This dissertation is accessible only to the Illinois State University community.

  • Off-Campus ISU Users: To download this item, click the "Off-Campus Download" button below. You will be prompted to log in with your ISU ULID and password.
  • Non-ISU Users: Contact your library to request this item through interlibrary loan.

Graduation Term

2014

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

School of Biological Sciences

Committee Chair

Robert L. Preston

Abstract

Orconectes rusticus, the rusty crayfish, is a species native to the Ohio River Basin in the United States. Through human-aided introductions it has successfully invaded freshwater environments in multiple states, including several East Coast states. Preliminary studies showed that O. rusticus can survive in seawater for up to nine days (unpublished data). In this study, we looked at the rates of survival of O. rusticus in different salinities. We also investigated the methods by which O. rusticus is able to tolerate salinity increases, including hemolymph osmotic pressure, free amino acid accumulation in tissues and fluids, and accumulation of sodium and chloride ions in hemolymph. We found that Orconectes rusticus responds to increases in salinity in a manner similar to that of euryhaline decapod crustaceans, suggesting it might be capable of living in a variety of salinity environments, including East Coast estuary ecosystems. The ability of O. rusticus to tolerate a wide range of salinities is of ecological significance because this species of crayfish can cause significant environmental changes in new habitats where it becomes established.

Access Type

Thesis-ISU Access Only

DOI

http://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2014.Bazer.C

Download
Off-Campus Download

Share

COinS