Browsing Philosophiae Doctor - PhD (Biodiversity and Conservation Biology) by Title
Now showing items 12-31 of 37
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Ecology and morphology of the Kalahari tent tortoise, Psammobates oculifer, in a semi-arid environment
(University of the Western Cape, 2012)Southern Africa harbours one-third of the world's Testudinid species, many of which inhabit arid or semi-arid areas, but ecological information on these species is scant. I studied the habitat, morphology and ecology of ... -
The ecology of tadpoles in a temporary pond in the Western Cape with comparisons to other habitats
(University of the Western Cape, 2006)This work centered on the tadpoles in a temporaray pond in the middle of Kenilworth racecourse, Cape Town, South Africa. Trapping was carried out over two wet seasons and five species were found. The racecourse was selected ... -
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. ... -
A global revision of the nongeniculate coralling algal genere Porolithon Foslie (defunct) and Hydrolithon Foslie (Corallinales, Rhodophyta)
(University of the Western Cape, 2005)The purpose of this thesis was to provide a revision and characterization of the species of nongeniculate coralline algae previously ascribed to the now defunct genus Porolithon; to provide a modern account of selected ... -
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, ... -
How do teachers and learners navigate the terrain of ecology and what are the associated conceptual understanding?
(2011)This thesis relates the teaching of ecology in schools to the requirements of the National Curriculum Statements, Grades R-9 and Grades 10-12, for Natural and Life Sciences. It examines the conceptual understanding of the ... -
How Do Teachers and Learners Navigate the Terrain of Ecology and What are the Associated Conceptual Understandings?
(University of the Western Cape, 2011)This thesis relates the teaching of ecology in schools to the requirements of the National Curriculum Statements, Grades R-9 and Grades 10-12, for Natural and Life Sciences. It examines the conceptual understanding of the ... -
How do teachers and learners navigate the terrain of ecology and what are the associated conceptual understandings?
(University of the Western Cape, 2011)This thesis relates the teaching of ecology in schools to the requirements of the National Curriculum Statements, Grades R-9 and Grades 10-12, for Natural and Life Sciences. It examines the conceptual understanding of the ... -
Impacts of degradation on critically endangered Oudtshoorn Gannaveld
(2010)In the Succulent Karoo biome of South Africa vegetation degradation by overgrazing is a recognized threat to biodiversity. In the eastern Little Karoo region of the Western Cape Province, ostrich farming has degraded large ... -
Linking biology and sustainable livelihoods to the proposed establishment of community -based Eucheumoid farming in southern Kenya
(University of the Western Cape, 2005)Growth rates of three commercial eucheumoids: brown Eucheuma denticulatum and green and brown Kappaphycus alvarezii were studied at three sites (Gazi Bay, Kibuyuni and Mkwiro) in southern Kenya. The study was conducted ... -
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 ... -
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 ... -
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, ... -
Salt tolerance and modification of wheat salt resistance by plant hormones
(University of the Western Cape, 2004)The history of salt tolerance and the factors effecting salt resistance of plants were literature surveyed, and it was concluded that ion concentration, salt accumulation, compatible solutes and the genetic traits play a ... -
Seasonal effects on the feeding ecology and habitat of Chersina Angulata in the South Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2008)Nearly one-third of the world’s tortoises live in South Africa, but little is known about their habitat requirements and feeding ecology. Chersina angulata, the angulate tortoise, is endemic to southern Africa, with a ... -
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 ... -
The Shallow water bryozoans of the West Coast of South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2005)The South African biota is characterised by high levels of diversity and endemism. While commercially viable taxa have been well-studied, cryptic organisms such as bryozoans, have been neglected in terms of study. Taxonomic ... -
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 ... -
Sources of heavy metals in vegetables in Cape Town and possible methods of remediation
(University of the Western Cape, 2012)Cape Town includes two vegetable farming areas within the city limits, the Joostenbergvlakte/Kraaifontein area and the Philippi area. Both areas supply produce to local markets and further afield. Sporadically, high levels ... -
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 ...