John Charlton. Kansas Geological Survey, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047.
The Kaw and Wakarusa rivers have carved their wide valleys around Mt. Oread during hundreds of thousands of years. The last great geologic event to impart the area was the Kansan glacier six hundred thousand years ago, leaving behind glacial till and rich alluvial soil. A few generations after the territorial settlements in these valleys have brought about a complete transformation of this landscape. The 1867 photographs of Civil War photographer Alexander Gardner show how the valley had changed after just the first decade of this settlement. Although grassfires were stopped around the town of Lawrence and the surrounding rural farms, the native trees already had been harvested completely for fuel and shelter. The arrival of the railroad allowed these and all other needed commodities to be transported from the East and the New England settlers planted imported varieties of grasses, trees, and crops throughout the hills and valleys. Recent photographs based upon Gardener's views show these changes and others, which have resulted from only a few generations of settlement here.
Shawn A. Hamm1 and Kenshu Shimada.2, 3
Christopher Fielitz. Emory & Henry College; Emory, Virginia 24327. E-mail: cfielitz@ehc.edu.
Teeth of the endopterygoid are described for the first time in the North American Late Cretaceous fish Enchodus gladiolus (Cope, 1872) from a previously described specimen from the Niobrara Chalk of Kansas. The teeth are located on the medial side of the bone with the greatest number concentrated at its posterior end. Most teeth consist of numerous small cones, but at the posterior end of the bone are several elongated teeth that run parallel to the length of the bone. E. lewesiensis (Mantell, 1822) and E. brevis (Chalifa, 1989) are the only other two Enchodus species known to have endopterygoid teeth. Their teeth are very similar to those of E. gladiolus. Several fossil aulopiform genera besides Enchodus also have similar endopterygoid teeth. The endopterygoid teeth in E. gladioulus superficially resemble the tubercles found on the dermal bones. The presence of endopterygoid teeth in other fossil aulopiform taxa suggests that it may be a primitive condition.
Michael J. Everhart. Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas, 67601. E-mail: meverhar@fhsu.edu.
Tylosaurus nepaeolicus (Cope 1874) is one of the least well known of the five species of mosasaurs that are recognized from the lower Smoky Hill Chalk Member (upper Coniacian) of the Niobrara Formation in western Kansas. In describing the type material, Cope stated that this species was one-third or less the size of T. proriger (Cope 1869), a species that appeared during the Santonian and is well represented in the middle and upper chalk. Additional data provided by Russell from a review of specimens in the American Museum of Natural History and the Yale Peabody Museum showed that most T. nepaeolicus material is somewhat larger than the type specimen, but is significantly smaller than adult T. proriger specimens. Measurements of two additional T. nepaeolicus skulls, an articulated series of Tylosaurus sp. vertebrae and other material in the Sternberg Museum of Natural History suggest that this species approached 8-9 m in size by the end of the Coniacian and was approximately the same size as a larger T. proriger reported from the lower Santonian. Although time and other morphological features separate T. nepaeolicus from T. proriger, the two species are closer in size than previously reported.
D. F. Merriam. Kansas Geological Survey, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047. E-mail: dmerriam@kgs.ukans.edu.
An armadillo invasion of Kansas is underway. Each year more sightings are reported and they now are recorded as far north as the Platte River in southern Nebraska. They are abundant enough in some areas in southern Kansas to be considered nuisances because of their burrowing habit. They prefer soft ground which in Kansas includes the Pennsylvanian sandstone and shale in the Chautauqua Hills in the southeast, the Permian redbeds in the Red Hills country in south-central, and the shales and siltstones of the Cretaceous in central and western Kansas. Because their metabolism requires a constant intake of food, they can not tolerate long periods of severe weather. The change in climate and other factors, however, favors their continued northward migration. They now have been reported from almost one-quarter of the Kansas counties.
Christian A. Bellar1 and Alan D. Maccarone. Environmental Studies Graduate Program, Friends University, Wichita, Kansas 67213. E-mail: alanm@friends.edu.
Wayne A. Geyer, Walter H. Fick, and Jonathan Carlisle; Kansas State Univerisity, Manhattan, KS 66506. E-mail: wgeyer@oznet.ksu.edu. John Barbur; Fort Riley, KS.
Various commercial chemicals were tested to control visually obstructive weed populations abundant in the graveled storage areas on the Fort Riley Military Reservation. Several herbicides applied at lower amounts than the historical treatment were effective in reducing weedy plants. The chemicals Oust and Telar + Karmex provided the best long-term control. Arsenal could be added to a tank mix to provide greater control of field bindweed and tumble windmill grass. A change to these chemicals as part of the integrated pest management strategy would thus help to meet the United States Department of Defense directive to reduce pesticide usage.
R. Jones. Physics Department, Emporia State University, Emporia, KS 66801.
The unique features of the improved plasma confinement discovered earlier using automated optimization software have been explored. Reduced performance was associated with nonMaxwellian electron and ion distributions which are not electrostatically well confined. Enhanced confinement corresponds to Maxwellian electron and ion distributions.
Bimal Kanti Paul. Department of Geography, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506. E-mail: bkp@ksu.edu.
Using data collected through a mail questionnaire survey, this paper examines the extent of primary care physician (PCP) bypassers in rural Kansas, identifies the factors of PCP bypassing, and analyzing the reasons for bypassing as reported by the respondents. A total of 313 Kansas residents living in households in 79 of the state's 105 counties with populations of 20,000 or less participated in this survey. Approximately 16% of the respondents identified themselves as PCP bypassers, indicating they did not utilize the services of the nearest PCP. The findings of this study suggest that user characteristics were more influential than provider characteristics in the decision to bypass locally available health-care providers. Respondent perceptions regarding the quality of services provide by local PCPs and respondent age were the most important determinants of PCP bypassers. The former also was cited by more than 84% respondents as the main reason for bypassing locally available PCPs.
Marshall I. Sundberg, Dana M. Slaughter, and Scott S. Crupper. Department of Biological Sciences, Emporia State University, 1200 Commercial, Emporia, KS 66801. E-mail: cruppers@emporia.edu.
Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) is a Kansas statewide noxious weed that is spreading at an alarming rate. The genetic variation among different populations of this plant was investigated using the methodology of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Samples of sericea lespedeza were obtained at distinct sites throughout eastern Kansas and total DNA prepared from each. Four arbitrary primers were used individually in a RAPD-PCR and the combined amplification patterns used to generate a dendrogram. Sixteen plants from nine different populations were grouped into nine unique genotypic groupings using this method. These data indicated that significant genetic variation exists among the different populations of sericea lespedeza examined and that RAPD-PCR is a valid and reproducible means for the detection of these differences.
Harold E. Klaassen. Kansas State University, Division of Biology, Ackert Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506. E-mail: klaassen@kansas.net.
Fishes and their parts lend themselves well to the illustration of diverse concepts ranging from anatomical form and function to evolution and ecological niche. Teaching is enhanced by using actual specimens that can be handled. This paper describes methods for preparing bony structures and bleach solution. The items with soft tissue were prepared by freeze-drying. Procedures are given for the preparation and drying of these specimens by using a frost-free freezer. The drying times are discussed, and examples of finished specimens are illustrated and discussed.
Angela G. Bulger, Christopher D. Wilkinson and David R. Edds.
Department of Biological Sciences, Emporia State University
Emporia, KS 66801. E-mail: AGBulger@pbsj.com.
Mark L. Wildhaber. U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
The Neosho madtom, Noturus placidus, is a small catfish listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as threatened. Little is known of its breeding biology and behavior because high turbidity and flow during its spawning season prevent direct observation in the field, and captive propagation has met with limited success. We held Neosho madtoms in laboratory aquaria in 1996 and 1998 to study sexual dimorphism during breeding season, courtship and nesting behavior, egg and clutch size, and embryological and larval development. We also attempted to induce spawning. Courtship behaviors were recorded on videotape, including "carousel" and "tail curl" displays in which the fish spun in circles, head to tail, then quivered, with the male's tail wrapped around the female's head. Three clutches were observed, all in nest cavities that had been excavated by the fish under a structure; one clutch (1996) consisted of approximately 60 eggs, with a mean chorion diameter of 3.1 mm, and two (1998) consisted of approximately 30 eggs, with mean diameter of 3.7 mm. In all situations, eggs hatched after eight or nine days, and yolk-sacs were fully depleted seven days later. One spawn (1998) occurred after two days of injection with synthetic hormone. Male parental care of eggs and larvae was observed in 1996. Larvae remained in the nest until yolk-sacs were absorbed, after which they dispersed throughout the tank. Dissection of two females that laid clutches in this study revealed previtellogenic eggs in the lumen of ovaries, with a mean chorion diameter of 0.9 mm. Swollen lips of males, distended abdomen of females, and differences in head shape, premaxillary tooth patch coloring, and genital papillae of breeding males and females were documented during spawning periods.
Harold A. Kerns. Division of Fishes, Museum of Natural History, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045. E-mail: kernsh@mail.conservation.state.mo.us.
Joseph L. Bonneau. Missouri Department of Conservation, 701 NE College Drive, St. Joseph, Missouri 64507.
The life history and feeding habits of the Topeka shiner, Notropis topeka (Gilbert), were studied in the headwaters of the South Fork Cottonwood River, Butler County, Kansas, and the West Branch of Mill Creek, Wabaunsee County, Kansas, from July 1979 through June 1981. A total of 1002 specimens was examined.
The habitat of Topeka shiners in the South Fork Cottonwood River consisted of the uppermost stream sections that maintained permanent pools because of the contribution of small springs and subterranean flow. Substrates varied from gravel to rubble, usually with a thin silt covering. In midsummer and fall, surface water was restricted to the larger and deeper pools in the study area. Heavy mortality in the fish populations was evident. Adult Topeka shiners occupied the lower half of the water column in pools, whereas young-of-the-year fish inhabited shallow pool margins until the end of their first summer.
Nineteen percent of age-1 males were sexually mature (in second summer of life); 80% of age-2 males and 100% of age-3 males were mature. The average numbers of mature (largest) ova in age-1 and age-2 females collected 23 May 1981 were 356 and 819, respectively. The number of mature ova increased with length, weight, and age of the female. Sixty-two percent of age-1 females and 100% of age-2 females were mature.
Topeka shiners ranged in age from 2 to 36 months. The mean lengths of fish at ages of 12, 24, and 36 months were 34.6 mm, 42.5 mm, and 53.2 mm SL, respectively. The growth rate of age group 0 and 0+ fish was approximately 0.13 mm/day. The sex ratio did not differ significantly from 1:1 except in the age-2 group, in which males outnumbered females 3.3:1.
Topeka shiner were principally diurnal feeders and typically fed near the substrate, mostly on chironomids and ephemeropterans. Although algae and detritus were prevalent in gut contents, it was unclear whether Topeka shiners were intentionally consuming and digesting this material.
William J. Stark, Jason S. Luginbill and Mark E. Eberle. Department of Biological Sciences, Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas 67601. E-mail: wstark@fhsu.edu.
The Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka), an endemic minnow of the Great Plains, has been extirpated over much of its former range. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed it as an endangered species in January 1999. The only extant population of N. topeka remaining on the High Plains is located in northwestern Kansas. During 1999, we studied aspects of the natural history of this isolated population. Notropis topeka fed in aggregations comprised of central stonerollers (Campostoma anomalum), fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), orangespotted sunfish (Lepomis humilis), and orangethroat darters (Etheostoma spectabile). Notropis topeka also raided the nests of P. promelas to consume eggs. Nests of N. topeka were located on the periphery of L. cyanellus nests, and possibly on the periphery of L. humilis and P. promelas nests. We describe the spawning act of N. topeka on the periphery of L. cyanellus nests, as well as their interspecific behavior near the nests of L. humilis and P. promelas.
Geffery R. Luttrell, Anthony A. Echelle,and William L. Fisher. Department of Zoology and Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife
Unit, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078.
Present Address GRL: Environmental Resource Center, Crowder College, Neosho, Missouri 64850.
E-mail: echelle@okstate.edu.
To examine habitat conditions associated with abundance of Macrhybopsis hyostoma, 10 seine-hauls were made at each of 24 sites encompassing the major western tributaries of the Arkansas River. All seine hauls were made in habitats that, within each collection locality, were considered most likely to include the species. Each haul was characterized for mean depth, water velocity, and substratum compaction and particle size. Comparison of use versus availability within intervals of these variables demonstrated nonrandom distribution of the species for each variable measured. At locations where the species occurred, usage curves and electivity indexes indicated that both age-groups preferred moderate current velocities (20-40 cm/s) and substrata with high percentages of pea-sized gravel (60-90%) and moderate levels of compaction. A discriminate function based on stream-reaches of occurrence for the species predicted either absence (90% of seine hauls) or rarity of the species (10% of the hauls) in stream reaches where M. hyostoma or a close relative (M. tetranema) had been extirpated. Based on these results, and in the absence of further knowledge on habitat availability and suitability, it seems inadvisable to attempt reintroductions of M. hyostoma into presently unoccupied streams within its historical range in Oklahoma.
Edie Marsh-Matthews and William J. Matthews. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History; Department of Zoology; Biological Station, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73072. E-mail: emarsh@ou.edu.
We examined temporal stability of minnow species co-occurrence using four sets of collections made by seining in streams of the central United States. These collections were made at spatial scales ranging from within a single watershed to across a six-state region of the lower Great Plains, and over time periods ranging from 17-75 years. A Jaccard's index of co-occurrence based on presence-absence was calculated for all possible species pairs across all sites for each set of collections. Stability of co-occurrence patterns was assessed using Mantel tests to compare co-occurrence matrices for sequential collections. Within a single watershed (Piney Creek, Izard County, Arkansas) patterns of co-occurrence at 12 sites were correlated highly across sequential collections (r = 0.618 to 0.871, n = 9), suggesting that species associations within the watershed are stable and predictable. Within the Red River basin (Red and Washita rivers), correlations of co-occurrence patterns at six sites were variable and some correlations were extremely low across sequential collections (r = 0.828). Co-occurrence patterns also were compared between collections made by A.I. Ortenburger at 48 sites in the Red and Canadian river drainages of Oklahoma in 1925-1927 and collections made by W.J. Matthews at 57 sites in the same drainages in 1975-1999. Patterns of species co-occurrence remained significantly correlated (r = 0.563) over a timespan of greater than half a century, in spite of dramatic changes in the streams, such as construction of large dams.
Mark E. Eberle, Eric G. Hargett, Thomas L. Wenke and Nicholas E. Mandrak. Department of Biological Sciences, Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas 67601-4099. E-mail: meberle@fhsu.edu.
We sampled fishes four times each year at 12 sites on the Solomon, North Fork Solomon, and South Fork Solomon rivers in north-central Kansas during 1996 and 1997. Kirwin and Webster reservoirs are located on the North Fork Solomon River, respectively, and Waconda Reservoir inundates the confluence of these two rivers at the head of the Solomon River. Multivariate analysis identified two fish assemblages that were related to stream discharge. One fish assemblage was associated with stream segments that had lower discharges, such as those located upstream from Kirwin and Webster reservoirs. This assemblage was characterized by equal numbers of extirpations of native species and introductions of nonnative species. The other fish assemblage was associated with the reservoirs and stream segments that had higher discharges. This assemblage was characterized by a large number of species that were introduced or had immigrated into these areas. For the basin as a whole, 32% of the native species of fishes have been extirpated, and 51% of the present assemblage was comprised of nonnative species. Most of the extirpations and introductions are associated with habitat changes caused by agricultural development and the construction of impoundments. The relatively large component of the fish assemblage comprised of nonnative species reflects the trend toward homogenization of fish assemblages throughout the United States.
Keith B. Gido,1 Christopher S. Guy,2 Timothy R. Strakosh,2 Randal J. Bernot,1 Kristen J. Hase,3 and Mark A. Shaw.3
Ken M. Fritz,1,2 Jeff A. Tripe1,3 and Christopher S. Guy.4
Chris S. Mammoliti. Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, Pratt, Kansas. E-mail: chrism@wp.state.ks.us
To assess the potential impacts of impoundments on sensitive stream species, such as the Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) and hornyhead chub (Nocomis biguttatus), I conducted a review of existing scientific literature. A substantial body of literature indicates that construction of dams has a negative impact on native stream fishes. In general, an impoundment can reduce the quantity and quality of stream habitat, alter reproductive and feeding behavior of fishes, and increase the number and sizes of predatory fish within a stream system. The impacts suggest a negative relationship between impoundments and obligate stream species, such as the Topeka shiner and hornyhead chub.
Joseph Dean, David Edds, David Gillette, Jeri Howard, Stephanie Sherraden and Jeremy Tiemann. Department of Biological Sciences, Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas 66801. E-mail: eddsdavid@emporia.edu.
Freshwater mussels are declining rapidly in many parts of their range throughout North America, primarily as a result of anthropogenic alterations of their habitat, including damming of rivers. To assess the effects of lowhead dams on freshwater mussel assemblages in the Neosho River, Kansas, we sampled mussels by groping along transects and searching haphazardly along a 100-m stretch at eight sites of four site types (i.e., upstream reference, upstream treatment, downstream treatment, and downstream reference) centered around two lowhead dams. We collected from four to 11 species of mussels at each site, and a total of 13 species. Analysis of variance indicated a significant difference in mean species richness and evenness, but not abundance, among site types, consistent with the hypothesis that lowhead dams affect freshwater mussel assemblage composition in the Neosho River.
Daniel W. Mulhern,1 Brian K. Obermeyer2 and Robert T. Angelo.3
Robert T. Angelo, M. Steve Cringan and James E. Fry. Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 1000 SW Jackson, Topeka, Kansas 66612. E-mail: bangelo@kdhe.state.ks.us.
Gill-breathing operculate snails (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia) were reported historically from streams and wetlands throughout eastern Kansas. The past century has witnessed declines in the geographic range of most native taxa and the probable extirpation of at least two species, Campeloma crasulum and Amnicola limosus. Recent investigations have documented populations of five remaining prosobranch species. These include Probythinella emarginata, previously known in Kansas solely from the Pleistocene fossil record, and Pleurocera acuta, last reported in the state in 1956. Cincinnatia integra remains the most widely distributed prosobranch snail, occurring in scattered colonies throughout much of eastern Kansas. Pomatiopsis lapidaria, Elimia potosiensis, P. emarginata, and P. acuta are each relegated to a single known marsh or stream drainage. Earlier reports of Campelona decisum in Kansas now are attributed to the conchologically similar species, C. crassulum. Changes observed in the prosobranch fauna during the past century have paralleled historical declines in habitat availability and surface water quality. The reversal of these environmental trends should serve as the initial focus of snail recovery efforts in Kansas.
The occurrence of the first associated tooth set of the Late Cretaceous Lamniform shark, Scapanorhynchus raphiodon (Mitsukurinidae), is described from the Smoky Hill Chalk Member of the Niobrara Chalk in Gove County, Kansas. The specimen, which consists of five small teeth, represents the most recent (Late Coniacian) occurrence of the species in Kansas. Morphological variation observed in the tooth set confirms the presence of heterodonty in the dentition of this taxon. By comparing the teeth of S. raphiodon with those of the extant mitsukurinid shark (Mitsukurina owstoni), the total body length of the fossil individual is estimated conservatively to be 59 cm. Similar to M. owstoni, S. raphiondon possibly fed on small fishes and squid, but this idea is yet to be confirmed.
The vast expanse of North American prairie has been reduced by at least 90% of its original area. As a result, the populations of many grassland birds are in serious decline. This study investigated Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) population trends in Kansas by comparing two Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) routes (16 and 17) in north-central Kansas showing more stable shrike populations, with two BBS routes (06 and 07) in southern Kansas showing more dramatic declines during the last 30 years. With the exception of large increases in pesticide use, there have been few land-use changes the last 30 years along the two northern routes. Along the southern routes, land-use changes include large decreases in pasture, urbanization, loss of tree rows, and large increases in pesticide use.
Our land-use survey showed more pasture, woodland, scattered trees and shrubs, and barbed-wire fences in the north, and more wheat, residential areas, and tree rows in the south, indicating significant differences between study areas in key habitat requirements for breeding Loggerhead Shrikes. Our two-year census of the four BBS routes showed a higher density of shrikes in the north (3.0/census) than the south (1.9/census). The habitat associated with shrikes in the north showed a greater amount of pasture and significantly more scattered trees and shrubs compared to the south, where shrike habitats were more heterogeneous and usually associated with tree rows. The nesting success in both areas was relatively low for Loggerhead Shrikes.
Deborah J. Rumsey. Department of Mathematics, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210.
Long-term changes in the fish assemblage of the Big Blue River basin, Kansas, were examined by comparison of a stream survey conducted prior to the construction of Tuttle Creek Reservoir (1957 to 1958) with two surveys conducted approximately 40 years later. The most recent survey, in 2001, included 14 of the original sites sampled in the late 1950s. The most notable changes to the fish assemblages were the introduction and presumed establishment of four species (Notropis atherinoides, Pimephales vigilax, Gambusia affinis, and Notemigonus crysoleucas) and the apparent extirpation of Macrhybopsis aestivalis. Other than the loss of M. aestivalis, incidence and relative abundance of other species remained similar to that which occurred before the construction of the reservoir. Percent similarity of the fish assemblage between the 1950s and the recent samples ranged between 34.7% and 84.4%, dependent on stream type (mud, gravel, or sand substrate). In addition, species incidence patterns were significantly concordant between the 1950s and the two recent surveys, with the exception of mud-bottomed streams sampled during 2001. Finally, Jaccard's index was used to compare assemblage similarity between 14 sites sampled in both the late 1950s and 2001. Although assemblage similarity between time periods was on average low (x = 0.411), a Mantel test suggested a significant concordance between sampling periods, indicating the spatial structure of the assemblage was stable. We conclude that Tuttle Creek Reservoir has served as a source for the establishment and subsequent dispersal of introduced species in the Big Blue River system and that it is important to monitor routinely these assemblages because species may continue to invade the Big Blue River system with unpredictable consequences for the native fish fauna.
The recovery of three fish species following a catastrophic flood (>50 y recurrence interval) and seasonal drying were studied in Kings Creek basin at the Konza Prairie Biological Station in northeastern Kansas. Fish collected from three tallgrass prairie headwater springs were marked and recaptured to determine if headwater springs were a source of fish recolonizing intermittent sections downstream and to estimate population sizes in the headwater springs. Three fish species (Campostoma anomalum, Phoxinus erythrogaster, and Etheostoma spectabile) were collected. Catch rates and population estimates of fish nine days post-flood were approximately half of the values obtained during subsequent sampling periods. Recolonization of an intermittent section was primarily by age-0 fish that seemingly were displaced downstream by flood events. The distribution of fish within the upper subbasins of the South Branch of Kings Creek was limited to perennial spring-fed reaches. The short duration of continuous flow and regular drying in these tributaries might limit the dispersal of individuals between populations in this landscape.
Recent collections of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia, Margaritaferidae, and Unionoidae) in Kansas included two species previously not documented from the state: Cumberlandia monodonta (Say, 1829), spectaclecase, and Cyclonaias tuberculata (Rafinesque, 1820), purple wartyback. The collections also have provided distributional revisions for five other mussel species.