Thesis:
The effects of substratum instability, monomorphic symbiosis, and
irradiance on the asexual reproduction
of a subtropical anemone in the Gulf of California
Thesis
abstract:
Unique
beds of free-living coralline algae, rhodoliths, exist in all latitudes
of the world. Within these beds exist unique assemblage of organisms that
rely upon the rhodoliths for protection and substrate, and at the same
time help modify the existence and range of these beds. Fragmented rhodoliths
supply the main source of material for many beaches in Baja California.
Unfortunately, a paltry amount of research has been done on rhodolith
beds and their associated organisms. In order to preserve this unique
habitat, a better working knowledge of its ecology needs to be ascertained.
Aiptasia californica is an anemone that exists in prolific numbers
in the Gulf of California. Rhodoliths are often turned with surge and
bioturbation, creating a mechanically stressful environment in which A.
californica may reproduce more frequently in order to escape this
stress and/or lessen mortality by decreasing size and increasing the number
of individuals. Water motion and rhodolith movement decreases with depth,
which coincides with an increase in the individual size of A. californica.
A correlation between this substratum disturbance and anemone size
will be sought through a series of manipulative field and laboratory experiments.
Results of preliminary manipulative experiments testing reproductive responses
to substratum instability and different light regimes lend strong support
to this. A symbiosis
exists between this anemone and microscopic plants, which it harbors to
attain energy from photosynthetic byproducts. Thus, different species
of zooxanthellae could contribute different amounts of energy to its host.
A comparative analysis of zooxanthellate DNA isolated and extracted from
its host will address the possibility of a variation in symbiont-controlled
laceration rates.
Education: B.A. Marine Biology - U.C. Santa Cruz 1995
Current Employment:I
am currently a GIS Analyst/Ecologist for the Sanctuary Integrated
Monitoring Network (SIMoN) at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
(MBNMS).
My work focuses on spatial data analyses, geographic communication, interactive
map creation, and ecological studies. My job allows me to travel and
work in the field, including
ship time and SCUBA diving.
Unique
beds of free-living coralline algae, rhodoliths, exist in all latitudes
of the world. Within these beds exist unique assemblage of organisms that
rely upon the rhodoliths for protection and substrate, and at the same
time help modify the existence and range of these beds. Fragmented rhodoliths
supply the main source of material for many beaches in Baja California.
Unfortunately, a paltry amount of research has been done on rhodolith
beds and their associated organisms. In order to preserve this unique
habitat, a better working knowledge of its ecology needs to be ascertained.
Aiptasia californica is an anemone that exists in prolific numbers
in the Gulf of California. Rhodoliths are often turned with surge and
bioturbation, creating a mechanically stressful environment in which A.
californica may reproduce more frequently in order to escape this
stress and/or lessen mortality by decreasing size and increasing the number
of individuals. Water motion and rhodolith movement decreases with depth,
which coincides with an increase in the individual size of A. californica.
A correlation between this substratum disturbance and anemone size
will be sought through a series of manipulative field and laboratory experiments.
Results of preliminary manipulative experiments testing reproductive responses
to substratum instability and different light regimes lend strong support
to this. A symbiosis
exists between this anemone and microscopic plants, which it harbors to
attain energy from photosynthetic byproducts. Thus, different species
of zooxanthellae could contribute different amounts of energy to its host.
A comparative analysis of zooxanthellate DNA isolated and extracted from
its host will address the possibility of a variation in symbiont-controlled
laceration rates.