zealand during 2005-2006. I used generalized estimating equations to examine relationships between party (group) size, rate of party fission-fusion, activity, and location; and relationships between leaping frequency and behavior. Using photo-identification images from 2001-2006, I analyzed the strength and temporal patterning of associations, short- and long-term association patterns, preferred/avoided associations, and behaviorally-specific preferred associations. To analyze social convergence between dolphins and great apes, I compared female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops spp.) and chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) social strategies through literature review. I conducted 171 group focal follows, totaling 157 observation hours. Mean party size was 7.0±6.0 individuals. Party size changed every 5±.47.6 min on average. The most frequent activity was resting (37%), followed by traveling (29%), foraging (18%), and socializing (15%). Foraging was positively related to party size and rate of fission-fusion. Near mussel farms, foraging increased, traveling decreased, and rate of party fusion increased. "Clean" leaps were the most frequent leap type (84%) and were positively related to party size and foraging. Noisy and coordinated leaps were positively related to party size; noisy leaps were negatively related to foraging. Associations during 2001-2006 (N = 228 individuals) were nonrandom for 125 days; associations within one field season were nonrandom for 60 days. Individuals formed preferred/avoided associations during most years. The strongest associations occurred during foraging and socializing; the weakest associations occurred during traveling. Individuals formed preferred associations during foraging, resting, and socializing. Review of female bottlenose dolphin and chimpanzee sociality revealed that: 1) females form weaker bonds and are less social than males, 2) females associate mostly with other females, 3) mothers are often alone with their offspring, 4) mothers (vs. non-mothers) and non-cycling (vs. cycling) females associate less with males, and 5) non-cycling (vs. cycling) females occur in smaller parties. Female dolphins may be more social than female chimpanzees due to decreased scramble competition, increased predation risk, and decreased cost of transport for dolphins vs. chimpanzees. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/86073 Files in this item: 1
Pearson.pdf (1.128Mb) -
Cochran, Jennifer Lynn, 1983- (Texas A&M University, August 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Cichlids are among the most species rich and ecologically diverse families of freshwater fishes. Life history attributes vary greatly among cichlids across their global range, and in the Neotropics alone studies have revealed a great deal of diversity in cichlid ecology, morphology and behavior. This study investigated the habitat use, diet, and ecomorphology of an assemblage of cichlids in the Upper Bladen River, Belize. Mesohabitats, including riffles, runs, deep pools, vegetated areas and adjacent streams, were surveyed and snorkeled, and physicochemical and habitat variables were measured at each site where cichlids were observed or collected. Between 12 and 65 stomachs of each cichlid species were analyzed for diet composition. In addition, traditional morphometrics were completed on five individuals of each species in order to investigate the relationships between morphology, diet, and habitat use. The present study revealed patterns of trophic and morphological diversity consistent with a hypothesis of resource partitioning in accordance with adaptive divergence in morphological traits that influence ecological performance. The Bladen cichlid assemblage has one algivore with a long, coiled gut (Archocentrus spilurus), one piscivore with an elongated body and highly protrusbile jaws (Petenia splendida), two substrate sifters that feed extensively on benthic invertebrates (Astatheros robertsoni and Thorichthys meeki), one midwater invertebrate feeder ('Cichlasoma' salvini), and one large-bodied, trophic generalist (Vieja maculicauda). Species in this assemblage display divergent ecological patterns supported by morphological and behavioral adaptations that yield a degree of diet and habitat segregation. The present study provides not only basic ecological data essential for effective conservation, but also evidence of niche diversification within a local assemblage of heroine cichlids that will be useful for ecological and evolutionary analyses at larger scales of taxonomy, geography, and time. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/86072 Files in this item: 1
Cochran.pdf (2.325Mb) -
Wells, Audrey Elizabeth, 1982- (Texas A&M University, August 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This interdisciplinary research project combines the fields of nautical archaeology and computer visualization to create an interactive virtual reconstruction of the 1606 Portuguese vessel Nossa Senhora dos Mártires, also known as the Pepper Wreck. Using reconstruction information provided by Dr. Filipe Castro (Texas A&M Department of Anthropology), a detailed 3D computer model of the ship was constructed and filled with cargo to demonstrate how the ship might have been loaded on the return voyage from India. The models are realistically shaded, lighted, and placed into an appropriate virtual environment. The scene can be viewed using the real-time immersive and interactive system developed by Dr. Frederic Parke (Texas A&M Department of Visualization). The process developed to convert the available information and data into a reconstructed 3D model is documented. This documentation allows future projects to adapt this process for other archaeological visualizations, as well as informs archaeologists about the type of data most useful for computer visualizations of this kind. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/86071 Files in this item: 1
Wells.pdf (4.772Mb) -
Shetti, Vishwanand Venkatesh, 1981- (Texas A&M University, August 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Associations are embedded in many aspects of filmmaking. It is this artist's goal to analyze visual associations in the process and product of an original narrative video piece called Discretion. Character relationships and plot structure are examples of nonconcrete visuals developed in preproduction. Family trees and plot diagrams provide a structural map for the film and are helpful tools to communicate with the cast and crew. Art direction and wardrobe are examples of concrete visuals developed during production. For example, wardrobe with certain colors may be assigned to each character in the film. Editing and compositing allow further development in the postproduction phase. Juxtaposing scenes and imagery results in a more complex web of connections for the viewer to discover. In effect, this thesis is meant to explore the filmmaking process with a special emphasis given to visual associations. In this discussion, the video will be referred to as a film to relate concepts to other films and to the filmmaking process. However, it is important to note that interchanging these words is a common practice that is not acceptable in many industry settings. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/86070 Files in this item: 1
Shetti.pdf (7.202Mb) -
Samman, Juwana Nicole, 1975- (Texas A&M University, August 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This thesis develops the method of using textures projected from the perspective of a projection camera, in combination with two-dimensional paintings and threedimensional models, to create digital environments. Past uses have demonstrated effectiveness only for background and midground scene elements with limited camera movement. This work explores how camera animation can be maximized using the projected texture technique onto foreground environment forms. Through several case studies, general guidelines for artists are developed for using camera-based projected textures. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/86069 Files in this item: 1
jsamman.pdf (8.776Mb)
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