Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

2657

Date

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Biology

Committee Chair

Michael L. Kennedy

Committee Member

Bill A. Simco

Committee Member

Melvin L. Beck

Abstract

Interspecific association between two distantly related species, Odocoileus virginianus(white-tailed deer) and Meleagris gallopavo (eastern wild turkey) was examined in western Tennessee using infrared-triggered cameras. The prediction that presence of one species was independent of the other was tested. Presence or absence of each species, based on occupancy determined from photographs, was assessed using Cohen's kappa coefficient. Additionally, activity patterns were determined using presence-absence data. Results indicated a neutral association between the species. Site visitation by either taxa did not differ significantly by area or year. White-tailed deer occurred at significantly more sites than eastern wild turkey and visited locations over most of the 24-hour day. Eastern wild turkey occurred at sites during the diurnal photoperiod. It appears that interactions between distantly related species with generalist diet and habitat preferences, high mobility, and large distributions are more likely to demonstrate neutral associations.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

Download

Share

COinS