Coyotes (Canis latrans) are a recent addition to southeastern ecosystems and regional studies are needed to understand their ecological role. Most studies from the southeast are concentrated on diets from animals on the coastal plain. Here we report on the diet and habitat use of coyotes on the Chattahoochee National Forest, which is located in northeast Georgia at the southern terminus of the Appalachian Mountains. Seventeen total scat samples were collected from March through May 2014. Habitat types and GPS coordinates of each sample were also recorded. Gray squirrel (65%) was the most common food item and occurred along with plant matter (53%) and arthropod exoskeletons (35%), suggesting that these food items were likely scavenged. Wild hog (18%), identified by adult guard hairs, also appeared to be scavenged. Small mammals and perching birds comprised a large portion of the diets, whereas white-tail deer were rarely recorded. Two competitors, bobcat and gray fox, were also identified in the scat samples. The most common habitat types were edges and logging roads, with little utilization of open hardwoods.

Drosophila is an emerging model organism in which to study the effects of diet on the regulation of metabolism and physiological function. In order to analyze the effects that different diets and food additives have on the accumulation of lipids in Drosophila larvae, we have established a control diet and optimized an established method to monitor the accumulation of lipids in third instar Drosophila larvae known as the floating larvae assay. We report on the simplicity and utility of using the floating larvae assay to access changes in lipid accumulation in flies raised on different diets.

Though the ecological impacts of Roundup™ herbicide have been reported, little is known about its effects on invertebrates. The purpose of this study is to determine its toxicity to head regeneration in Dugesia (Girardia) tigrina, the brown planaria. Decapitated flatworms were chronically exposed to dilutions of commercially available Roundup™ herbicide (23°C and L: D cycle of 14: 10 h). Ten ppm of herbicide significantly impeded the head regeneration process, slowing the onset of one stage and aborting a later stage. Although 5 ppm did not adversely inhibit the stages of head regeneration, the negative phototropic behavioral response of the decapitated flatworms was delayed; 2 - 5 days after decapitation, 5 ppm caused a temporary but significant prolongation of the response. Ten ppm caused a significant and permanent slowing of the phototropic response during the entire period of head regeneration. Although aging the Roundup™ (10 ppm) over 4 months attenuated the effects on head regeneration, this herbicide still prolonged the negative phototropic response. Reports have praised the use of this herbicide for crop productivity; yet, it is important to evaluate the impact of Roundup™ on the ecosystem.

The spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) is the target of the largest U.S. shark fishery where stock size is monitored and assessed. Understanding and defining regional populations is essential to conservation efforts. Previous work on spiny dogfish in U.S. waters has concentrated on sampling from New England and the North Carolina/Virginia coast. The migratory habits and reproductive traits of these sharks have been described, but little can be found about the southernmost part of the population, including those occupying the coast of South Carolina and Georgia. This pilot study investigated the reproductive biology of the spiny dogfish in the southernmost region. Three family groups of spiny dogfish were sampled and five microsatellite loci were used to screen for multiple paternity. Both litter size and overall genetic diversity were consistent with values reported in other parts of the range. In addition, no evidence of multiple paternity or parthenogenesis was found in the three family groups. The analysis of additional samples will provide clarity about the southern population and contribute to effective population management.

The following chapters have sent in officer slates for 2017-2018. Officers are listed in the order of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and Faculty Advisor unless otherwise noted. The chapters are listed alphabetically by Greek name. Please submit new slates, changes and corrections to Lori.Kelman@montgomerycollege.edu.