OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA BY

iAcknowledgements I want to thank and acknowledge the support of my friends, family, and advisers. My graduate student friends and writing group (GSD) helped support this project and others I have completed, offering feedback and encouragement when appropriate. My family and friends have given me distractions and support: my brothers and parents have supported me in many ways, and my friends and housemates offered movies, conversation, and other entertainment. My ecological research group provided a change of pace when I needed to take a break while remaining busy. And my dissertation committee—Art, Chris, and Valerie—deserves credit for reading and offering helpful feedback and criticism. Finally, my adviser has earned a great deal of my appreciation and gratitude for the brainstorming sessions, advice, and commentary he gave throughout this process. Thank you all. ii Dedication I dedicate this dissertation to my family: my niece, brothers, parents, and especially my grandparents. ii