Date of Award

2024

Degree Name

Biological Sciences

College

College of Science

Type of Degree

M.S.

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Dr. Habiba Chirchir, Committee Chairperson

Second Advisor

Dr. F. Robin O’Keefe

Third Advisor

Dr. Herman Mays

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Maria Serrat

Abstract

The goal of this study is to examine the effect of urbanization and latitude on bone morphology, specifically limb length and bone density among gray squirrels endemic to the eastern United States. This study’s hypotheses are as follows: gray squirrels occupying lower latitudes will have larger body sizes and longer limbs relative to body size than those at higher latitudes following Bergmann’s and Allen’s rules. Further, squirrels in urban habitats will have greater bone density than those in rural habitats. Results show moderate correlation between body mass and respective proxies and latitude following Bergmann’s rule. Weak correlations were found between standardized bone length and latitude following Allen’s Rule. Bone density data did not reveal a positive correlation with urbanization, but cortical bone area did. This study advances our understanding of how changing climate, human development and expansion influence the bone morphology of wildlife.

Subject(s)

Physiology.

Squirrels -- Morphology.

Bergmann's rule.

Climatic changes -- Habitat.

Allometry.

Bone -- Analysis.

Latitude.

Animal population density.

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