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| Department and Lab |
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Biological Sciences/Marine Invertebrate Ecology
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| Thesis Title: |
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Effects of chemical cues on visual orientation of early life stages of the American horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) |
| Degree Sought: |
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M.S., Marine Biology
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| Research
Advisor: |
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Dr. Richard Tankersley |
Research Focus
Visual orientation of larval and juvenile horseshoe crabs and the influence of chemical cues on their responses to visual stimuli.
Description of
Research
My research involves monitoring the orientation behavior of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus. They are ancient creatures that have been studied vastly throughout history, but mainly as adults. However, little has been done in observing larvae and juveniles, especially from the aspect of vision and its development. Adult horseshoe crabs have very good vision. As in other arthropod species, the horseshoe crab has two compound lateral eyes that contain sensory cells called ommatidia. They are able to form images with their lateral eyes and are also known to use chemical cues from the environment in coordination with these images in order to find mates and to navigate through the water. The number of ommatidia increases with each molt, suggesting that their visual acuity will increase with age. It is important to understand how this sense develops in the early stages so that we can understand how these young animals are choosing suitable habitats to live and grow. The objectives of my research are to monitor the orientation of larvae and juvenile horseshoe crabs to visual targets and to examine how these responses are affected by chemical cues.
Example of How My
Research is Integrated into My GK-12 Experience
As a program, one of InSTEP’s main objectives is to bring new ideas to a classroom. Creating new lessons plans for the students is an opportunity that we have as fellows. This has been an excellent way to integrate my research topics into the GK-12 experience and to introduce the students to marine science and how it can relate to the other science topics. During the first week of class, I was able to give a short presentation about myself and my research, as well as the InSTEP program. It got the students interested and engaged in my field of study and provided them with an opportunity to learn a little more about me and my interests as a student.
One lesson plan that my partner teacher and I would like to create for the mobile laboratory is one that involves horseshoe crabs. It will include the students conducting a mock survey and collecting data in almost the same manner scientists do and will give them a chance to see first-hand what it is like to be a researcher. Sharing my research and my passion for marine biology with the students has been a great experience. I hope that the students appreciate science and take away a greater understanding of how it applies to the world around them.
Profile date:
February 16, 2009
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