Browsing Philosophiae Doctor - PhD (Biodiversity and Conservation Biology) by Issue Date
Now showing items 21-36 of 36
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Patterns in diversity, abundance, distribution and community structure of epi-pelagic copepods in the south-western Indian Ocean
(University of the Western Cape, 2016)The primary objective of this study was to investigate patterns in diversity, abundance, distribution and community structure of epi-pelagic copepods across the South West Indian Ocean Ridge (SWIOR). A survey was conducted ... -
Coastal marine heatwaves: Understanding extreme forces
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)Seawater temperature from regional to global scale is central to many measures of biodi- versity and continues to aid our understanding of the evolution and ecology of biolog- ical assemblages. Therefore, a clear understanding ... -
Seaweed extract effects on potato (Solanum Tuberosum 'BP1') and grape (Vitis Vinifera Var. Sultana) Production
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)Field trials were conducted to determine the effects of a locally produced seaweed extract product (Afrikelp LG-1), on the growth parameters and yield of Solanum tuberosum 'BP1'potato crop and Vitis vinifera var. sultana ... -
Diversity and Zoogeography of South African Bryozoa
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)The taxonomic history of South African bryozoans is fragmented and outdated, with the majority of published works in the 20th Century. Sampling gaps exist in deep-sea regions and parts of the coastline, while existing ... -
Water regime requirements and possible climate change effects on Fynbos Biome Restionaceae
(University of the Western Cape, 2018)The Cape Floristic Region (CFR) of southern Africa is one of the world’s most unique biodiversity hotspots. However, this biodiversity continues to be threatened by habitat loss due to rapid urbanisation, agriculture and ... -
The genus Spongites (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2019)Coralline red algae (Corallinales, Hapalidiales, Sporolithales: Corallinophycidae, Rhodophyta) are widespread and common in all the world’s oceans (Adey & McIntyre 1973; Johansen 1981; Littler et al. 1985; Björk et al. ... -
Revealing the factors that promote divergence in the Bladder Grasshopper Bullacris unicolor (Orthoptera; Pneumoroidea)
(University of the Western Cape, 2019)Variation in sympatric and allopatric populations is believed to be a precursor to eventual speciation. The dispersion of genes from one gene pool into another is prevented by various processes, including the founder effect, ... -
Species recognition and reproductive isolation in Malawi cichlid fishes, Metriaclima estherae and M. callainos (Teleostei: Cichlidae)
(University of the Western Cape, 2019)Cichlids are one of the most diverse groups of fishes in the world. The highest concentration of cichlids is found in Lake Malawi, where over 1500 species are recorded to occur, which are dominated by the haplochromine ... -
Chemical investigation of some species of Amaryllidaceae from the Greater Cape Region of South Africa as a source of bioactive compounds
(University of the Western Cape, 2020)The family Amaryllidaceae is widely distributed in the southern hemisphere. Members of the family are well known for their content of pharmacologically active alkaloids and represent an important epicentre of Amaryllidac ... -
Biomonitoring of heavy metals in the Eerste River catchment area
(University of the Western Cape, 2020)The risk of increasing global pollution dictates the need to understand environmental processes and develop innovative ways to monitor pollution levels and address associated problems. In order to address this need, this ... -
Native legume species from the Northern Cape province of South Africa and their potential use as forage crops.
(University of Western Cape, 2021)The lack of bioclimatically suitable forage species for livestock production in the water-limited agro-ecological areas of South Africa has resulted in significant feed shortages within these areas during the ongoing drought ... -
A biogeographic, phylogenetic and taxonomic evaluation of South African orthopteran species (Orthoptera: Pneumoridae)
(University of the Western Cape, 2021)The order Orthoptera contains a wide diversity of species and is the most speciose of the polyneopteran insect lineages. In South Africa, the orthopteran fauna is abundant and diverse, with approximately 88% of all Southern ... -
Heteroscleromorph demosponge taxonomy and diversity of the Amathole region (Eastern Cape, South Africa)
(University of Western Cape, 2022)Sponges are functionally important and ubiquitous components of the global marine benthos. South Africa accounts for roughly 4% of the global marine sponge diversity, comprising 374 described species and seven varieties/forms, ... -
Autecology of the rhombic egg-eater, Dasypeltis scabra
(University of the Western Cape, 2022)Efforts to prevent global losses of biodiversity are hindered by incomplete knowledge of the functional importance of species. In part, this is due to a paucity of information on the basic biology of most species resulting ... -
Conservation and resource-use relations: Analysis for protected area expansion feasibility in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2022)It is assumed that expanding the size and/or number of protected and conservation areas can contribute to more effective conservation, ecosystem services and environmental protection. Expansion is normally a response to ... -
Snake community structure in a heterogeneous fynbos ecosystem
(University of the Western Cape, 2022)Snakes occur in most terrestrial ecosystems, forming an integral part of many ecological communities. A diverse community of snakes in an ecosystem can indicate a complex habitat structure capable of supporting a diverse ...