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Book Chapters

Browse more than 5,500 book chapters authored by our scientists over the past 100+ year history of the USGS and refine search by topic, location, year, and advanced search.

Filter Total Items: 6063

Acidic deposition: A review of biological effects

The problem of acidic deposition and its possible effects on habitats, organisms, materials, and human health has been recognized for centuries. Earliest accounts date to Cicero (about 100 B.C.), who linked structural damage to buildings and statues in Rome to the smokey rains of wood and charcoal burning.3 Based on estimated of human demographics and centers of population, problems caused by acid
Authors
Donald W. Sparling

Agricultural drainwater effects on wildlife in central California

In California's San Joaquin Valley and in numerous other agricultural areas in the western U.S., irrigation wastewater may accumulate in confined shallow aquifers, eventually rising to levels that adversely affect crops. To sustain long-term agricultural  productivity in these regions, systems for the drainage and disposal of this subsurface wastewater must be installed.1,2 the drained water may c
Authors
Harry M. Ohlendorf, Roger L. Hothem

Amphibians

Amphibians are ecologically important in most freshwater and terrestrial habitats in the United States: they can be numerous, function as both predators and prey, and constitute great biomass. Amphibians have certain physiological (e.g., permeable skin) and ecological (e.g., complex life cycle) traits that could justify their use as bioindicators of environmental health. For example, local decline
Authors
R. Bruce Bury, P. Stephen Corn, C. Kenneth Dodd, Roy W. McDiarmid, Norman J. Scott

An automated telemetry system for studies of migrating diving ducks

Abstract not submitted to date
Authors
C. E. Korschgen, K.P. Kenow, J. E. Austin, C.O. Kochanny, W. L. Green, C.H. Simmons, M. Janda

Andean condor medicine, reproduction, and husbandry

No abstract available.
Authors
Glenn H. Olsen, J. W. Carpenter

Artificial insemination and cryopreservation of semen from nondomestic birds

Studies of Al and cryopreservation of semen from nondomestic birds began because of the increased emphasis on conservation of avian species threatened with extinction. Over the years, aviculturists have developed techniques for Al and cryopreservation of semen obtained from a variety of birds ranging from passerines to Andean condors. Generally, for each new species, we develop a practical semen c
Authors
G.F. Gee

Avian reproductive physiology

Knowledge of the many physiological factors associated with egg production , fertility, incubation, and brooding in nondomestic birds is limited. Science knows even less about reproduction in most of the 238 endangered or threatened birds. This discussion uses studies of nondomestic and, when necessary, domestic birds to describe physiological control of reproduction. Studies of the few nondomesti
Authors
G.F. Gee

Behavioral research on captive endangered fishes of North America

Abstract not supplied at this time
Authors
F. Francis-Floyd, J.D. Williams

Bioindicators used in aquatic and terrestrial monitoring

There are many different types of contaminants present in the environment ranging from synthetic chemicals, which would not be present in the environment without man's intervention, to trace metals that are required for life. Concerns range from possible harmful effects on flora and fauna to possible harm to humans consuming such organisms. The complete chemical analysis for all possible environme
Authors
Mark J. Melancon

Biota of the upper Mississippi River ecosystem

The Mississippi River is one of the world's major river systems in size, habitat and biotic diversity, and biotic productivity. The navigable Upper Mississippi River, extending 1,370 km (850 mi) from St. Anthony Falls (Minnesota) to the confluence with the Ohio River, has been impounded by 27 locks and dams to enhance commercial navigation. The reach between two consecutive locks and dams is terme
Authors
James G. Wiener, Teresa J. Naimo, Carl E. Korschgen, Robert Dahlgren, Jennifer S. Sauer, Kenneth S. Lubinski, Sara J. Rogers, Sandra Brewer

Breeding bird survey: Population trends 1966-92

The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) was begun in 1966 to collect standardized data on bird populations along more than 3,400 survey routes across the continental United States and southern Canada. The BBS has been used to document distributions and establish continental, regional, and local population trends for more than 250 species.         We summarize here survey-wide patterns in the
Authors
Bruce G. Peterjohn, John R. Sauer, Sandra Orsillo