ANIMAL ECOLOGY (2)

Author: BARTUMEUS FERRÉ FEDERICO.
Year: 2004.
University: BARCELONA [www.ub.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGÍA.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGÍA. UNIVERSIDAD DE BARCELONA.

Summary: The main aim of this thesis has been to develop a theoretical framework of concepts and methods in statistical physics to the study of animal movement and dispersion phenomena. A large spatial and temporal scales, the movement of animals and phenomena can be understood as dispersion processes random search. Specifically, we have shaped the movement of animals and phenomena of scattering by a class of random walks known as Lévy flights, which are based on the stable distribution of Lévy. Lévy flights are included within a broad class of stochastic processes based on the stable distribution of Lévy, which are called genetic processes Lévy. Flights Lévy enter the world of random walks two properties enormously relevant statistics: the super dissemination and invarianza of scale. Both phenomena have been described in relation to large-scale animal movement and / or in relation to certain dispersion processes. In turn, these two factors have a direct bearing on the chances of meeting individually (seeking processes resources) as at the population level (colonization process in fragmented habitats). The approach to the problem of animal movement and the phenomena of scattering proposed in this thesis in novel not only in a strict sense methodology (ie, aplicació dela statistical physics and processes Lévy animal movement), but also because they fundmenta in statistical principles which so far have not been considered in the study of animal movement. The main conclusions of the work done in this thesis are: 1. The statistical properties which are derived from processes Lévy (ie Super-difusión and invarianza scale) increases rates encounter situations in search randomly. 2. There organimos capable of causing the statistical properties of these emergency situations in search randomly. 3. At population dispersion processes type Lévy increase the rate of colonization in fragmented habitats, 4. The scattering of long-range facilitates the existence of meta-populations in fragmented habitats.

Author: INFANTE CASADO OCTAVIO.
Year: 2004.
University: SALAMANCA [www.usal.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGIA.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGIA.

Summary: In a broad introduction, a review of the natural history of the genre Lanius and, in particular, the new species: Shrike real (Lanius meridionalis). Subsequently, the study focuses on various biometric and environmental chapters of that species. These chapters, treated as independent scientific articles, focusing on the comparison between skins and live birds from Shrike between real and skins of this species and Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor), biometrics between sexes in the Shrike real habitat selection and Land Use, silent, faithful to the territory, scattering youth, longevity and empalamientos of Lanius meridionalis. The most notable results were: - The skin of the birds in museum collections allow us to draw comparisons between two closely related species, such as real and the Northern Shrike, finding differences biometric due to adaptation to different media and different conditions bird sedentary and migrants. - The males and females have no real Shrike biometric significant differences that will allow us to differentiate sexes. - It is proposed to the turf as the cause of sexual dimorphism in the absence of the species. - The range of oaks are the ideal habitat for the species because it meets all the requirements for the species. In our study area the adult males of the species are sedentary throughout their lives. - According to our observations, there is filopatría neither female nor young. - There is a significant difference to make the empalamientos during the winter months. - Aspects climate may be responsible for the low number of vertebrate empalados compared with other studies northernmost parts. - It has been observed cleptoparasitismo in empalamientos by insects, birds and mammals. - 100% of empalamientos had artificial support, which makes the distance from their nests to depend on the presence of these structures and prevent the camouflage of dams empaladas.

Author: TOMÁS GUTIÉRREZ GUSTAVO.
Year: 2005.
University: VALENCIA [www.uv.es].
Place of defense: BIBLIOTECA DEL CAMPUS DE BURJASSOT.
Place of preparation: MUSEO NACIONAL DE CIENCIAS NATURALES CSIC..

Summary: Increasing knowledge on the interactions between parasites and hosts under natural conditions, however, are not yet well established and commitments costs faced by the hosts who suffer from chronic parasitic infections. The blood parasites can cause physiological stress to their hosts by destroying cell hemoglobin and consumption. The important role of stress protein (heat shock proteins, HSPs) have in the regulation of a whole myriad of physiological processes in all living things has attracted growing interest since their discovery, and various studies have suggested its importance in response to parasitism. Recent evidence suggests that some HSPs play a key role in the modulation of the immune system. A joint evaluation of the humoral immune response and stress may help to better understand the physiological mechanisms underlying the life histories of the hosts facing parasitic infections. The overall objective to be addressed in this thesis is an in-depth analysis of the costs and commitments that agencies parasites infringe on their hosted ers in natural conditions. Using as a model a population of herrerillo policy (Parus caeruleus), and experimental approaches primarily investigates the role the immune system and the response to stress play in the defense of the birds in front of parasitic infections, and the modulation of the investment in reproduction costs and their reproductive strategies vital. In a first phase of the thesis, establishing and validating methodological two protocols, one for the extraction and analysis of blood samples, to quantify the levels of HSPs and another for the quantification of immunoglobulin levels, both for its implementation in wild birds. We provide experimental evidence showing that the blood parasite infection induces a response from stress in birds in condicionâ ¬ s natural, and it detects the existence of costs of parasitism or physiological defenses in front of him on the biological effectiveness One dismininución pilot parasitic blood and associated reduction in the levels of immunoglobulins allow females to devote more resources toward parental care, resulting in benefits for chicks. In addition, an experiment to manipulate the size of the nidada detected decreases in the levels of HSP60 in females who attended nldadas reduced, and the levels of immunoglobulins in which catered clutches increased. These results suggest that physiological stress could be a limiting factor of parental effort during playback of herrerillos. Moreover, herrerillos that reuse old nests that contain cavities of the previous season pay a cost caused by the presence of ectoparasites. This cost emerged in terms of a less successful player and a minor weight of the females after reproduction. It detected an additional cost in the form of higher blood parasite infection in females was the greater abundance of ectoparasites. The results indicated that the costs of reusing the nests could be reduced in those areas and / or years with a low incidence of ectoparasitismo. Finally, explores the causes of intraspecific variation in character involved in the reproduction as is the size of the nest. The results indicate that certain measures of the health of the female are related to the effort of building the nest in a few years, depending probably on the environmental conditions, so the size of the nest in this kind could be subject to a character sex selection.

Author: PONZ MIRANDA ADRIÁN.
Year: 2005.
University: VALENCIA [www.uv.es].
Place of defense: BIBLIOTECA DEL CAMPUS DE BURJASSOT.
Place of preparation: INST. CAVANILLES BIODIVERSIDAD Y BIOLOGÍA EVOLUTIVA.

Summary: We have studied various aspects of the ecology of the Magpie Pica pica in a high mountain valley in eastern Spain (Pitarque, Teruel, Spain, 40Â º 39'N 0Â º 35'W, 970-1442 m asl). Most of the nests built in the Magpie Pitarque contained dome, with the only replacement who did not show up. The main plant used as a medium for building their nests were Rubus ulmifolius (15%), Populus nigra (15%) and Celtis australis (12%). The average height of the nesting structure depended on the type of plant: 6.32 for trees and 2.09 for the bushes. Two were located dormideros communal separated by approximately 700 m. It was noted that the minimum temperature and human disturbance were two major factors influencing the choice of place by the Magpie to establish these dormideros. The main components of the diet of chickens were beetles, grasshoppers, larvae, pupae and spiders. The plant was small portion, consisting solely of cherries and oat seeds. We found seasonal variations in the consumption of certain types of prey. There was a significant increase in the size of the dam depending on the age of the chickens. The Magpie selected dams largest of which was available in the middle. It was found that some factors influencing the choice of certain types of prey, as were: the availability of prey, the quality of parental climate and the structure of the nesting habitat. Moreover, it was observed that the Magpie dams before preparing them to the chickens, usually consisting handling this in a crushing or elimination of one or more body parts of the dam. The 57% of the beetles was prepared, the majority being broken by some part of your body. The readiness of beetles decreased with the downsizing of the dam, with the increasing age of the chickens, and with the decrease of the difference between the size of the placing and nidada. It manipulated the 71% of the nymphs of grasshoppers, their state of readiness decreased with the decrease in size and with the advance of the breeding season. The population size ranged between 33-41 individuals. The Magpie began its breeding season in April, with his size making average 6.8 eggs, which is progressing according to the breeding season presents a significant linear decline. The Magpie had a successful hatch of 57%, a successful flight of 47% and breeding success of 27%. It produced an average of 1.84 chickens per couple, with a mean for couples who had success 4.18 chickens. The 55% of nests did not produce any chicken. The predation, the failure to hatch and neglect were the main reasons for the failure player (27%, 19% and 16%, respectively, depending on the total number of eggs laid). The results show that the breeding success Pitarque not depended on which individuals choose different nesting sites, build nests open or closed, would put large or small, or to start early or late reproductive activity. There was no exchange of individuals between populations coming. During the first year of life young individuals Two major peaks of mortality: the first, when the hatchlings are independizaban of parents, and the second at the beginning of spring, when individuals were abandoned by the youth adults who had accompanied them in the communal dormideros to begin its work breeding. The likelihood of reaching the half year of life depends on the individual gained weight when he was still in or 8 do. On a 388 bandono of agricultural and livestock activities in mountainous areas could be the cause of the reduction of these populations Magpie, by the drastic reduction of resources associated with this process.

Author: RICHTER BOIX ALEXANDER.
Year: 2005.
University: BARCELONA [www.ub.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGÍA.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGÍA, UNIVERSITAT DE BARCELONA.

Author: GARCIA MARTIN MANUEL.
Year: 2005.
University: ALMERÍA [www.ual.es].
Place of defense: UNIVERSIDAD DE ALMERIA.
Place of preparation: UNIVERSIDAD DE ALMERIA.

Summary: The endoparasitoide Chelonus oculator (Fabricius, 1775) is a bracónido home paleártico widely distributed in the Mediterranean basin that was detected in Spain for the first time in 1989 and has been described as ollfagoen several species of Lepidópteros. Thus, the aim of this thesis has been on the one hand, learn the basics of biology, and on the other hand, understand the behavior of the same parasitación through studies of functional response, widely used tool for assessing natural enemies, for possible use in biological control programs. In the results, in the biology of the parasite, it should be noted that has been established development of parasite at two temperatures (20 and 30 .. C), on an alternative host, E. Kuehniella; it requires 82.52 and 47.73 days at each of these temperatures. Regarding the longevidady fertility adult has been found that their values are top-20 "C, 32.30 days and 481.17 eggs parasitized guests. Functional response of C. oculator and Trichogramma brassicae been studied in laboratory conditions , found that the first kind of a Type III, while the second is of type 1. This is a consequence of different types of behavior parasitación presenting both species. number of factors that influence the functional response of C. oculator have been studied under laboratory conditions, we found that temperature, surface search and adult learning are very important factors that modulate response parasitación of the species. respect to temperature was not submitted parasitación to 10Â ° C and this was very low at 40Â ° C; remain the same optimal 30Â ° C. Similarly, the search area had a marked effect on the functional response, so that its increase, decrease the percentage of parasitism to 20Â ° C, but a 30Â ° C this effect was not present. This is motivated by the influence of low temperature increases the time manipulation of the host, which is not presented to the lower temperature. has also been shown to influence the experience by the adult females of C. oculator in oviposicón host, which reduces time manipulation host 2.2 times, without regard to the female experience, resulting in an increase in parasitación; particularly densities more high host. with data from previous tests, has developed a new equation for the functional response type III, with two parameters, which has not only demonstrated an adjustment equaled, sometimes better than that of Hassell, but also allows for easy interpretation of the parameters used to absorb the fee instant search (a) with the potential of parasitism (alpha), which is intimately linked to the survival of the host. Owing to the coexistence of species Chelonus and Trichogramma in our geographical area, has conducted studies of competition between these species, using two test groups: the first was found competition among adult females for eggs guests; found that C. oculator competes poorly with Trichogramma brassicae, 8 of form 7 fc to the parasitación of the first kind is reduced significantly by the second. In a second set of tests were the functional response of T. brassicae, in competition with C. oculator in this case has been found that the level of parasitism unchanged, but if you had a change in the functional response of Trichogramma, which was modified type I-III, probably due to possible discrimination of the guests previously parasitized by other species. Finally, the functional response of C. oculator it has also been studied in the field, found a good correlation between the parameters that define the functional response with those found in laboratory conditions. Equally, it should be noted that it has been estimated surface functional response, in this case as a function of density Parasite employed not found a marked effect of mutual interference. data found, in the laboratory and in field, allowing establish that C. oculator can be a good agent for biological control of pest species of Lepidoptera, in terms of crops greenhouses. Keywords: Hymenoptera, parasitoid, Chelonus oculator, Trichogramma brassicae, biology, ecology, functional response, competition interespecifica, biological control, parasitism in a position to crops in greenhouses.

Author: GARCÍA ROGER EDUARDO MOISÉS.
Year: 2005.
University: VALENCIA [www.uv.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE FARMACIA DE LA UNIVERSITAT DE VALÈNCIA.
Place of preparation: INSTITUT CAVANILLES DE BIODIVERSITAT I BIOLOGIA EVOLUTIVA.

Summary: : Eggs diapáusicos of rotifers have been recognized as a fundamental stage in the life cycle of rotifers living environments that allow temporary variables and survival of populations during periods of adverse conditions. However, the study of banks egg diapáusicos of rotifers in natural environments has received much less attention to the study of its active population. Most of the information on stages of zooplankton in the resistance comes from other groups (cladocerans and copepods). The objective of this thesis is to characterize demographically banks eggs diapáusicos complex species rotífero Brachionus plicatilis on a set of 15 ponds and lakes in the eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula, as well as to infer the processes which determine the properties of banks eggs in relation to habitat characteristics in the overall context of the theory of evolution of traits vital. The results show that banks egg diapáusicos complex B. Plicatilis can be very dense (2-200 eggs cm-2). The variation in depth of the values of abundance of eggs diapáusicos indicates a high variation in egg production diapáusicos. The abundance of eggs deteriorated in the sediment (60-95%) indicates a high mortality and suggests that the processes of deterioration are important. The viable eggs are typically concentrated in the surface layers of sediment and its proportion decreases with depth, which suggests a process of aging. The dating of the sediments indicated that banks studied are relatively young, with a median age between 3 and 30 years and a maximum age of 60-80 years. This thesis has proposed a dynamic model where they are dealt with the various processes that affect banks eggs diapáusicos found equivalence between quantitative properties of the bank and processes. Our dynamic model is combined with a conceptual analysis of which derive predictions about the composition of the bank in connection with eggs habitat characteristics. The heterogeneity of environments in which they are different species of the complex B. Plicatilis offer opportunities for the gap in life history traits associated with the dipausa (eg diapáusicos production of eggs, hatching rates, etc.). Between populations. This thesis has been found that there is also a difference in the life history traits between different generations within the same population, particularly among females obtained from hatching eggs diapáusicos sediment and females from egg partenogenético since it is expected that the environments they inhabit are different. In summary, the presence of banks diapáusicos eggs in the sediment creates a partnership between the sediment and the water column, and phenology and properties associated with diapáusicos eggs are the result of selective forces that operate both in the water column as in the sediment.

Author: MARINHEIRO CAIOLA NUNO ALBERTO.
Year: 2005.
University: BARCELONA [www.ub.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGIA.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGÍA.

Summary: In this thesis we discuss the possible causes of the decline of both species native ciprinodontiformes Mediterranean Iberian. The native fish species considered in this study were fartet (Aphanius iberus) and samaruc (Valencia Hispanic). The loss of habitat and interaction with an introduced species, the gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki) are, according to the literature, the main factors responsible for the decline of native species, and therefore the starting point of the scenarios in this investigation . To evaluate the hypothesis based on the loss of habitat, a study on the ecological strategy as an indicator of the adaptability of species as a variable environments. To that end, we studied the biology and ecology of Trophic. Due to both lack of information about its strategy and its ecological importance for conservation, could be special emphasis on samaruc. Nevertheless, the results were discussed comparatively with other existing for the other two species. The information resulting from this study, was also the basis for predicting the type of habitat more suitable for future reintroduciones. As part of a project Life-Nature funded by the European Union, was held captive breeding of samaruc with the aim of its reintroduction. We studied the biology and ecology of the trophic captive population, and, based on these results, we discussed the adequacy of facilities for breeding and proposed several recommendations for management. To assess the impact of gambusia on the native species, we studied the mechanism of interaction between the native and introduced species. This study was conducted through experiments mesocosmos and aquarium. Finally, it cited a new species introduced into the Iberian Peninsula: Pseudorasbora parva. Given the impact of introduced species can have on the native, discusses the probable mechanism of introduction of this kind remarks and the importance of regular monitoring as a preventive measure in the management of ichthyofauna introduced.

Author: MARTÍN GÁLVEZ DAVID.
Year: 2005.
University: GRANADA [www.ugr.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS.
Place of preparation: ESTACIÓN EXPERIMENTAL DE ZONAS ÁRIDAS (C.S.I.C).

Summary: This thesis focuses on two of the most important behavior in the context of parasitism breeding birds: the recognition and removal of alien eggs and behavior peritorio. One of the main defenses of the host against the parasite breeding is the recognition and removal of genetic parasite eggs. Because the parasite breeding bound individuals need hosts suitable for reproduction, this defensive mechanism host simultaneously select contradefensas in parasites breeding, causing a war of arms coevolutiva between hosts and parasites. Although the models coevolutivos assume that the defenses and contradefensas are genetically influenced, has never demonstrated a genetic component of these behaviors in systems parasites cría-hospedador. In this thesis, we found that the magpie (Pica pica), which are the main host of críalo (Clamator glandarius) in Europe, is a microsatellite alleles (Ase64) that segregates between aceptoras and expulsoras in the rate of expulsion among populations of host operated by the parasite covariaron significantly with distance calculated for this genetic locus. These results show that the behavior of expelling eggs in the magpies have a genetic component. Despite the selective advantage that gives the host-parasite breeding ability to recognize and expel the egg parasite, exploited populations of many individuals do not have this defense. Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain this fact: 1 - The late evolutionary hypothesis, which asserts that the presence of non-defensive phenotypes is due to a temporary delay in the development / distribution of expulsion. 2-Conversely, the evolutionary hypothesis of balance assumes that the expulsion of eggs is expensive, and that acceptance of eggs might be the best option in some situations. Here for the first time, we used to Ase64 as a genetic marker behavior expulsion magpies to discern between the two scenarios, explaining the variation in the rate of expulsion among subpopulations of the population of magpies in Guadix. We found that this change was the result of differences in the abundance of individuals who are genetically capable of driving. The críalos, when selecting couples high-quality parenting, could be responsible for this scenario. In addition, our results predict an increase in the level of defense as the duration of interactions coevolutivas between magpies and críalos increases, as signs the evolutionary hypothesis for the delay. Regarding the performance of request for food, it is accepted that the chickens have parasites adapted to exploit the parental care. For example, a behavior peritorio exaggerated parasites in breeding is less costly than the offspring of non-parasitic species, because they nest parasites do not share with siblings and are reared by unrelated adults. However, the evidence on the costs associated with behavior peritorio exaggeration are scarce. Here, we use a drug diluted in water, cyproheptadine hidroclorato, experimentally to increase the level of hunger in some chickens magpie in the nest, while the remainder were swallowed with water as a control. The cyproheptadine caused the chickens to lose more weight, but get more food. This suggests both extra costs and benefits to show a level of dishonest level of hunger through the conduct of petition. Therefore, our experimental approach allowed us to take into account the costs and benefits associated with a level dishonest hunger, and to explore its net balance on different components of the biological effectiveness of the chickens. Accordingly, we find that the chickens of magpie who received cyproheptadine were larger (by weight, tarsus, wing and tail lengths) and showed better immune response at the age of the flying chicken control Therefore, although one exageració 8 No dela p d69 etición is expensive, our results indicate that the net balance between costs and benefits is positive. These results suggest that other costs in the wild should be preventing an exaggeration behavior request, as a loss in biological effectiveness inclusive, or costs associated with raising a selfish when adult offspring. Once we have identified the costs and benefits associated with an increase in the level of pilot hunger chickens host, we assumed if the conduct of petition associated with a level of hunger dishonest is less costly for breeding parasites that for the offspring of non-parasitic species. We did this by comparing the effects of treatment with cyproheptadine between magpies and críalos. Our results suggest that both magpies as críalos given food in relation to their levels of hunger but, unlike chickens for magpie, an increase in signals request of críalo had no additional metabolic associated costs. Therefore, a chicken críalo to increase the intensity of the petition in relation to the level of hunger could get food, without paying an additional metabolic cost. However, this implies that other factors may play an important role determining the optimal level of behavior petition at the críalos. Unlike the críalo, chicken cuckoo policy (Cucultus canorus) monopolizes parental care of their adoptive parents expelling eggs or chicken host. Although the common cuckoo deceives his adoptive parents by ensuring adequate food, it is not known whether the conduct of petition represents an advantage over that of the host in a hypothetical scenario competitive. Here, we saw this scenario on nests alzacola (Cercotrichas galactotes), comparing between natural and experimental ones, where a cuckoo and a nidada host was simultaneously submitted to the parents. Chickens cuckoo, under natural conditions, received a total amount of food similar to that received by a nidada host complete. However, when the cuckoo common chicken and chicken host was presented to parents, chicken cuckoo received an amount of food significantly less than that received in nests not manipulated. These results suggest that the behavior of the request of the common cuckoo chick is not helpful to compete with the host of chickens, at least when this parasitic species. And therefore, this means profits for the costly behavior expulsion of the common cuckoo chicks.

Author: GOITI UGARTE URTZI.
Year: 2005.
University: PAÍS VASCO [www.ehu.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIA Y TECNOLOGÍA.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE CIENCIA Y TECNOLOGÍA.

Author: MARTIN TOME MIGUEL ANGEL.
Year: 2005.
University: SALAMANCA [www.usal.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGIA.
Place of preparation: BIOLOGIA ANIMAL, ECOLOGIA, PARASITOLOGIA, EDAFOLOGIA Y QUIMICA AGRICOLA.

Summary: Between 1999 and 2001 carried out a survey in three different areas of submeseta north, to discuss preferences in the selection of appropriate sites for the breeding of different groups and species aculeados xilícolas. It used trap nests made of hollow stalks of reed (Phragmites australis) and hardwood cuttings of ailanto (Ailanthus altissima), which stems marrow soft allow digging their nests in some species. The highest percentage of nests obtained rests with esfeciformes, within which Trypoxylon attenuatum is the most abundant species. It builds on the breeding ecology of this species, particularly on the relationship between the sexes within the nests, mortality rates and influence of parasitoidismo. It analyzes the impact of different factors (diameter of the gallery, orientation of the nest, number of cells, the presence or absence of vestibular cell, the type of substrate on which we have traps, etc.). Exerted on the variables considered. It presents a list of parasites that attack the nests of T. Attenuatum, containing nests and the number of affected cells. Most of the attacks were due to Trychrysis cyanea and Melittobia sp. The first one behaves like a parasite highly selective in our study, while the second attack on an indifferent nests belonging to different species. Cells vestibuares will reveal structures as protection against adverse environmental conditions, reducing mortality in the early states of development. However, at least in T. Attenuatum, these structures are not effective against the attack crisídidos. The diameter mainly affects the selection of galleries and the relationship between the sexes within the same.

Author: ESPINOSA TORRE FREE.
Year: 2005.
University: SEVILLA [www.us.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGÍA.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGÍA.

Summary: Growing human pressure on the marine environment produces more pollution alteration to the appearance coastal and destruction of natural habitats. Of these, intertidal habitat is very likely to receive the anthropogenic influence, for its accessibility and proximity, resulting in the disappearance of species growing. Among them, ferruginea Patella, a species considered "endangered" shows a very worrying situation. Widely extended for the entire western Mediterranean until very recent times, there is a reduction and disappearance of their populations very quickly in à ½ recently. The species presents its western limit distribution in the Strait of Gibraltar, the populations of Ceuta are numerous and well structured, while on the north coast of the Strait, the people of the Bay of Algeciras, despite being the largest the Iberian peninsula, a situation of extreme vulnerability. The remaining populations are structured towards peninsular individuals more or less isolated and on the verge of becoming extinct. Patella ferruginea appears in areas with more or less biodiverse communities and with a degree of structuring. The seasonal growth is not continuous, introducing a higher rate of growth in the spring and beginning of summer regarding the autumn and winter. Likewise, there is an inverse relationship between the rate of growth and size. Longevity can exceed 30 years in this type of procedure. For its follow-up, use of two-component epoxy resins as a method of marking has shown great utility. Its distribution in the intertidal habitat is located in the mediolitoral higher, preferring situations hidrodinamismo moderate and showing greater activity during high tides respect to bajamares, as well as updated on the night. The troubled state of the sea has been revealed as inducer posting of copies. The intraspecific competition is not very high, while the interspecific plays a very important role, because P.ferruginea appears as a competitor lower. Pos its part, P.ferruginea appears as a kind sensitive to pollution from urban, being particularly sensitive to increased turbidity and a decrease of oxygen in the water column. The "sex ratio" of the kind presented a major imbalance, due in part to the sex change occurs to very high carvings, introducing populations few individuals females. In addition, they suffer a significant pressure origin antópico, which poses a serious threat to the reproductive success of the species. The fertility Patella ferruginea is relatively high, with values of ISM important and large amount of eggs per female. The genetic diversity of populations is very low, showing a large homogeneity interpoblacional. This could be due to a relatively high dispersion capability and / or an event bottleneck recently located to the Lower Pleistocene (hare 170000 years). This creates an additional threat to the species, since it might be more sensitive to environmental changes on a large scale. The forms rouxi and lamarcki of the kind described pro Payraudeau in 1826 as different species are ecomorfotipos, as this particular environmental variability and non-genetically. Key conservation measures, absolutely peremptory, must focus on protecting populations that persisted through legal concepts of protection for the habitats where they are located, by shielding certain areas that could act as centers for export larval toward adjacent areas, as Indeed reservation. Large copies should s 8 er objet 975 or a specific track, while the "sex ratio" presents a serious imbalance in much of biological origin and partly man-made. These copies may be reintroduced where the distribution of sizes so require. In cases where habitat destruction outside irremdiable, could perform the translation of the copies of the population affected by mechanical means, avoiding bajamares, where individuals are not active and would suffer further damage. To that end, a state of some agitation of the sea would also be favorable. Relocation of these copies should take place in cages like structures, which increase the likelihood survival and decreasing predation and environmental stress, at densities of up to 8 individuals for structure. The period to implement such protocols should be spring, this growth rate is higher, providing a quick feed to the new substrate, because its roots environmental stress inherent in the summer period is not yet sharp. In the same way, the reintroduction of copies from dense populations and well structured towards those in clear regression situation, could also provide a measure favorable to the species, as long as they are following the same protocol as well as those whose cases were suitability previously tested. Such reintroductions could also contribute to an increase in genetic diversity, to facilitate somehow genetic exchange, since the high degree of genetic homogeneity observed represents a long-term threat to the species.

Author: SERRANO PÉREZ SARA.
Year: 2005.
University: EXTREMADURA [www.unex.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE VETERINARIA.
Place of preparation: UNIVERSIDAD DE EXTREMADURA.

Summary: This study was conducted in order to learn more about measures for recovery of populations of wild rabbit their actual effectiveness, as well as expand the limited knowledge about the processes of selection and absorption of nutrients and minerals, the structure of the burrows and natural aspects etológicos linked to them. The results show how are the habitat improvement measures most effective in the recovery of the species and to enhance the capacity of the environment to improve the availability of food and water and providing shelter. All this promotes the natural recovery of rabbit. The feeding of the species in the spring is based on the consumption of grass, although there is a double selection of nutrients: protein positive and negative fiber, which optimizes energy assimilated. The texture, and size of land, affecting the excavation, determining the construction of various kinds of patterns mouth and tunnel entrance to the den.

Author: ABELLÁN RÓDENAS PEDRO.
Year: 2006.
University: MURCIA [www.um.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGÍA.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGÍA.

Summary: This dissertation deals with different strategies and methodologies in the context of conservation of the biodiversity of inland water in Southeast Iberian using inventories of aquatic beetles. First, it proposes a method for assessing the vulnerability of species and to prioritize conservation of species and populations, especially insects. The species of aquatic beetles two Spanish provinces southeast of the Iberian Peninsula are classified according to their conservation priority at the local, national and global levels, taking into account a set of six variables: general distribution, endemic, rare, persistence, rarity the habitat and loss of habitat. Ochthebius glaber, O. Irenae OR montesi, O. Albacetinus and Hydraena mecai appeared to be the most vulnerable. Effective protection of these species requires measures aimed at the conservation of their habitats. Then compare the effectiveness of different methods of selection of areas, ranging from traditional indexes until algorithms based on the principle of complementarity, taking into account various criteria such as wealth, rarity and vulnerability. The complementary methods were more effective than the rates and hotspots of wealth and rarity at the time to represent the conservation objectives in a number of areas and to identify a minimum set of areas that collect all species at least once. Among these, the algorithm based on the wealth was more efficient than that based on the rarity of the species. The habitats of greatest interest to the conservation of the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems in the study area are on average elevation streams, creeks and hypersaline complex karst and endorreicos. In addition to selecting areas of interest of conservation, we studied the performance of current and future protected areas in the conservation of biodiversity in aquatic systems. The results show that the distribution and extent of protected areas are still inadequate to protect aquatic biodiversity, especially species of conservation concern. Alternative methods for selecting areas (hotspots and complementarity) were more effective than protected areas to represent the aquatic beetles. Within these, complementarity was the most effective method, being able to represent all species in an area significantly smaller. On the other hand, tests the behavior of three indexes of differentiation relative to taxonomic levels of impact anthropic inland, as well as its potential utility in environmental monitoring. The measures of differentiation taxonomic were unable to identify the effects of human disturbance and there was a clear relationship between these new indices of biodiversity and the level of impact registered at individual locations. Thus it becomes clear that their behavior and their ability to detect impacts anthropic may depend on the structure of phylogenetic taxa sampled within a region, and its ecological and evolutionary history. Finally, we study the genetic variation and filogeografía of Ochthebius glaber, a rare and endangered aquatic beetle endemic to hypersaline streams of the south and southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. The analysis filogeográficos revealed an unexpected high degree of geographical structure, visible between populations separated by relatively short distances, with three main groups of haplotypes that have been seemingly isolated for significant periods of time. The main causes inferred 8 for 3e8 associations were detected events geographic fragmentation alopátrica and contiguous expansion of the range. Given the volatile nature of the hypersaline environments would require the preservation of a network of populations and habitats potential for the preservation of the processes that are generating and maintaining the diversity of the species.

Author: Alcaraz Cazorla Carlos.
Year: 2006.
University: GIRONA [www.udg.es].
Place of defense: Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Girona.
Place of preparation: Universidad de Girona.

Summary: Currently one of the main threats to biodiversity and ecosystem function, is the introduction of invasive species. Based on the review of 26 variables on the reproductive biology, ecology and human uses of the 69 fish species mainland of the Iberian Peninsula concluded that the phylogeny, variability (in addition to the central tendency) and human uses are necessary for better understanding the differences between native and invasive species. The taxonomic distribution of the species invading deviated significantly from global wealth of inland waters, and in contrast to native, invasive belonged to only five taxonomic orders but to a wide range of non-native families of the Iberian Peninsula. The characteristics of the reproductive biology relied heavily on the taxonomy, and after removing the effect of the phylogeny, invasive species differed in the reproductive season. The uses by man were also significant in this differentiation, producing more variability in the characteristics of the reproductive biology of the invasive and an unequal distribution due to the high taxonomic diversity of introduced species. Therefore, considering the effect of the taxonomy and also study the variability of central tendency is important in the comparison of the features pertaining to the reproduction of the native species and invasoras.Dentro of the species most affected by the introduction of fish, mainly the gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki), are ciprinodontiformes native of the Mediterranean. We provide the first data on the use of the occasionally flooded habitat, diet and prey selection of fartet (Aphanius iberus). During a period of flooding, sampled macroinvertebrate and fish habitat in three nearby: green macroalgae, free water and salicornia (only occasionally flooded). The three habitats differed in density and species composition, with the green algae showing greater biomass of invertebrates and salicornia greater diversity of organisms. The salicornia submitted the highest density of fartets adults, but juveniles filed similar abundances in the salicornia and green algae. The condition (length relationship) and biomassa of the stomach contents of juveniles were higher in algae green, while there were no differences among adults. While adults selected positively salicornia, it appeared to be a habitat disadvantageous for juveniles. In general, the diet of fartets was omnivorous, dominated by harpacticoides, nauplii and cuttings. However, the composition of the diet varied among the different habitats in relation to the availability of prey. Despite previously suggested a habit benthic food, the diet in our study was primarily based on bodies in the water column in the salicornia as in the green algae. In addition, there ontogenético a change of diet, with an increase in the average length of the dam with the length of fartets clearly related to a change in the microhabitat. While fartets smaller planktonic showed preference for dams, the largest selected preferably more benthic organisms. The gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki) is one of the worst invasive species around the world, with serious impacts on the functioning of ecosystems and native species. Previously, it had been hipotetizado, based on field observations, salinity limited success invading the gambusia and is a haven for cyprinodontiformes natives. However, there are only a few studies on how salinity affects their ecology and biology and it is unknown whether average Relations behavior with native species. In the latter part of this thesis we 8 informac 804 ion allowing understand the role of salinity in the success of invading the gambusia. We examined differences in the reproductive biology of gambusia from freshwater (approx. 0.2 â °) polihalinas (approx. 23â °). The salinity affected the density and reproductive biology of both sexes of gambusia. Both relucieron density and increased reproductive effort at the expense of somatic condition in females. The females of higher salinities are reproduced above, as presented embryos in more advanced stages of development and larger (regardless of the stage of maturity, length of the pitch and size of the placing). In addition, our data show that certain populations of gambusia can adopt a strategy matrotrófica, although it previously has been considered a kind lecitotrófica. On the other hand, we have experimentally tested the role of salinity (0, 15, 25â °) in aggressive behavior and the competition for food between the gambusia and cyprinodóntido threatened, demonstrating that with the increase of salinity the gambusia decreased its aggressiveness captured and imprisoned less, reducing its efficiency. By contrast, the fartet not changed their behavior with salinity. Therefore, the effects of salinity on their reproductive biology and behavior are consistent with the hypothesis that pre salinity limited success invading the gambusia.

Author: SILLERO PABLOS NEFTALÍ.
Year: 2006.
University: LEÓN [www.unileon.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS BIOLÓGICAS Y AMBIENTALES.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS BIOLÓGICAS Y AMBIENTALES.

Summary: One of the striking features of the living world is the great diversity of organisms it contains. We need to know how they are distributed to understand the diversity of a particular area, and so you can protect effectively. However, the data corológicos available are insufficient in many cases, still need to go to predictive models, which can find areas of high and low range with a small-time effort or economic costs. However, it is difficult to obtain environmental information necessary to feed the models (usually from field work or environmental maps), particularly in remote areas and / or extensive. This thesis presents solutions that enable safe and proper management of databases that store the geographical locations of species (in this case, amphibians and reptiles Salamanca), and analysis of biodiversity only through satellite imagery, particularly in remote areas and / or where extensive availability of environmental data is scarce. The geographical locations of amphibians and reptiles of Salamanca were collected with GPS and automatically represented on maps through a Geographic Information System, so that mistakes were removed and provided all analysis processes. To find out what was the height of all these points GPS (6517 points) were used images from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). The process was faster and more efficient, compared with the traditional method of reading the elevation directly from topographic maps. The models based on satellite imagery (Landsat 5 and SRTM) were similar to those based on environmental maps, but with a surface more fragmented because of the higher resolution of satellite images. This enabled using the images of the AVHRR satellite, SPOT and SRTM, identify the relationships between biogeographic amphibians and reptiles and identify areas of high and low diversity in the Iberian Peninsula.

Author: ABAJO CHIC ADAN.
Year: 2006.
University: OVIEDO [www.uniovi.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGIA.
Place of preparation: DEPARTAMENTO BIOLOGIA DE ORGANISMOS Y SISTEMAS.

Summary: The overall aim of the thesis was to study the relationship between the Cantabrian grouse (TETRAO UROGALLUS cantabricus) and its habitat, and determine the feasibility of metapopulations in a highly fragmented forest landscape. To this end have been built models of habitat selection at different scales, as well as a population spatially explicit model that simulates the behavior of individuals in relation to their habitat. These objectives pursued know the ecology of the species with the ultimate aim of contributing to their conservation in the Cordillera Cantábrica.El first goal, as a prelude to the preparation of models, has been the description, through digital mapping of patterns forest fragmentation of the Cordillera Cantábrica. With a forest cover of 22%, the mountain scenery is revealed as extremely fragmented, below the minimum thresholds that are predicting a direct negative effect of fragmentation on biodiversity. In addition, the size distribution of the fragments shows a strong bias towards values bajos.El grouse subspecies Cantabrian is a very poorly studied in the selection of their habitat. Although traditionally has been considered the exhibition area or cantadero as the habitat of grouse, it varies depending on the time of year to cover a much greater extent. The results obtained in this study showed differences at the local level, both in the availability as in the use of different types of habitat, for locations east and west. In short, in the area west of Capercaillies show preference for areas abedular-serbal presence of heathlands, while in the eastern area prefer areas with the presence of heaths and pastizales.Para study the habitat use at the landscape level, we made use of digital mapping available to construct models of quality habitat through multiple logistic regression to predict the probability of presence of the species in each habitat. It has carried out a two-dimensional approximation, developed separately quality models natural habitat (it was assumed linked to reproduction) and models of quality human habitat (related mortality among individuals). With the combination of both models have built a map that allows categorize functionally of grouse habitat. The models obtained for the distribution of cantaderos of grouse show a greater weight of the variables related to reproduction, highlighting the positive ratio of forest. However, in applying the models to explain the dynamics of extinction of cantaderos are the variables of human pressure mortality-the most important, highlighting the number of human settlements in the inmediaciones.Finalmente, we have built a simulation model that reproduces spatially explicit the behavior of the whole population by simulating the behavior of each individual during the annual cycle in relation to the rest of individuals and their habitat. The model parameters have been adjusted so that the model reproduced the patterns of distribution and extinction seen in the recent history of the population. It has been determined the influence of each parameter on the population dynamics of the population, taking out the significant influence of the dispersion process on the dynamics of unemployment cantaderos observed.

Author: VARELA DÍAZ DE TUESTA M. DE LAS MERCEDES.
Year: 2006.
University: ALICANTE [www.ua.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS - UNIVERSIDAD DE ALICANTE.

Summary: From the point of view faunístico, biological, ecological, biogeographic and evolutionary, the Antarctic region presents a special interest because it is a region that is almost entirely isolated from adjacent regions, from the Eocene lower (50-40 million years ), also due to the great distance that separates the Antarctic continent from the rest of the continental masses in the Southern Hemisphere and its hydrographic conditions, the barrier means that the Antarctic Convergence or Polar Front. Among invertebrates filtered, we can draw the ascidias (Chordata, Tunicata), which can reach aser dominant in certain sectors and funds someros Antarctica case of the Antarctic Peninsula and Weddell Sea (Gallardo, 1987; Vob, 1988; Galerón et al., 1992; Arnaud et al., 1998). They are seen as key species in the structure of the benthic ecosystems, because of the important role in coupling bento-pelágico and its ability to create new substrate capable of being colonized by nuimerosas species epibiontes (Gili et al., 2001 ). The main objective of this study is based on the description and characterization of ascidias colonial West Antarctic (Antarctic Peninsula and Bellingshausen Sea), Weddell Sea and the Arc de Scotia, as well as from the ascidiofauna (colonial and solitary) Southeast sector of South America, notably Argentina coast. For this report, were studied ascidias procednetes of the Spanish campaigns in Antarctica: ANTARCTICA - 8611, BENTART-94/95/03. Besides working with the collections of major museums in Argentina who remained without studying. As a result most relevant is presented, as well as tabular key for the identification of species of ascidias, study more than 2000 ejempalres of ascidias belonging to 63 species and 10 families remain 3 of these species new to science. We also conducted a thorough analysis of communities ascidias of colonial strategy that econtrarond udrante campaigns antártidas put manfiesto its importance. Finally presents a study biogeographic regions classic deBriggs (1995): Antarctica, Subantártica and Magellanic or Sudamericana, where they study the existing affinities between these three regions in order to observe its relaicones zoogeográficas between them and their provinces.

Author: COSTA SIMOES EIRA CATARINA ISABEL.
Year: 2006.
University: BARCELONA [www.ub.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE FARMACIA.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE FARMACIA.

Author: PEREZ RODRIGUEZ LORENZO.
Year: 2006.
University: CASTILLA-LA MANCHA [www.uclm.es].
Place of defense: INST. DE INVES. EN RECURSOS CINEGETICOS.
Place of preparation: INSTITUTO DE INVESTIGACION EN RECURSOS CINEGETICOS.

Summary: The ornaments that show many species have evolved as a result of sex selection, so that those characters could function as reliable signals of individual quality. In particular, many of the colors yellow, orange or red look animals, such as birds, are due to carotenoids, pigments that the individual is unable to synthesize (and should therefore take them in the diet), but they have antioxidant properties and immunostimulants. In this context, we are also particularly interesting those characters whose expression is mediated by testosterone, hormone with potential immunosuppressive effects. This doctoral thesis explored the potential of coloring carotenoide the red partridge (ALECTORIS rufa) as a reliable signal quality individual, focusing primarily on the interaction between physical condition, testosterone, immune response and carotenoids. Our results showed, first, that testosterone levels are affected significantly by the physical condition of the animal, suggesting that in many cases the nutritional status of the individual could determine the degree of expression of ornaments mid testosterone . In addition, the physical condition affected significantly to the coloring carotenoide the red partridge, making this ornament could be an indicator of nutritional status and the ability of an individual to find food. In a following experiment showed how the fact mount an immune response, albeit at the local level, causing a rapid decline in circulating carotenoids. While this did not affect the coloring carotenoide, the relationship between the latter and circulating plasma carotenoids, and between the two variables and the intensity of the response developed supporting the role of ornaments based on carotenoids as indicators of inmunocompetencia. At the same time, our results demonstrate a link between testosterone and carotenoids, as an increase in levels of the hormone leads to a greater concentration of carotenoids in plasma and liver (thanks, perhaps, to an increase in the absorptive capacity to gut level). Finally, when factors such as diet or the presence of intestinal parasites are controlled, we found variations over the year in the levels of carotenoids in plasma of both sexes, with peaks in the breeding season. The same pattern was found in the intensity of staining carotenoide. However, in spite of this variability, remained the hierarchy of color within the study population, both within the same season reproductive between successive years (ie individuals more ornate always remained the most ornate). All of this supports the idea that carotenoids ornaments of the red partridge might have evolved as reliable signals of individual quality.