Undergraduate Special Problem
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Item Community structure, biomass productivity and carbon stock assessment of mangroves in Barangay Tabon, Batan Bay, AklanBermeo, Ma. Ramela Angela C. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2013-04)The study aimed to assess the community structure, biomass productivity, and carbon stock assessment of mangroves in Barangay Tabon, Batan Bay, Aklan using the plot method. Specifically, it aimed to: 1. determine selected physical and chemical factors such as water salinity, water pH, soil temperature and characterization of soil substrates, 2. identify true mangrove species present in the area, 3. 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 Pattern, Seedling and Sapling Density, 4. assess the biomass productivity (both wood biomass, and litter fall), 5. estimate the amount of carbon stored in the mangrove forest (using allometric equation). A total of twenty-one true mangrove species belonging to 12 families were identified. Family Rhizophoraceae was the most represented with five species namely Bruguiera cylindrica, Ceriops decandra, Rhizophora apiculata, R. mucronata, and R. stylosa. The rest were also well represented namely Family Avicenniaceae- Avicennia alba, A. officinalis, A. marina, and A. rumphiana; Family Combretaceae- Lumnitzera littorea and Limnutzera racemosa; Family Sonneratiaceae- Sonneratia alba, and Sonneratia caseolaris; Family Acanthaceae- Acanthus ebracteatus; Family Bombacaceae- Camptostemon philippinensis; Family Euphorbiaceae- Excoecaria agallocha; Family Meliaceae- Xylocarpus moluccensis; Family Myrsinaceae- Aegiceras corniculatum; Family Myrtaceae- Osbornia octodonta; Family Arecaceae- Nypa fruticans; Family Rubiaceae- Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea. Basal area ranged from 0.11m2/ha for Ceriops decandra to 68.78m2/ha for Sonneratia alba. Avicennia marina had the highest stems per hectare with 22,600 stems/ha, while Bruguiera cylindrica had the lowest with 100 stems/ha. Avicennia marina occurred in all plots with 137 trees/ha and had the highest relative density of 38.38% and relative frequency of 38.42%. Sonneratia alba had the highest relative dominance of 48.49% while the lowest was Ceriops decandra with 0.08%. Avicennia alba, Bruguiera cylindrica, and Ceriops decandra had the lowest relative densities and frequencies at 0.3%. The most important species was Avicennia marina (107.6) and the least important species was Ceriops decandra (0.68). The area was considered to be diverse at 0.7206. On per transect basis, the highest index of diversity recorded was in Transect 2, while the lowest was in Transect 1. Avicennia and Sonneratia species occured both in the low intertidal zone (seaward) and mid-intertidal zone (transitional zone). Rhizophora, Nypa, Camptostemon, Osbornia, Lumnitzera, Bruguiera, Ceriops, Exoecaria, and Aegiceras were found in the mid-intertidal zone (transitional zone). Xylocarpus, Scyphiphora, and Acanthus occurred in high intertidal zone (landward). Avicennia rumphiana had the highest seedlings density of 1001 seedlings/ha, whereas Rhizophora mucronata had the highest saplings density of 96 saplings/ha. The lowest seedling and sapling density was Rhizophora apiculata (Iseedling/ha) and Camptostemon philippinensis (lsapling/ha) respectively. The species with the highest computed biomass of 1,287.78 tons/ha and carbon stock of 579.5 tons/ha was Sonneratia alba. The lowest was Ceriops decandra with biomass of 0.06 tons/ha and carbon stock of 0.03 tons/ha. A total of 2,080 tons/ha biomass and 936.34 tons/ha carbon stock was determined. Based on the litter fall, Transect 2 has the highest leaf fall weighing 580.4g. Litter weight was highest in January 2013 and lowest in December 2012 in all sampling sites.Item Comparison of the prevalence of error of refraction and color blindness among private and public primary pupils in Nueva Valencia, GuimarasBenitez, Ninotchka Vyent B.; Fuentes, Elyssa Marie C.; Jurilla, Raphaela Joy C.; Manderico, Rommel Vincent D.; Mateo, Mary Diadem O.; Raymundo, Nicollete Joy D.; Siojo, Chloe Naty Marie Eugenie A. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2012-03)Refractive error is the number one cause of childhood blindness in the Philippines with a prevalence rate of 53% (3rd National Blindness Survey, 2004). Color blindness is an abnormal condition characterized by the inability to clearly distinguish different colors of the spectrum. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess the visual acuity using the Snellen Chart and prevalence of color blindness using the Ishihara pseudochromatic plates, among private and public elementary school pupils in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. A total of 324 elementary pupils were included, 113 of them belonged to private school and 214 belonging to public school. The prevalence for both error of refraction (83/63) and color blindness (52/60) is significantly higher in private school than in public school. Age is a factor in developing both disorders. There is a direct correlation between higher income, and error of refraction and color blindness. Several factors could attribute to the results, including diagnostic procedures and lifestyle of the pupils. This study should help raise awareness regarding error of refraction and color blindness to the public, most especially to the parents who tend to neglect the visual performance of their children.Item Phytosociological study of Romulo Island and Little Island in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve , Nueva Valencia, GuimarasAnas, Enya Lou M. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2017-09)Taklong Island Marine National Reserve encompasses not only marine and mangrove ecosystems but also small islands that are made up of beach forest species. In this study, small islands Romulo and Little Island were surveyed to assess and compare the species composition, community structure, and diversity of their vegetations in terms of their stand height, stand basal area, basal cover, plant density, and importance value along with ecological indices like species richness and Shannon- Wiener Index of Diversity. The phytosociological study was achieved through the establishment of random plots and measurement of diameter at breast height (DBH) of the identified plants found in both islands. Results show that 11 species belonging to 7 families were identified in Romulo Island, with Syzigium confertum having the highest importance value. Little Island, on the other hand, have 26 identified species belonging to 18 families, with Cerbera manghas having the highest importance value in the island. Moreover, results also show that Little Island is more diverse and more even than Romulo Island based on the diversity indices. These results are attributed to environmental factors like climate, island size, wave action, and wind exposure unique to both islands. Moreover, the dispersal mechanisms of the plants and anthropogenic activities also contribute to the survival of plants on the islands.Item Phytosociological study of Isla Patay Moro in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, PhilippinesBela-ong, Andrea Lucyle (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2017-06)Small islands may contain unique plant composition compared with larger islands due to size, isolation and exposure. Unfortunately, information on small island flora in the tropics is limited considering that these islands are now subjected to impacts of climate change and increased anthropogenic pressure. In addition, these islands are also subjected to invasion of non-native species that may alter the overall ecology of the islands. There is lack of basic information on what constitute a typical flora of small islands. Thus, a phytosociological study was conducted in Isla Patay Moro, one of the many small islands within Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Philippines from December 2016 to April 2017 in an attempt to provide relevant information. Specifically, it described, identified and classified the flora present in the islands as well as described the community structure in terms of species composition, stand height, stand basal area, importance value and species diversity and evenness. The flora of the island is dominated by trees and shrubs and a few vines. A total of 30 species were identified representing 19 families. The most common and dominant species was Streblus asper with an importance value of 57.80. The total sampled area of the islands was 600 m2 and the total stand basal cover of 20,450.17m2/ha. The species diversity of the islands was 1.17 and 0.87 by Shannon and Simpson diversity indices, respectively, implying low species diversity. The stand height of the flora ranged from 2.2 to 8.47 meters. Presence of exotic species, Lantana camara, Leucaena leucocephla were also found. This study may serve as a baseline for further researches and the results may aid in the development of floristic conservation activities particularly for the presence of invasive or non-native species that may alter the natural flora in the future leading to ecological instability of the island. This is the first systematic survey of higher vascular plants on the island.Item Comparative analysis of the gut content of Scylla de Haan, 1833 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae) collected from the rivers of poblacion Sapian, CapizBautista, 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:Item Analysis of the gut contents of largehead hairtail, Trichiurus lepturus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Surigao Del SurBarros, 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.Item Influence of tidal levels on meiofaunal communities in a rocky shore area in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, GuimarasBarbasa, Maria Carla A. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2013-04)Rocky shores present an exuberant richness of life, which can be attributed to the hard substrate provided by rocks, necessary for the attachment of sessile organisms. There are many factors affecting community structure in rocky shores, including tidal levels. Tidal levels affect communities by periodically exposing them to air, causing drying up and dessication. Among those affected are meiofauna. Meiofauna in rocky shores are the least studied of all habitats, thus this study serves as baseline information regarding meiofauna in rocky shores, particularly in TINMAR, and how tidal levels affect them. Sorting and identification of meiofauna from 18 samples (5 TST, 5 TLT, 4 TMT, 4 THT) yielded 17 identified taxa, with Harpacticoids being numerically dominant followed by Tanaids (Copepods) and Polychaetes. Mean meiofaunal abundance was found to higher in lower tides (low and sub-tide), but differences were not statistically significant. A similar lack of significant differences between transects was shown for abundances of all and common taxa in edge or mid-section quadrats, although abundances appeared to be higher in low and sub-tidal transects. Cluster analyses based on similarities in abundance of taxa in the transect quadrats showed which asemblages are characteristic of mid- and high tide levels (Insect larvae and Sipunculids). Nematodes, which are typically dominant in soft-bottom substrates, were also most abundant in the upper intertidal in the present study. Other taxa like Tanaids, on the other hand, were more abundant in the low intertidal and subtidal transects. Harpacticoids were observed to be dominant in higher tides.Item Gonadal maturation Stages of Pinkfingered Vinegar Crab Episesarma chengtongense (Serene and Soh 1967) from Capiz, PhilippinesBarredo, Elilyn Farrah Belle B. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2015-06)The pink-fingered vinegar crab Episesarma chengtongense is a growing fishery resource in the mangrove areas of the Philippines and may have potential for aquaculture and stock enhancement. To determine the gonadal maturation stages for both male and female for this species, a study was conducted from February to May 2015 of the pink-fingered crab from Capiz, Philippines. The determination of the gonadal maturation stages was based on the gross morphology and histological characteristics of the male and female gonads. In both sexes, gonad activity occurred throughout the study duration but for females, the peak egg bearing month was in May (87%). Body sizes of ovierous females were from 31.9 - 42.3 mm (CW). The greatest prevalence of ovigerous females was in the size range of 35-39 mm CW; the lowest percentage at 40-44 mm CW. Male crabs with mature testes were consistently high (70- 100%) in the four months duration of the study. The smallest female carrying eggs was 31.9 mm CW. Four stages of ovarian maturation were identified namely: developing (Stage II) with a yellow colored gonad, ripe (Stage III) with orange colored gonad, mature (Stage IV) with brown colored gonad and spent (Stage V) with light brown colored gonad. Two stages of male gondal maturation were identified namely immature (Stage I) with translucent to off white testes and mature.(Stage II) with creamy white testes.Item Bacteriological survey and detection of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Streptococcus spp., and Vibrio spp. in bottom sediments from two sites in Iloilo RiverBarrera, 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.Item Gonadal maturation stages of pink-fingered vinegar crab, Episesarma chengtongense (Serene and SOH 1967), from Capiz, PhilippinesBallon, Shaira B. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2016-06)Pink-fingered vinegar crab is a nocturnal, burrow-dwelling, and tree-climbing crab that feed on mangrove leaf litters and foliage. This crab is a growing fishery resource in the Philippines and plays an important role in the nutrient cycling in mangrove areas. To determine the reproductive biology of this species, a one-year study was conducted to monitor the gonadal maturation stages of the pink fingered crab from President Roxas, Capiz. Collection of samples was done every first week of the month from February 2015 to January 2016. The determination of the gonadal maturation stages was done through the visual examination of the gross morphology and microscopic examination of the histological characteristics of the male and female gonads. A total of 425 (263 females, 162 males) crabs were dissected. Five stages of ovarian maturation were identified based on visual examination of ovaries, namely Immature (Stage I) with translucent to white colored gonad; Developing (Stage II) with a yellow colored gonad; Ripe (Stage III) with orange colored gonad; Mature (Stage IV) with two substages, the Early mature (Substage A) with brown colored gonad and Late mature (Substage B) with dark brown colored gonad and; Spent (Stage V) with light brown colored gonad. Microscopic examination of the ovaries revealed that ovary in Stage I is characterized by the presence of germinative zone composed of oogonia and maturation zone composed of previtellogenic oocyte, surrounded by randomly distributed follicle cells. Ovary in Stage II is composed of few oogonia, previtellogenic cells, and few endogenous vitellogenic oocyte on the periphery of the ovarian lobe. Ovary in Stage III is composed of dominant exogenous vitellogenic oocyte located outer the few endogenous vitellogenic oocyte. Ovary in Stage IV-A is composed of nearly mature oocyte while in Stage IV-B is composed of mature oocyte. Ovary in Stage V is composed of all cell types, disarrayed in the entire ovarian lobe. Two stages of male gonadal maturation were identified namely Immature (Stage I) with translucent testes that is composed of spermatogonia and spermatocyte when histologically examined and Mature (Stage II) with white testes that is composed of small, darkly staining spermatids. Size of female crab samples ranged from 26 to 48.1 mm carapace width (CW) while male crabs ranges from 26 to 47 mm CW. The smallest ovigerous female has 29 mm CW and the smallest male with mature gonad has 26 mm CW. Body sizes of ovigerous females were from 29 to 42.3 mm CW. The greatest prevalence of ovigerous females was in the size range of 30 to 34 mm CW. The highest percentage of the mature stage (Stage II) in male was in the size range of 45 to 49 mm. For females, the peak egg bearing season was May (87%) and September (92%). On the other hand, male crabs with mature testes were consistently high (70 to 100%) in all months of the year. The results indicated that the months of May and September should be declared off season in the capture of female crabs ranging in size from 25 to 44 mm CW. Only big females in the size range of 44 to 49 mm CW could be harvested. Likewise, also male crabs in bigger size range of 45 to 49 mm CW could be harvested. This is necessary to protect and conserve the existing population of this crab.