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Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14583/30

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Degree: search.filters.degree.Bachelor of Science in BiologySDG: search.filters.sdg.SDG 13 - Climate action

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    Abundance and composition of the gut contents of orbiculate cardinal fish, Sphaeramia orbicularis (Apogonidae) in Palompon, Leyte
    Canda, Danielle Clare C. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2017-06)
    The study was conducted to examine the gut contents of Sphaeramia orbicularis using specimens from catches of a sled trawl survey conducted from June 2011 to May 2012 in Palompon, Leyte. One hundred seventy-one fish specimens were categorized into six different size classes maintaining an interval of 1 cm: 1-1.9 cm, 2-2.9 cm, 3-3.9 cm, 4-4.9 cm, 5-5.9 cm, and 6-6.9 cm. The guts of the fish specimens were isolated and the contents were placed on a petri dish for identification and counting. Based on the observed percentages of chyme, the species consume a large amount of easily digested materials. The increasing number of prey items as size class increases revealed that the smaller fishes prey on smaller organisms while the larger ones prey on the larger counterpart, and thus smaller predators are a subset of larger predators. Apogonids displayed a generalist diet, consisting mostly of demersal plankton and benthic invertebrates.
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    Rock-associated Cryptofauna in Seagrass Beds in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, Guimaras, Philippines
    Camache, Christian M. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2015-06)
    It has been suggested that cryptofauna makes up the bulk of marine ecosystems. Little is known of the ecology of cryptofauna and the few studies conducted about them stress their importance in the ecology of marine systems. This study was conducted to assess the biodiversity of rock-associated cryptofauna in seagrass beds in the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve (TINMR) and to correlate their abundance and diversity to the rugosity of the substrate. Rock samples were collected from three seagrass beds, namely: Calaparan, Kalirohan, and Bagatnan. The cryptofauna inhabiting the rock samples were extracted using forceps and were then sorted into major taxonomic groups and identified. The density of each taxonomic group, the diversity and similarity indices of and among sites, and the rugosity and volume of the rock samples were calculated. A total of 2,255 individuals were collected belonging to 97 OTUs and eight major taxonomic groups, with a mean density of 1.13±0.51 indiv/mL. Foraminiferans and crustaceans were the most prominent organisms observed in all sites while polychaetes showed significant density variations. Cryptic fauna diversity was low in all sites. Kalirohan had the highest diversity index (H’ = 0.86 ± 0.119) while Calaparan had the lowest (H’ = 0.67 ± 0.125). All sites showed low similarity coefficients with Kalirohan and Bagatnan showing the highest value (31% similarity). No significant correlation was found between the rugosity of rock substrates and density of cryptofauna contrary to expected trend. This suggests that rugosity may not be a key determinant of cryptofaunal abundance and diversity in rock substrates in these seagrass beds.
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    Epibiota of Holothuria scabra (Jaeger, 1833) from TINMAR, Southern Guimaras and Sagay Marine Reserve, Negros Occidental
    Calizar, Jessica Joyce D. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2013-04)
    The composition and abundance of epibiota on the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra collected in TINMAR, Southern Guimaras (Panay Gulf, northern Sulu Sea) and Sagay Marine Reserve, Negros Occidental (Visayan Sea), were determined. Epibiotic organisms on 10 Holothuria scabra individuals in each site were detached from the body surface with a fine brush dipped in alcohol. Samples collected were fixed in buffered formalin, followed by counting and identification under light microscopy. Sea cucumber epibionts consisted of photosynthetic protists, mainly diatoms (Phylum/Division Bacillariophyta), and small marine invertebrates (Protozoa, Mollusca, Arthropoda, and Annelida). Some 2,237 epibionts were counted with the diatoms as the most abundant and frequently encountered group. Epibiont species on Holothuria scabra were almost the same in both sites, except for annelids which was only encountered in samples from Sagay. Mean epibiotic abundance of Holothuria scabra from TINMAR was 61 per individual which was about a third of epibiotic abundance on individuals from Sagay (163 per individual). This study provides preliminary information on epibionts present on Philippine holothurians, and will help future researches in this field.
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    Phytosociological study in Garantiangan Island, Taklong Island National Marine Reserve (TINMR), Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Philippines
    Calesterio, Krizha Marie C. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2018-12)
    Each island has a unique set of characteristics attributed to differences in size, isolation, relief and climate, and origin. Such characteristic influence their floristic composition. Rapid development of tropical islands due to expansion of tourism thus put the flora under risks. In addition, the impact of climate change is also a big factor. There is a need to do baseline studies for proper management and conservation purposes. This study was conducted in Garantiangan Island (a part of Taklong Island National Marine Reserve) in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Philippines to assess the species composition, and community structure of flora present. Data were collected by establishing random plots from August 2016 to February 2017. Results showed a total of 45 species (7 unidentified) belonging to 26 families, were recorded. Rubiaceae was the most dominant family, having five representative species. Invasive species found were Leucaena leucocephala, and Lantana camara. Floras found belonged to two types of vegetation namely; littoral vegetation: herbaceous strand, littoral shrubland and littoral forest zone and mangrove vegetation. Total stand basal area was 16.63 m2 ha- 1 , with 4985.71 stems ha-1. The total seedling density (1943 individuals ha- 1) > total sapling density (1686 individuals ha- 1) > total tree density (1343 individuals ha- 1) suggests “good” regeneration status. 1. Tarenna littoralis had the highest relative density (18.05%) and frequency (8 %). Terminalia foetidissima had the highest relative dominance (26.70%) and was the most important species (37.04 %). Shannon-Weiner diversity index and Simpson evenness index values recorded were 1.33 and 0.89, respectively, which suggests low diversity and evenness in the island. Given that the biodiversity in the island is threatened, though the results are preliminary and full floral surveys were not carried out, data gathered can serve as a basis for conservation and management actions.
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    Community structure of holothuroids in selected seagrass beds in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, Guimaras, Philippines
    Calaguing, Aldwyn C. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2018-06)
    Sea cucumbers are beneficial to mankind commercially as food and medicinal commodity. Overexploitation and illegal catch of these organisms even within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) caused stock depleting and even local extinction of some populations in the country. Monitoring and regular assessment of their population is a must for their proper management and protection. This study investigated the status of holothuroid community within 4 selected seagrass meadows in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve (TINMR), Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. Holothuroid composition and estimates of density, frequency and distribution were determined through plot method. Species identification was based on gross morphology and spicule analysis. There were 40 individuals collected identified as 5 species, namely, Holothuria atra (n = 18), Holothuria pulla (n = 1), Holothuria scabra (n = 5), Bohadschia vitiensis (n = 2) and Synapta maculata (n = 13). The first 4 belonged to Order Aspidochirotida and the last belonged to Order Apodida. Their distribution and community structure in TINMR are likely influenced by the physical and chemical environment, seagrass community poaching, and cryptic behavior.
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    Oxygen requirement of Sea Cucumber (Bohadschia marmorata)
    Cahuya, Jezyl Leigh D. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2017-06)
    The oxygen consumption of juvenile sea cucumber Bohadschia marmorata was studied in the laboratory. The effects of temperature and body weight on oxygen consumption rate (OCR) were determined by measuring the dissolved oxygen levels using closed bottle respiratory method. Mean weight specific OCR of B. marmorata juveniles was low (9±4 pgO2h-1g-1). The OCR decreased with time from 16.9±9.1 to 6.09±3.86 ugO2h-1g-1 rapidly declining in the first two hours then, more gradually thereafter (R2=-0.92). Factors such as temperature and size affect OCR. Oxygen consumption rate tends to increase with increasing temperature. Bigger animals have low OCR levels than smaller ones (R2=0.32).
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    Community structure, biomass and carbon stock assessment of mangrove forest in Poblacion, Batan, Batan Bay, Aklan, Philippines
    Cagalawan, Donna Novei C. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2013-04)
    The continued loss of mangroves in Batan Bay, Aklan and elsewhere in the Philippines warrants urgent attention. Appropriate management schemes can only be drawn after a scientific assessment of the remaining mangroves in a given area. This study aimed to 1.) assess the community structure, of mangroves in Poblacion, Batan, Aklan using accepted ecological indicators such as a.) determine the physical and chemical factors such as salinity, temperature of water and soil, pH as well as substrate characterization; b.) identify and classify true mangrove species present in the area; c.) Stand Basal Area, d.) stems per hectare, e.) relative density, f.) relative frequency, g.) relative dominance, h.) importance value, i.) Shannon Index of Dominance and; 2.) determine biomass and carbon density in the above ground pools of mangroves. A total of nineteen (19) true mangrove species represented by six families were identified in Poblacion, Batan, Aklan. The true mangrove species were Aegiceras corniculatum, Avicennia alba, Avicennia marina, Avicennia officinalis, Avicennia rumphiana, Bruguiera cylindrica, Camptostemon philippenensis, Ceriops decandra, Excoecaria agallocha, Lumnitzera littorea, Nypa fruticans, Osbornia octodanta, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora stylosa, Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea, Sonneratia alba, Xylocarpus granatum and Xylocarpus moluccencis. Camptostemon philippenensis had the highest basal area with 103.14 m2/ha and the highest relative dominance with the value of 39.26%. Avicennia marina has the highest stems per hectare in the area with the value of 32, 400. It also recorded the highest average density at 167 trees/ha and was present in all plots with relative frequency of 44.15%. Avicennia marina was the most important species with value of 300.21. Camptostemon philippinensis had the highest seedling density of 586 seedlings per hectare, whereas Avicennia marina had the highest sapling density of 20 saplings per hectare. In terms of biomass, Avicennia marina recorded the greatest biomass at 79.42 tons/ ha and the highest carbon stock of 36.7 tons/ha. A total of 203.87 tons/ha biomass and 91.728 tons/ha carbon stock was determined. Based on the leaf litter fall, Transect 1 has the highest leaf fall at 664.9g.m2. Litter production was highest during November 5, 2012-November 19, 2012 and lowest in December 17, 2012- December 31, 2012 in all three transects.
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    A study of the gut contents of compressed tubby (Canthigaster compressa) from Talibon, Bohol and Palompon, Leyte, Philippines
    Caduada, Laymart A. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2017-06)
    The Philippines has one of the longest coastlines and is among the top producers of fisheries products in the world. The industry however is threatened by unsustainable fishing practices and dwindling resources. Proper fisheries management is hindered by an extensive lack of biological information on resource populations. Studying fish feeding habits based on gut content analysis could provide insights on fish feeding patterns and trophic interactions in aquatic food webs and enhance our understanding of exploited resources. The study compares the composition of the gut contents of Canthigaster compressa caught by sled trawl in seagrass beds in Talibon, Bohol and Palompon, Leyte. Sixty eight specimens from Talibon and 80 from Palompon were examined. Chyme made up 70-76% of the total gut contents in both areas. A total of 23 prey items were observed. Diet composition in Palompon was more diverse as compared to Talibon. Gut contents changed with size/age, with an apparent increase in the proportion of seagrass/algae as fish size increased. This suggests that the tubby shifts to a more herbivorous diet as they grow older. The amount of forams in the guts also decreased with size which could be attributed to a shift in habitat from seagrass to coral reefs. The results also show that crustaceans are more abundant in Palompon than in Talibon which could mean that Palompon has a richer seagrass-associated crustacean population. Further studies about the abundance of crustaceans in the fish diet in Palompon and Talibon is encouraged as it could be useful in assessing the ecological conditions of the areas.
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    Habitat-type and temporal comparison of the meiobenthic composition of Taklong Island National Marine Reserve
    Burgos, Lorelie A. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2009-03)
    Meiofauna are very important indicators of human disturbances in the natural ecosystem. It plays a major role in the primary production, rapid nutrient cycling and other benthic chemical processes. Knowledge regarding marine benthic communities is scarce and is limited only to temperate regions. Moreover, only a few have been conducted in the Philippines, while no studies have been conducted in the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, so this serves as the baseline for further studies to be conducted in the place. This study provides a characterization of the spatial and temporal distribution of meiobenthic fauna in the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve. Specifically, the study aimed to compare the composition of meiobenthic infauna in different habitat types and to examine changes in their abundance and distribution from 4, 16 and 26 weeks after the oil spill. Meiobenthic samples were collected in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve during the Rapid and Monitoring Phases of the Benthos Project of the UPV Oil Spill Response Program. Surveys were conducted in September 2 and November 23, 2006 and February 9 2007, respectively 4, 16 and 26 weeks after the spill. Nine stations within the area were chosen based on the station grid for the biological surveys. A total of 20 taxa were identified, with nematodes being numerically dominant. It also showed the highest mean abundance in all the sampling period and for the entire habitat type. The over all mean density was (80276.71494 ind. m2, SD =19988.37), with the highest peak in February 20072007 which is 26 weeks after the oil spill (143,508.4 ind/m2). And the lowest density was recorded in the month of September 2006, 4 weeks after the oil spill (47,205.43 ind. m2). For the habitat type soft bottom has the highest recorded mean density in the entire sampling period. For the temporal variation food source, organic matter and temperature dictates the changes in distribution of meiofauna but in the study it mostly because of the oil spill happened before the sampling period.
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    Mangrove community structure survey in Barangay Guisi and Linayasan, Altavas, Aklan
    Bullo, Gliford G. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2004-04)
    The mangrove forest is a complex and unique community of medium to large tress, shrubs, vines and palms, oddly thriving with luxuriant growth in the least inviting habitats which have the barest and limited conditions for the growth and survival of higher plant life. This study aims to assess the community structure of mangroves in Barangay Guisi and Linayasan, Altavas, Aklan using accepted ecological indicators. The sampling site, Altavas, Aklan is located at the upper median of Panay Island. There was a total of 15 true mangrove species belonging to the 9 families in the area. The nine families are Family Myrsinaceae represented by Aegiceras corniculatum, Family Avicenniaceae represented by Avicennia alba, Avicennia marina, Avicennia officinalis and Avicennia rumphiana; Family Rhizophorceae represented by Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Bruguiera parviflora; Family Bombacaceae represented by Camptostemon phihppensis; Family Rubiaceae represented by Scyphiphora hydrophylaceae; Family Meliaceae represented by Xylocarpus granatum and Family Palmae represented by Nypa fruticans. Avicennia rumphiana has the highest mean basal area of 23.21 (m2/ha), while Xylocarpus granatum had the lowest mean basal area of 0.01 (m2/ha). Avicennia rumphiana has the highest relative density of 57, while Xylocarpus granatum has the lowest relative density with a value of 1. Avicennia rumphiana and Avicennia officinalis had the highest relative frequency of 19.8667 Aegiceras corniculatum, Excoecaria agallocha, Scyphtphora hydrophylaceae and Xylocarpus grunatum on the other hand had the lowest relative frequency of 0.4. Avicennia rumphiana is the dominant species with a relative dominance value of 23.66, and Xylocarpus granatum is the least dominant species with relative dominance value of 0.01. Avicennia rumphiana is the most important species in the area with an importance value of 127.1816, and the least important species, as observed, is Xylocarpus granatum with an importance value of 1.685863. The index of diversity is 0.918655 for the entire area.