Masters Theses of Laurentian University http://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/479 2013-06-19T22:25:45Z 2013-06-19T22:25:45Z D'Aoust-Messier, Andrée-Michelle http://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/1975 2013-01-17T19:30:04Z 2012-08-31T00:00:00Z

Title: Colonizing Northern Landscapes: Population Genetics and Phylogeography of Wood Frogs (Lithobates Sylvaticus) in the James Bay Authors: D'Aoust-Messier, Andrée-Michelle Abstract: The genetic structuring of populations can be influenced by present processes and past events. One of the largest historical events to affect the distribution and genetic characteristics of present-day North American biota is the Pleistocene glaciation. Thus, the study of post-glacial colonization patterns of species in northern landscapes can relay important ecological information, as species had to expand their range extensively following the retreat of the glaciers and are often at the terminal end of their expansion. These species consequently exhibit the genetic fingerprints of sequential founder events, in turn decreasing the genetic variation available for adaptation. Using amphibians to investigate post-glacial range expansion is advantageous, as they have limited dispersal abilities revealing fine-scale patterns and they are thought to be one of the first vertebrates to colonize post-glacial habitat. Therefore, to model the phylogeography of a primary colonizer and the population structure of anurans in northern landscapes, population genetics analyses of wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) were performed in the James Bay area. Wood frogs were sampled from 17 localities around James Bay and genetic analyses were conducted with seven microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA sequences of the ND2/tRNATRP genes. Results show that the post-glacial recolonization of the James Bay area by wood frogs originated from the putative refugium in western Wisconsin, an area known as the Driftless Area. Two routes were taken by founders to colonize the James Bay area: one north-west of Lake Superior, colonizing western Ontario, and one through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, colonizing southern and eastern Ontario and western Québec. Interestingly, the meeting of the two lineages south-west of James Bay led to the establishment of a zone of higher genetic variation than expected under the founder effect hypothesis. Additionally, population structure analyses revealed the segregation of three genetic populations east, north-west, and south-west of the bay, the latter showing the highest genetic variation and likely representing a zone of secondary contact. This study shows that past events such as post-glacial range expansions can explain present patterns of genetic variation and population structure, and that studies in northern landscapes may be very useful in understanding genetic patterns throughout the range of a species.

2012-08-31T00:00:00Z MacAdam, L. Lane http://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca:8080/dspace/handle/10219/484 2013-01-17T20:48:50Z 2011-11-21T00:00:00Z

Title: Legacy Planning for Major Multi-­‐Sport Events vs Faith, Hope and Charity!© Authors: MacAdam, L. Lane Abstract: Not unlike many nations that have bid for and hosted major multi-sport events, franchise holders and their backers in countries around the world routinely cite a number of benefits that will accrue to their country in order to garner the public and private support required to successfully bid for and stage international level major multi-sport events. These benefits include: sport development; social, cultural, economic and community benefits, among others, derived from hosting international level sport events. Canada has an enviable record of hosting major multi-sport events. We have staged them often and we have hosted them well. Since 1967, Canada has hosted almost every major multi-sport event available to it. Billions of dollars in public expenditures have been made in support of these events from all levels of government. But do the promises that are made to convince governments, community leaders and the general public deliver the benefits that they advertise? This research paper will examine the legacy aspects of major multi-sport games from the vantage point of community development, economic impact and in particular sport benefits. It also offers a conceptual framework to evaluate the sport benefit legacies and introduces the Major Event Return Legacy Index (MERLIN©). The prospect of hosting a major multi-sport event attracts a multitude of eager bidders in pursuit of tangible and intangible legacies for a nation. However, the rising complexity and spiraling expenditures necessary to secure, plan and stage these events require more robust assessment tools to properly measure the cost/benefit of supporting these mega projects. This research paper will contribute to the body of knowledge available to assist franchise holders and policy makers in determining the true legacy benefits that can be derived from hosting a major multi-sport event instead of relying on faith, hope and charity!

2011-11-21T00:00:00Z