Date of Award

Fall 1996

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biological Sciences

Program/Concentration

Biology

Committee Director

Robert K. Rose

Committee Member

Kneeland K. Nesius

Committee Member

Frank P. Day, Jr.

Call Number for Print

Special Collections LD4331.B46 W75

Abstract

Oryzomys palustris (Harlan) is unusual in that it is one of two carnivorous mammals in the Family Muridae in North America. A diet analysis of Oryzomys palustris. the marsh rice rat, was done based on stomach contents. This was accomplished by taking the animals from two study areas located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The animals were taken monthly for one year. Once caught, the animals were sacrificed and their stomach contents were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible. This study showed that rice rats were omnivorous mammals, eating a variety of foods, including dicots, monocots, crabs, snails and insects. Their diet selection did not differ significantly with age; however, diet did differ significantly among seasons. Insect consumption was significantly higher in autumn than in spring or winter. There was no significant interaction between age and season.

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DOI

10.25777/0h1n-hh96

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