Publication Date

4-25-2021

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Koop, Jennifer A. H.

Degree Name

B.S. (Bachelor of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Biological Sciences

Abstract

There are many knowns and unknowns about invasive species and their patterns. The purpose of this research is to investigate variation in invasion history between invasive trematodes, snails, and waterfowl. To do this, snails (Bithynia tentaculata) were crushed and analyzed under a microscope to find metacercariae (Cyathocotyle bushiensis and Sphaeridiotrema spp.), which are the parasites that infect the host. They were counted and added to data showing prevalence, abundance, and intensity. Data from 2018, 2019, and 2020 were compared to each other to check for annual variation in prevalence, abundance, and intensity between the years. Even though the data for 2020 needs to be completed, variation was seen in all factors over the three years. Future work can be done in order to make a connection between infection dynamics and waterfowl mortality rates.

Extent

7 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

Download

Share

COinS