The Role of Genetic Diversity in Regulating the Development of Plankton-Rich Layers
2008
Rynearson, Tatiana A.
My long-term goals are focused on deciphering the role genetic diversity plays in regulating the formation and decline of plankton-rich layers (PRLs). I plan to examine 1) the mechanistic roles that genetic diversity and genetic composition play in the episodic formation of PRLs and 2) the critical temporal and spatial scales on which genetic variation influences PRL formation. The objective of this pilot project is to begin examining the effects of genetic diversity on the formation of plankton-rich layers. This goal will be addressed by determining the genetic composition of individual phytoplankton species (specifically diatoms) sampled from inside and outside of PRLs before, during and after their development to examine changes in genetic diversity and the effects of natural selection inside these biological hotspots. This overall objective can be divided into three goals: 1) examine the genetic composition of dominant diatom species from waters that could seed PRLs, 2) once a PRL has formed, compare genetic composition of dominant diatom species inside and outside of PRLs, 3) determine changes in genetic diversity and composition over time, as layers form and then decline.
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