Undergraduate Special Problem

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A preliminary investigation on the physico-chemical parameters of the habitat and associated flora of Rafflesia sp. along the western side of Sibalom Natural Park
Alacapa, Lilluck F. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2003-04)
Rafflesia, bearing the largest flowers in the world, was found to exist in Sibalom Natural Park. In view of efforts to conserve the Rafflesia site, this study entitled, “A preliminary investigation on the physico-chemical parameters of the habitat and associated flora of Rafflesia sp. along the western side of Sibalom Natural Park”, aims to come up with information as to what conditions do these flowers grow and their associated flora. This study hopes to help strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The study had ten sampling sites, five of which with the existence of Rafflesia sp. and five of which without Rafflesia sp.. In each of these areas the data gathered were girth of trees, saplings and seedlings, list and number of existing flora within the area, soil pH, soil texture, soil and air temperature, and relative humidity. The study found that the Rafflesia sp. in the Sibalom Natural Park grows at high relative humidity, relatively cool air and soil temperature, in soil with high amounts of clay and nearly neutral pH. The Rafflesia sp., aside from its host vine, exists with the plant locally known as ban-ban. No species of plant was found to dominate the areas where Rafflesia sp. exists.
Abundance, composition and distribution of phytoplankton in West Central Sulu Sea
Bria, Jed B. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2008-11)
A total of 28 stations were sampled for abundance, composition and distribution of phytoplankton in the West Central Sulu Sea. The samples were taken from 15-30 April 2007. Samples were collected by filtering 50L of surface water through a 20 pm mesh plankton net. A total of 96 phytoplankton genera were identified and were grouped into four major taxa. The overall mean density was 444.6 cells/L. Diatoms were the most abundant, with the mean density of 213.5 cells/L. The most abundant diatom genus was Chaetoceros. Blue-green algae showed the second-highest mean density of 127.6 cells/L. Trichodesmium was the most abundant genus among the two blue-green algae identified. Trichodesmium was also the most abundant genus, comprising 28.1% of all phytoplankton identified. Dinoflagellates and silicoflagellates were ranked third and fourth among the four major taxa with 77.5 cells/L and 28 cells/L, respectively. Protoperidinium was the most abundant dinoflagellate, while Amphorella was the most abundant silicoflagellate. They made up 6.2% and 1.2 % of all phytoplankton identified, respectively. The stations located along the coast of Palawan and near the Tubattaha Reef Marine National Park showed the highest phytoplankton concentrations.
Acute toxicity of polysolve oil dispersant to Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linn.) fry
Atas, Bryan B. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2011-03)
Forty eight hour (48h) static bioassays were conducted to determine the toxicity of Polysolve oil dispersant to Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry. Median lethal concentrations (LC50) were 1.03, 0.79, 0.70, 0.45, and 0.39% for 24, 30, 42, and 48h, respectively. Polysolve is highly toxic to Nile tilapia fry at low concentrations. Results showed increasing toxicity over increasing length of exposure. It is therefore recommended that Polysolve must not be used in oil spill response. Sublethal effects of the dispersant on the fry include decreased activity and impaired responses
Analysis of the gut contents of largehead hairtail, Trichiurus lepturus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Surigao Del Sur
Barros, Andrea Philine R. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2019-06)
The traditional gut content analysis is one of the methods used which investigates feeding interactions, specifically those belonging to the aquatic food webs. The ribbonfish, Trichiurus lepturus is an economically important fish, and due to its high demand to other south-east Asian countries especially in the Philippines, there is a targeted fishery for this resource. However, the catch of this species in the country has declined recently. Since feeding habits are fundamental to understanding the ecology of a community, this study aimed to analyze the gut contents of Trichiurus lepturus. A total of 66 guts were examined in the study. The size ranged from 101-505 mm in total length. They fed mostly on fishes including Encrasicholina sp., and shrimps such as Acetes, Penaeus, and Lucifer. Moreover, there was an occurrence of cannibalism but only larger individuals. Microplastics were also evident in most of the size classes.
Antibacterial activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of selected basidiomycetes from UPV, Miagao, Iloilo Philippines
Ambubuyog, Marja Victoria U. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2013-03)
The Basidiomycetes represent an enormous source for natural products with diverse chemical structures and wideranging antimicrobial activity. This study was done to investigate the antibacterial property of selected species of basidiomycetes aqueous and methanolic extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Specifically, it aimed to (1) determine the antibacterial activity of the aqueous extract of selected species of basidiomycetes in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on the zone of inhibition; (2) determine the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of selected species of basidiomycetes in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on the zone of inhibition; and (3) compare the aqueous and methanolic extracts of selected species of basidiomycetes in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on the zone of inhibition. A total number of ten species were collected namely Auricularia sp., Schizophyllum sp., Trametes pubescens, Trametes versicolor, Trametes elegans, Ganoderma sp.(l), Ganoderma sp.(2), Stereum sp. and two unknowns. Dried samples were crushed and extracted with water and methanol. Antibacterial activity was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The results showed a negative to weak inhibition against the test microorganisms which is inconsistent with the results of previous studies. It could possibly be attributed to the preparation of the samples and the fruiting body maturity that influenced the antibacterial potential of the samples. It appears that fruiting bodies used in the present study may not be reliable sources of bioactive compounds for antibacterial activity.
Antimicrobial activity of macrofungal basidiomycetous mycelia against Vibrio spp.
Bagacay, Jann Felnesh Exe V. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2023-06)
Aquaculture is vital for global food security, producing 50% of the world’s fish. However, infectious diseases caused by fish pathogens like Vibrio species can lead to significant production losses. To address this issue, antimicrobial agents are commonly used. Macrofungal fruiting bodies and mycelia produce bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties. This study aims to: (a) assess antimicrobial activity in isolated macrofungal samples against the fish bacterial pathogens Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio cholerae, (b) compare two methods (agar plug and crude extracts) for antimicrobial activity, (c) determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using agar well diffusion and the agar plug methods, and (d) identify the macrofungal isolate with the highest antimicrobial activity. Ten morphospecies were collected from the University of the Philippines Visayas Miagao Campus. The samples were evaluated using the agar plug and agar well diffusion methods. The results showed antimicrobial activity against Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The activity index ranged from 0 to 0.83 and 0.22 to 0.78 for agar wells, and 0 to 1.00 and 0.70 to 1.30 for agar plugs, against V cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus, respectively. Termitomyces globulus and Trametes sp. 1 exhibited the highest activity indices using the agar plug and agar well diffusion methods, respectively. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in antimicrobial activity against both test organisms. These findings demonstrate the potential of macrofungi as a valuable source of antimicrobial compounds for controlling fish pathogens in aquaculture. Further research could lead to the identification and utilization of these compounds to minimize production losses and improve disease management in aquaculture.
Assesment on the competencies of barangay health workers in relation to their sociodemographic characteristics
Arbado, Pearl Joy C.; Laurente, Inna Grace R.; Loberiza, Lamont Joseph S.; Militar, Anna Raisa G.; Quidato, Jun Pretzel E.; Ong, Meghan Y.; Salada, Anna Patriz F.; Salcedo, Yehonathan Joseph V. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2019-06)
In the Philippines, where the basic political unit is the Barangay, CHWs are known locally as Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), and they play a vital role in the delivery of health services throughout the country. These are people that have undergone training programs under any accredited government and non-government organizations and who render primary health care services in the community after having been accredited to function. Their roles are subdivided as community organizers, health educators, and health care service providers. This study aims to determine the relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics to the competence of BHWs in the First Congressional District of Iloilo. A competence assessment tool was then used to perform a guided interview of the midwives to evaluate the performance of 177 BHWs. Pearson Chi-Square and Fisher’s Exact Test were used to test the relation between variables. Out of the seven municipalities, only Igbaras was lowly competent with an average weighted mean of 3.85. Findings revealed that age (p-value=0.137), educational attainment (p-value=0.302), and length of experience (p-value=0.336)), had no significant relationship with the overall competence of BHWs as well as with the level of competence. Income, however, revealed to be statistically significant given the p-value of 0.020. BHWs with an income of 3000PHP and below is 3.4 (95% CI: 0.097 to 0.874) times more likely to be lowly competent.
Assessment of damage to mangroves in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, Guimaras, Philippines: 10 years after the 2006 oil spill
Amistas, Jhon Robert (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2017-06)
Approximately 2 million liters of bunker C was spilled by M/T Solar I off the coast of southern Guimaras on August 11, 2006. This is the worst oil spill in the country to date that affected the mangroves within Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. Rapid assessment of impacts on the mangroves was done one month after the spill and long-term monitoring was done from 2007-2014. This study was conducted to determine the mangrove status 10 years after the spill in terms of community structure. Specifically, it determined a) species composition, b) stand basal area, c) stand height, d) relative density, e) relative dominance, e) relative frequency, f) importance value, g) index of diversity, h) species evenness, i) density of seedling, saplings, and trees. In addition, leaf area was also determined as an indicator of the health conditions of the species present. The same five stations in earlier studies were used, namely Bagaman, Pototan, Taklong Island (oiled), Tandog and Taklong Island (unoiled), Nueva Valencia, and Guimaras. Results showed that the community structure showed an improvement, especially in stand, basal area, wilding, and tree density while no change in terms of species diversity due to the absence of new species. The leaf areas of mangroves in Bagatnan indicated some signs of stress but showed an improvement since 2006. In general, the oil-affected mangroves in TINMR have shown signs of recovery. However, it is recommended that additional monitoring activities be conducted.
Assessment of heavy metal traces (Copper and lead) in the soft tissue of Oysters Crassostrea virginica
Balboa, Dexter G. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2010-04-05)
The bivalve mollusk Crassostrea virginica is abundant in Brgy. Calaparan, Arevalo and Brgy. Bacong, Dumangas; and are widely consumed by the residence as food. Bioaccumulation of Copper and Lead in the soft tissues of C. virginica from Brgy. Calaparan, Arevalo and Brgy. Bacong, Dumangas were measured and checked if they are still within the permissible levels of Copper and Lead in food based on Median International Standards for metals compiled by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. Metal concentrations (μg/g) were determined using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Mean concentrations of the heavy metals in C. virginica from Calaparan, Arevalo- Cu 27.829, Pb 1.2133; Bacong, Dumangas- Cu 57.834, Pb 0.1338. These levels of Copper and Lead in oyster tissue from both sites are within the the range of Median International Standards for metals and are safe for human consumption. Statistical analysis through one- way ANOVA (F > Fcrit, showed significant difference between sites (Fcrit = 18.51282) for Copper (F value, 215.06569) but not for Lead (F value, 2.25151). The study also provided further solid evidence that bivalve like Crassostrea virginica can recover and concentrate environmentally derived and anthropogenic traces of heavy metals.
Association of topography and demographic & socioeconomic characteristics to the compliance of mothers to reproductive health services in Maasin, Iloilo
Azarraga, Alyssa Faye N.; Brazas, Jodelyn M.; Bordon, Jenn Margarette B.; Dofitas, Adrian Bernard A.; Gadong, Joshua Vincent Y.; Matinong, Kathleen Erica D.; Paguidopon, Cyril L.; Tabanar, Bianca Ysobel S.; Tantuan, Liza Beth F.; Temelo, Jason Andrei C.; Ynzon, Samuel P. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2017-06)
Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters relating to reproductive functions and processes. This study was conducted in the 50 barangays of Maasin, Iloilo with the purpose of determining if factors such as topography (highland or lowland) and demographic & socioeconomic characteristics (age, parity, highest educational attainment, occupation, and household asset index) have significant association with the utilization of reproductive health services such as prenatal care, family planning and delivery care. A total of 356 mothers (160 from lowland barangays and 196 from highland barangays) from the municipality were interviewed using a survey questionnaire. Statistical tools such as Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact Test, T-test and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Using the results from the surveys, it was found that majority of the mothers from highland barangays had 6 or more children, low educational attainment, and low household asset index. Only educational attainment was known to be significantly associated (p-0.003) with compliance to prenatal care services. Parity was the only factor that was significantly associated (p=0.036) with compliance to family planning services. For delivery care services, age (p=0.047), parity (p=0.001), educational attainment (p=0.002) and occupation (p=0.003) were found to have significant association with topography, because mothers (31-49 years old) who are from highland barangays, who are unemployed, with low educational attainment and who have 6 or more children are more likely to deliver through non-facility based service. Results of this study showed that the rural health unit of Maasin has achieved a good coverage of prenatal care and family planning services since the values were not found to be statistically significant between highland and lowland barangays. However, the RHU still needs to restructure their projects to cater those mothers in highland barangays who still opt for non-facility based deliveries as it is statistically significant when in relation to topography.
Bacteriological survey and detection of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Streptococcus spp., and Vibrio spp. in bottom sediments from two sites in Iloilo River
Barrera, Christopher (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2010-04)
Bacterial contamination in the Iloilo river occurs because of various human activities. The assessment of the river was done using microbiological parameters (HPC, TC, FC, and FS) for 7 months in Sooc Bridge and Carpenter’s Bridge using bottom sediments for samples. Sediment was used because bacteria accumulate over time in the sediment due to high amounts of organic and inorganic matter in the substrate and this leads to better survivability of bacteria. The values obtained from microbiological parameters investigated are generally higher in Sooc Bridge. HPC results show that the higher mean value was in Sooc Bridge(7.43 x 108 CFU/lOOg). The levels of TC on both sampling sites ranged from 9.5 x 102to 2.40 x 104 CFU/100g. For TC, Sooc has the higher mean (1.76 x 104 CFU/lOOg) for 7 months. FC values ranged from 3.0 x 101 to 2.4 x 104 CFU/lOOg. Sooc bridge has the higher mean(1.17 x 104 CFU/lOOg) between the 2 sites. Lastly, the FS value range from 2.9 x 103 to 2.4 x 104 CFU/lOOg. Also, Sooc Bridge has the higher mean value (1.58 x 104 CFU/lOOg). There are no significant differences on the microbiological parameters used in each site. The FC/FS ratio revealed that mixed fecal materials contaminate the river. Among the four pathogenic bacteria detected, Salmonella spp. was the most abundant for 7 months (63-65%) and E. coli was the least abundant(>l%). Based on the criteria on sediment quality evaluation, there is little to moderate loading of organic and inorganic matter.
Banate Bay mangrove reforestation program: Prospective area for community-based property rights (CBPRs)
Ungkakay, Farisal B. (Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines in the Visayas, 2004-03)
The study focuses on the Mangrove Reforestation Program of the Banate Bay Resource Management Council, Inc. (BBRMCI), particularly in the 5 coastal barangays bordering Banate Bay, Iloilo, namely: Tiwi, Palaciauan, Pantalan, Belen and Talokgangan. It describes the processes, issues and prospects encountered by BBRMCI in the implementation of the mangrove reforestation project. Focus group discussion with key informants at the community, as well as interview of BBRMCI staff were done to capture the initiatives and mechanisms involved in the program, organizational arrangements in these areas and the issues the BBRMCI faces in the program implementation. It further explores the feasibility of transferring the management of such initiative to the local communities or communal groups in the area. A set of criteria was used to assess the capacity of existing organizations to assume management responsibilities for the mangrove resources. These are: presence of clearly defined boundaries for the resources, presence of a small user's group with mutual obligations and rules against defectors, an overlap between the location of the common property and organization or community member's residence, degree of dependence of the user group on the resource and support from local decision-makers. Although results show that most of the abovementioned criteria are present in the Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (BFARMCs), conditions at the community level still, are not conducive for the transfer of management responsibilities to BFARMCs primarily because BFARMCs are considered as government-arms and not independent groups. Second, there is a need to define the level of importance of each of the 5 criteria to achieve the desired success of CBPRs. Other equally important features are therefore recommended, in addition to the criteria used, to increase the chances of success of the Mangrove Reforestation Program of BBRMCI. These are: (1) defining the user group's capacity; (2) system of sanctions and rewards within and outside a user group; and (3) presence of appropriate legal institutions that will allow exclusive use rights over the resources to qualified user groups.
Behavior pattern of hatchery-produced sea cucumber Bohadschia marmorata (Jaeger, 1833) juveniles upon release
Arcenas, Jascha S. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2017-06)
This study reports on the behavior of hatchery-reared Bohadschia marmorata juveniles upon release in two different microhabitat types within TINMR: a bare sand patch (TALISAY) and a seagrass vegetated area (BANAGO) during high tide and low tide. Percentage of burrowed juveniles, burying rates, traveled distances, speeds, and direction of movement were determined hourly over a 3-hr period. Results show that more than half of the juveniles released at the vegetated microhabitat displayed burrowing behavior at both tidal conditions. The mean percentage of burrowed individuals differed significantly with tides and their interaction with the microhabitat. Juveniles released at barren microhabitats yielded the highest burying rates (9 animals hr-1) and percentage of burrowed individuals. Coarse sand substrates with poor organic matter content induced mobility of Bohadschia marmorata. Results from the release experiments suggest that seagrass beds may be a potential release site for tropical species like Bohadschia marmorata.
Changes in prop roots and Pneumatophores of selected oiled mangrove trees in selected areas of TINMAR, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras
Alvarez, Maria Francesca D. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2009-05)
On August 11, 2006, the oil tanker M/T Solar I, carrying more than two million liters of bunker fuel, sank at the Guimaras Strait off the coast of the Guimaras and Negros Occidental provinces, causing some 500,000 liters of oil to pour into the strait. This resulted to the oiling of surrounding marine habitats including the mangroves in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve (TINMAR). The present paper reports on the monthly monitoring of changes exhibited by the prop roots and pneumatophores of four mangrove species, Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora stylosa, and Sonneratia alba, in selected oiled and unoiled areas of TINMAR due to the oil spill. This study aimed to analyze changes in the physical appearance or abnormalities obtained by mangrove aerial root structures affected by the oil spill and the survival rate and different stress responses of prop roots and pneumatophores after an oil spill covering a six month period which started August 2007 until February 2008. Specifically, the number of prop roots and pneumatophores, adventitious aerial roots, abnormal branching of prop root tips, fissuring or pealing of periderm, death of prop root tips, twisted or curling of pneumatophores, adventitious pneumatophores, and abnormal pneumatophores. Changes in the said parameters may indicate stress caused by oil. Generally, the oiled mangroves showed a higher percentage of changes in terms of the number of adventitious, abnormal branching and dead prop root tips as compared to the unoiled control site which exhibited a very small or no change in the growth of prop roots. Fissuring of periderm for both Rhizophora stylosa and Rhizophora mucronata was observed only in the oiled sites. There was a minimal difference in the percentage of abnormal, adventitious, and twisting or curling of pneumatophores in oiled and unoiled sites whereas a higher percentage was exhibited in Taklong oiled site. The physical and morphological changes exhibited by the prop roots and pneumatophores as a result of a mangrove’s adaptive mechanism due to stress caused by oil are useful indicators for long term monitoring.
Community structure of mangroves in selected barangays in Sebaste, Antique
Alorro, Mary Juandin Grace F. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2007-03)
Mangroves are higher plants that are primarily found predominantly in the intertidal areas such as estuaries and lagoons of the tropical and subtropical shorelines. This study was conducted to assess the community structure of mangroves in Barangay Callan, Barangay Idio, Barangay Poblacion, Barangay Abiera, and Barangay Bacalan, Sebaste, Antique, using the transect line method. Specifically, it aimed to determine selected physical and chemical factors such as salinity, pH, temperature for water and soil as well as characterization of the substrate; identify and classify true mangrove species present in the area; and describe the community structure in terms of stand basal area, stems per hectare, relative density, relative frequency, relative dominance, importance value, Shannon index of diversity, zonation patterns, seedling and sapling density. No study has been done to document the community structure of mangroves in Sebaste, Antique thus, this study was done to provide vital information needed for its proper management. Three stations were selected in Sebaste, Antique. Four (4) species of true mangroves were identified, belonging to three (3) families: Palmae - Nypa fruticans; Rhizophoraceae - Rhizophora apiculata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza; and Euphorbiaceae - Excoecaria agallocha. The study area had a water salinity range of 0.6 ppt to 15.3 ppt; water temperature range of 28.3°C to 35.4°C; water pH range of 7.1 to 7.7; soil temperature range of 28.3°C to 34.7°C; and soil pH range of 6.5 to 7.2. Basal area ranges from 3.16 m2/ha (Rhizophora apiculata) to 5.88 m2/ha (Excoecaria agallochd) to 8.19 m2/ha (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza) . The species with the highest average of stems per hectare were Excoecaria agallocha and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza with 300 as well as the highest average density value of 100 for Excoecaria agallocha. Nypa fruticans had the highest relative frequency and relative dominance. Among the four species, the most important species was Nypa fruticans. The Shannon Index of Dominance was 0.403 which was quite low in terms of diversity as influenced by the dominance of Nypa fruticans.
Community structure, biomass production and carbon stock assessment of mangroves in Barangay Ambolong, Batan, Aklan
Agregado, Leizel B. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2013-04)
Mangroves are evergreen shrubs and trees of several unrelated families that thrive within intertidal zones of sheltered flats, coves, bays, and estuarine regions extending inland along streams and river where water is primarily brackish. Continued threats to their existence call for their protection and conservation. This study was conducted to assess the community structure of mangroves in Brgy. Ambolong, Batan, Aklan by 1). measuring physico-chemical parameters (salinity, temperature, pH) 2). describing the community structure in terms of and in terms of a) basal area, b) stems per hectare, c) relative density, d) relative frequency, e) relative dominance, f) importance value, g) Index of Diversity, h) seedling and sapling density, and i) zonation pattern; 3). to assess the bidmass production and carbon stock. This study was done to provide preliminary information regarding the current status of mangroves in the area. Three (3) transect lines, each containing three (3) plots, were established in the area. Twenty (20) mangrove species belonging to eleven (11) families were identified: Acanthaceae - Acanthus ebreatus, Acanthus volubilis; Arecaceae - Nypa fruticans; Avicenniaceae - Avicennia alba, Avicennia marina, Avicennia officinalis, Avicennia rumphiana; Bombaceae — Camptostemon philippinensis; Euphorbiaceae - Excoecaria agallocha; Meliaceae — Xylocarpus grioanatum, Xylocarpus moluccensis; Myrsinaceae — Aegiceras corniculatum; Myrtaceae - Osbornia octodonta; Rhizophoraceae - Bruguiera cylindrica, Ceriops decandra, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora stylosa; Rubiaceae - Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea; Sonneratiaceae - Sonneratia alba. Water salinity in the study area ranged from 27-30 ppt; soil temperature ranged from 28°C to 30°C. Avicennia marina had the highest values for basal area (4.22 m2/ha), stems per hectare (15,700 stems per hectare), relative density (63.56), relative frequency (63.56%), relative dominance (48.10%), and was the most important species with the importance value of 175. Rhizophora stylosa had the lowest values for basal area (0.002 m2/ha), stems per hectare (100 stems/ha), relative density (0.40 trees/ha), relative frequency (0.4%), relative dominance (0.23%), and was the least important species, having the importance value of 0.832. Rhizophora apiculata and Avicennia officinalis, together with Rhizophora stylosa, had the lowest value for stems per hectare (100 stems/ha), relative density (0.40 trees/ha), and relative frequency (0.4%). Seedling density was highest for Avicennia alba(187 seedlings/ha) and lowest for Bruguiera cylindrica (1 seedling/ha). Sapling density was highest for Avicennia marina (54 saplings/ha) and lowest for Excoecaria agallocha (1 sapling/ha). The Index of Diversity was H=0.598. The highest recorded litter was 336.6 g in December 19, 2012-January 2, 2013 while the lowest was recorded at 18.2 grams in December 5-December 29, 2012. Highest biomass production was that of Avicennia marina (962.94 tons/ha), while the lowest was Avicennia officinalis (0.009 tons/ha). Avicennia marina had the highest carbon stock value of 433.32 tons/ha; the lowest was that of Avicennia officinalis (0.004 tons/ha).
Comparative analysis of the gut content of Scylla de Haan, 1833 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae) collected from the rivers of poblacion Sapian, Capiz
Bautista, Florey Jane O. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2013-04)
The natural diet for various sizes and both sexes of the mud crab Scylla sp. collected from the river located at Brgy. Poblacion Sapian Capiz, Philippines was determined. Gut content analysis was conducted for the mud crabs ranging from 30- 109.99 mm carapace width. Results showed that predominant food of mud crab Scylla sp. consists of crustaceans such as shrimps and crabs as well, fish, mollusk, sand shells, unidentified egg, and even plants. Most of the gut content however, consists of chyme due to heavy mastication and presence of the gastric mills that digest the food. There is no ontogenetic shift or difference in the diet as well as diet difference between male and female crabs. The results were discussed in relation with the species’ feeding patterns and the effect of the diet on the maturation of the crab:
Comparative growth rates and gross morphology of hybrid catfish Clarias gariepinus (female) x Clarias macrocephalus (male)
Agase, Mark Christian A. (Division of Biological Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2004-03)
Catfishes are among the groups that has been considered economically important fishes in the Philippines and in other countries. The freshwater catfish Clarias macrocephalus is native to the Philippines but it is becoming scarce in many natural habitats. It is a favorite food dish due to its tender and delicious meet. Aquaculturists these days focus more their attention to the culture of exotic species like Clarias gariepinus and Clarias batrachus that in turn resulted to the near extinction of the native species. There is therefore a need to undertake a breeding program involving this native catfish and other exotic species.A 12-week study was conducted to compare the growth rates of the hybrid catfish C. macrocephalus (♂) X C. gariepinus (♀) in natural ponds and laboratory rearing conditions. In addition, the length-weight relationship was also determined. Gross morphology was also noted in the experiment.Results showed that the trend for SGR of the hybrid in natural pond and laboratory rearing conditions from weeks 2 to 12 is decreasing. Continued feeding of the hybrids on artificial diets results in poor fish growth. T-test revealed that there is a significant difference on the SGR for both the length and weight with hybrids in natural pond rearing conditions being consistently higher than the laboratory set-up.From the linear regression equation, there was no homogeneity of regression, coefficients, or slopes in the mean body lengths (MBL) and mean body weights (MBW) of me hybrids in the natural pond and laboratory rearing condition. It simply means that there is a significant difference on the growth rates of the hybrid as to the type of environment they are reared. The product-moment correlation showed that there is a linear relationship between the length and the weight of the hybrid fish, 7.9305378 X 104 being the constant. Gross morphology of the hybrids includes the appearance of a trident-shaped occipital process, which was not pointed and narrow as in the case of the parent C. gariepinus. A turtle shell-like design arranged bilaterally characterizes the dorsal side of the head. A modification of the dorsal fin was also noted as to the presence of the adipose fin at the posterior end of the dorsal fin, which was about 3-5 mm in length.
Comparison of the growth of green algae, Nephroselmis sp. at different media
Agana, Julie Ann E. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2004-03)
Green algae play a significant role in the maintenance of the hatchery of economically important crustaceans, where a continuous supply of algae is needed to feed the larvae. Moreover, microalgae have the potential to be used to produce chemically complex molecules, which are difficult to synthesize. Thus, the present study was conducted to compare the growth of the green algae, Nephroselmis sp., using three different media. Specifically, the study aims (1) to compare the effect of different media on the growth of Nephroselmis sp. and (2) to determine which medium is the most suitable for growth of Nephroselmis sp. The result of the study showed that there was no significant difference in the growth of the green algae Nephroselmis sp. at three different media. The results showed that quantities of chemical composition of the different media are already sufficient for the growth of Nephroselmis sp.
Comparison of the length-weight relationship between starved and fed Scylla tranquebarica crablets
Arroyo. Ritchel B. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2003-04)
This study aimed to determine the length-weight as well as the width-weight relationships of the Scylla tranquebarica crablets when starved and fed during the intermolt and premolt stages. Molt stages were identified and then the crablets were subjected to feeding or starvation for 36 days. Regression analysis showed the length-weight relationship of the Scylla tranquebarica crablets, including carapace length, carapace width, and body weight when fed and starved. Regression lines for each category differed from one another. Results showed that the fed crablets in intermolt and premolt stages showed greater body weight gain per unit carapace length and carapace width. The intermolt fed gave the highest weight gain per unit length and unit width among the treatments. Equations for interconversions of length and weight and for length and width are reported for the premolt and intermolt stages when fed and starved.