Undergraduate Student Research in the Biology Department at Coastal Carolina University

Increasing numbers of students in the Biology Department are becoming involved in undergraduate research projects, either as part of faculty research activities or as studies of their own design. Featured here are examples of both ongoing and completed research projects conducted by Biology students. Click on a highlighted title to read a student-authored description of the research!

Questions about a particular project may be directed to the Advisor.

Student	Title of Research	Advisor
Jeffrey Allebach	RAPD Genomic Analysis of Variation Within Populations of Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata)	Dr. Steve Bush
Carol Baker	Interaction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Caenorhabditis elegans: Effects of the Exoenzyme S Toxin on Nematode Viability	Dr. Mike Ferguson
Alysia Berman	A Summer Survey of the Avian Fauna on Waites Island, SC	Dr. Jessica Young
Alysia Berman	Educating Schoolchildren in Georgetown and Horry Counties about Bird Identification, Conservation, and Ecology	Dr. Chris Marsh
Alysia Berman	Female-female Aggression in Carolina Anoles, Anolis carolinensis	Dr. Jessica Young
Amanda Byerly	Burrow Fidelity and Cost of Burrowing in the Ghost Crab, Ocypode quadrata	Dr. Mary Crowe
Ron Chicone, Jr.	Identification of Structure and Composition of Dune Vegetation on Waites Island	Dr. Joe Pinson
Thomas M. DeMaria	Microhabitat Selection of White-tailed Ptarmigan in Alpine Environments	Dr. Jessica Young
Merry Foggin	Interaction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Effects of the Exoenzyme S Toxin on Yeast Viability	Dr. Mike Ferguson
Monica Friece	Effects of low salinities and soil types on germination and growth of Sapium sebiferum (Chinese tallow) seedlings	Dr. Eric Pauley
Wendy Kutz	Population Genetics of an Epiphytic Orchid	Dr. Steve Bush
Austine Luce	Investigations into the behavior and ecology of juvenile ghost crabs, Ocypode quadrata	Dr. Mary Crowe
Jill Maxwell	Isolation and Sequencing of the Exoenzyme S Gene from Environmental Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa	Dr. Mike Ferguson
Lisa Moulton & Dawn Birney	Interaction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Medicago sativa: Effects of the Exoenzyme S Toxin on Plant Viability	Dr. Mike Ferguson
Bridgid O'Connell	Investigations into small mammal populations on Waites Island, S.C.	Dr. Mary Crowe
Gary Phillips	Avifauna Survey of Waites Island, S.C.	Dr. Samrrah Raouf
Olymphia Raines, Ron Chicone Jr., and Jared McNeill	Vegetation Mapping of Waites Island, South Carolina	Dr. Eric Pauley
Jennifer Spicer	The Influence of Microtopography and Cover Crop on First-year Vegetative Colonization of a Created Wetland	Dr. Eric Pauley
Alex Upchurch	The Effects of Pesticides on the Slider Turtle (Trachemys scripta)	Dr. Jessica Young
Kelly Vowels	The Effects of Fire on Sciurus niger (fox squirrel) and Sciurus carolinensis (gray squirrel) Populations	Dr. Eric Pauley
Natali West	Butterfly Population Survey on Spring Island, South Carolina	Dr. Mary Crowe
Aimée L. Wilson	The Effects of Habitat Manipulation on the Ghost Crab, Ocypode quadrata (Fabricus)	Dr. Mary Crowe

RAPD Genomic Analysis of Variation Within Populations of Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata)

The technique of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) involves amplifying DNA by the polymerase chain reaction while using single primers of arbitrary nucleotide sequence. By using these arbitrary primers it is possible to determine the number of genetically different individuals within a natural population of sea oats (Uniola paniculata), a common dune grass found from Virginia to Texas. By determining this number of different individuals, dune vegetation projects can be better designed to mimic natural populations.

I completed an independent survey of the beach and marsh area on Coastal Carolina University property on Waites Island, a barrier island in South Carolina. I surveyed migratory and resident species of shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, and songbirds. Data collected will be used for future research projects and to provide support for conservation efforts for the island.

Educating Schoolchildren in Georgetown and Horry Counties about Bird Identification, Conservation, and Ecology

I took preserved bird skins and guides to schools and taught elementary bird identification by teaching the students to recognize basic morphological differences among species. One goal was to demonstrate the technique to the teachers so that they would be able to provide the experience for subsequent classes. A final goal was to make the students aware of current conservation issues and regulations.

I am planning on doing field and lab studies comparing female aggression during breeding and non-breeding seasons. Since females begin to ovulate only after being courted by a male, I am going to compare female aggression toward another female alone and in the presence of a courting male. The current theory is that females defend territories for food and males defend territories for mates. My hypothesis is that females will become more aggressive toward other females when in the presence of a courting male during the breeding season.

This study is identifying and documenting the structure and composition of vegetation in relation to microsite variables which exist within the maritime dune community on Waites Island. We are determining the frequency and density of species which comprise the greater dune community of plants, and determining how these factors relate to the variance of abiotic environmental conditions that exist within the dune community. This will enable future researchers to better understand and track changes in the plant communities on Waites Island. It may also provide a reference or "blueprint" for future restoration and management of coastal areas that have been impacted by human activity.

White-tailed Ptarmigan (Lagopus leucurus saxatalis) are found in the alpine tundra above timberline of the Rocky and Coast Mountains of North America, from Colorado to Alaska. A permanent resident of the alpine, they require a variety of elements to survive the climatic extremes of the highest altitudes of these mountain ranges. Specifically during the spring time, females search for mates who have territories with quality habitat structure made of specific components: gently sloping aspect with southern exposure, already exposed, moist vegetation near receding snow lines for nivation, and rock fields for protection from predators and thermoregulation. From extensive studies completed in the 1960's and 1970's on the southern subspecies of White-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucurus altipens), it was concluded that these components of habitat along with Willow-dominated (Salix spp.) plant communities were essential for the timing of reproduction and brood rearing. To assess the species microhabitat, I made measurements of temperature, vegetation surrounding a bird or multiple birds; rocks, boulders, shrubs or trees present, streams or snowfields nearby, aspect- what direction is the overall face of a mountain pointing: north, south, east or west (measured with a compass) and slope (measured with a clinometer).

The hypotheses I want to analyze are: 1) Do Vancouver Island Ptarmigan choose the same microhabitat components as the Colorado ptarmigan? My preliminary prediction is yes. 2) Do females with broods choose microhabitats different from males for purposes of brood rearing? My preliminary prediction is no. 3) Do White-tailed ptarmigan on Vancouver Island choose microhabitats randomly or non-randomly? My preliminary predictions are random.

Actual research in the field was conducted this past summer in June and July of 1997. At this time I am in the process of writing the actual final paper, the abstract, introduction and methods now, results and discussion of results written in November. The statistical analysis of data obtained during the field season is being processed during the month of October.

Effects of low salinities and soil types on germination and growth of Sapium sebiferum (Chinese tallow) seedlings

Sapium sebiferum (Chinese tallow), a small tree of the Euphorbiaceae, was introduced from China into North America in the 18th century. Sapium is now well-established in coastal wetlands of the Southeast, where it may interfere with establishment and growth of native species. Estuarine wetlands are subject to varying salinities from river flow, tides, and hurricane surges. This study examined the interactive effects of low salinities and soil types on Sapium germination and first-year growth. Seeds collected from Winyah Bay, near Georgetown, South Carolina, were planted in three different soils (all supporting Sapium in the field) in a greenhouse and regularly watered with 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10ppt salinities. Little germination of planted seeds occurred at salinities above 4ppt. Salinities >2ppt significantly reduced seedling growth (e.g., dry weight, stem length, leaf count). Significant salinity X soil type interactions were present. Seedling growth on soils dredged from Winyah Bay (silty clay loam, pH 5.1) was more sensitive to higher salinities than either a gleyed silty clay loam (pH 6.5) or a sandy loam (pH 4.6). Although effects varied among soils, elevated salinity strongly influences Sapium germination and growth and could limit its establishment in estuarine wetlands.

Investigations into the behavior and ecology of juvenile ghost crabs, Ocypode quadrata

Ghost crabs, Ocypode quadrata, are semi terrestrial crabs that fulfill a variety of ecological roles on beaches. Most of the research on ghost crab behavior and ecology has been done with adults. In this study we documented juvenile behavior and burrow location on an undeveloped barrier island in South Carolina. Although juvenile crabs exhibit the same behaviors as adults they differ in the amount of time they spend unplugging and moving in the ocean. Juvenile ghost crab burrows are more likely to occur within the first 10 meters of the surf.

Using Sherman and pitfall traps at varying locations on Waites Island, I determined what small mammals exist there. The most populous of these mammals were the Hispid Cotton Rat, the Eastern Harvest Mouse, and the Cotton Mouse. Traps were run from June through October, and were set at both the dune line and in the woods.

The objective of this project is to observe and record the various species and numbers of birds found in the salt-water marsh/mud-flats and along the dunes/ocean shore of Waites Island, and to correlate their abundance with variations in weather such as changes in temperature, wind speed/direction, and passage of cold/warm fronts. The data collected will also be useful in determining the utilization of Waites Island as a stopover point for migratory bird species, as well as adding to the catalog of biodiversity found on a coastal barrier island. List of Species!

On a geological time scale, barrier islands are constantly changing places in which vegetation must adapt to a dynamic environment. Waites Island, a barrier island managed by Coastal Carolina University, contains several plant community types that occur in close proximity due to abiotic factors like poor sandy soil, strong winds, high salinities, erosion and accretion of sediments. This study will provide an understanding of the spatial arrangement of plant species and plant communities that occur on the island. There are several major components to this study: precise spatial surveying in the field, systematic sampling of the vegetation, statistical analysis, interpretation of aerial photography, and vegetation mapping. The results of this study will enable detection of changes in coastal vegetation and provide background data for other studies. The resulting vegetation map can also be used as a management tool.

The Influence of Microtopography and Cover Crop on First-year Vegetative Colonization of a Created Wetland

Wetlands destroyed or damaged by human activity may be replaced by the restoration or preservation of existing wetlands, or through the creation of new wetlands. When attempting to create a wetland, it is important to identify factors which influence the development of hydrophytic plant communities. At a wetland creation site in Georgetown County, South Carolina, the effects of microtopography caused by excavation machinery and the effects of seeding with a grass mixture cover crop on first-year vegetation patterns were examined. The influence of these factors on vegetation patterns depended upon where the plots were located with respect to standing water in the creation area. In plots closest to ponded areas, reducing microtopography decreased the percent cover of obligate and facultative wetland species and increased the percent cover of facultative species, while in plots furthest from ponded areas the same effect was seen in treatments which combined reducing topography and seeding. Seeding with a cover crop alone had no significant effect in any plots.

The purpose of my research is to investigate the effects of the pesticide Duraspan (commonly used at golf courses) on growth rates, population density, and population age structure of the slider turtle. Turtles were captured, measured, marked and released at two sites. Recapture of turtles will ascertain growth rates and aid in estimating population densities.

The Effects of Fire on Sciurus niger (fox squirrel) and Sciurus carolinensis (gray squirrel) Populations

Squirrels are very important in the dispersal of seeds in many ecosystems. South Carolina has two major species of squirrels. These species are Sciurus niger (fox squirrels) and Sciurus carolinensis (gray squirrel). Gray squirrels and larger fox squirrels rarely occur together in large numbers in habitats suitable for both species. Usually one species of squirrel or other will dominate to the apparent exclusion of the other. The reason for this exclusion is not clear. Periodic fires probably have been a determining factor in niche separation of gray and fox squirrels on the Coastal Plain. Gray squirrels dominate where trees are close enough to allow tree-to-tree travel. Fox squirrels though are found in areas where the trees are spread out more and there is an open understory. Fires clear much of this understory and remove much of the cover needed by gray squirrels. I will be testing the hypothesis that, in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) forests with prescribed fires, the population of fox squirrels should increase.

The Effects of Habitat Manipulation on the Ghost Crab, Ocypode quadrata (Fabricus)

Although human disturbance frequently results in habitat destruction, there can be more subtle ways in which humans influence other species. For example, habitat fragmentation and reduction may affect the spatial arrangement of organisms found in their environment. Ghost crabs under natural conditions exhibit regular spatial patterns. The impact humans have on the coastal environment affects not only distribution but also numbers. In this experimental study, we artificially manipulated the area ghost crabs were allowed to occupy. We created 1, 2, 4, and 8-meter diameter enclosures and recorded the spatial distribution and behavior of the crabs in these enclosures. We found that smaller habitats resulted in distributions different from those found under natural conditions. Observations of behavior resulted in less time spent feeding and more time spent in burrows for those individuals in enclosed areas than individuals in the natural environment.