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...skeletal elements extinct mammals are often highlighted when recovered from paleontological excavations. However, the proportion of extant mammals displaying pre-death skeletal damage is not well documented. During the winter months of 2002 and 2004, 61 road-killed opossums (47 males, 12 females, 2 sex-unknown) were collected within Baldwin Co. on the Georgia Piedmont. The carcasses were skeletonized and examined for skeletal abnormalities indicating injuries sustained prior to death. Thirty nine percent (19/47 males, 4/12 females, 1/2 unknowns) of the specimens displayed noticeable skeletal damage. In the males, the most common injuries were damaged scapulae, broken femora, broken ribs, damaged pelvic girdles and broken mandibles. Males also displayed arthritic fusion of vertebrae and mandibular abscesses. Females displayed arthritic fusion of vertebrae and mandibular abscesses, but no pre-death skeletal damage. The opossum of unknown-sex displayed three broken ribs. Male opossums are known to engage in violent intrasexual interactions that may account for the increased likelihood of damage to the scapulae and mandibles. Males are also known to be more wide-ranging, possibly increasing the likelihood of predator attacks and vehicle contact.
1:45 ESTABLISHING A PROTOCOL FOR ORGANOGENESIS OF POPULUS, Sandra Lester* (1), C. Dervinis (2) and G. Peter (2), (1) Albany State University, Albany, GA 31705 and (2) University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32617. Global warming, caused by increasing amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, are leading scientists to study potential mechanisms to control and reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide. Trees, such as Populus, can sequester carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and store the carbon in their cell walls, stems, leaves, and roots. Understanding the biological pathways that control the uptake and storage of carbon dioxide and understanding the genes that ultimately control these processes can allow scientists to genetically engineer trees so they will proficiently store carbon. The availability of the genome sequencing for Populus trichocarpa makes this tree a model organism for this type of research. The ability to genetically engineer Populus trichocarpa is dependent upon obtaining sterile cultures and effective organogenesis in tissue cultures. In this paper we examine different methods of sterilization and various media for callus inductions. Callus induction proves to be higher on media containing sucrose and a combination of hormones such as BA, NAA, Zeatin, and 2,4-D. Callus growth was greater on leaves and stems and was not observed on petioles. Funding for this work was provided by NIH Health and Human Services Grant #GMO71415 which funds the program MBRS-RISE at Albany State University.
2:00 THE MORPHOLOGY OF THE FIRST AND SECOND INSTARS OF HYDATICUS BIMARGINATUS (SAY) (COLEOPTERA: DYTISCIDAE), J. Claire Ike* (1), Leslie D. Gammon* (1), E. H. Barman (1), and B. P. White (2), (1) Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, GA 31061 and (2) Georgia Military College, Warner Robins, Georgia 31093. First and second instars of Hydaticus collected from a lower Piedmont ephemeral habitat were identified as H. bimarginatus by association with mature larvae. A median labial lobe characterizing this taxon was observed on the second instar but not on the first. Modifications of distal tibial and proximal tarsal spinulae to form a cleaning apparatus were observed on these larvae. In general, the number and distribution of spiniform sensilla on the legs of the second instar were as expected for known dytiscid larvae. However, apparent posterodistal femoral and tibial homologs of ancestral sensilla on the second instar may in reality be secondary. First instars have an abbreviated series of apparent posterodorsal swimming hairs that may include ancestral sensilla FE 4, 5, and 6. There is a well-developed series of posterodorsal swimming hairs on first instar tibiae that extends almost the entire length of the segment. The absence of small distal and spine-like sensilla indicates that some ancestral sensilla may also be included in this swimming hair series. Based on the distribution of primary sensilla, Hydaticus appears to be more closely related to the Aciliini than to the Dytiscini. Supported in part by a Faculty Research Grant, Office of Research Services, Georgia College & State University Aquatic Coleoptera Laboratory Contribution No. 67.
2:15 MOLECULAR PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF POECILIOPSIS INFANS (POECILIIDAE) FROM THE MEXICAN HIGH PLATEAU, Seth G. Conner*, Christine Morgan and S.A. Webb, North Georgia College & State University, Dahlonega, GA 30597. Poeciliopsis infans (Poeciliidae) is a live-bearing, freshwater fish found widely across the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB). Geologic activity associated with the TMVB could impact rates of genetic diversification and speciation in...
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