Date of Award
2-9-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Biology, MS
First Advisor
Lorin Neuman-Lee
Committee Members
Sinlan Poo; Than Boves
Call Number
LD 251 .A566t 2022 H37
Abstract
In the realm of immunology, the use of reptilian models remains low in comparison to their mammalian counterparts. Consequently, much of the inner workings of reptilian immunity remain to be elucidated. Specifically, chelonian species are vastly understudied. In the past decade, research focusing on reptilian immunology has increased. This thesis seeks to contribute to the growing body of work concerning immune trade-offs. I studied reptilian innate immune ability in both captive and free-living populations with consideration of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In the zoo-housed Indian star tortoises (Geochelone elegans) and northern spider tortoises (Pyxis arachnoides brygooi), I demonstrated species-specific immune ability and a relationship between immune ability and microenvironment. In free-living red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) I observed sex-biases and seasonality in immune ability that likely result from trade-offs between immune factors. Together, these studies provide new insights into the factors that influence chelonian immunity.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Hartzheim, Alyssa, "Shell Shocked: The Effects of Stress and Bacterial Challenges on the Chelonian Innate Immune Response" (2023). Student Theses and Dissertations. 212.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/212
