Wiggin’ Out: Social and Reproductive Behaviors of the Maritime Earwig
Dr. Vik Iyengar, Villanova University
My research involves the behavior of arthropods, a highly abundant group whose extraordinary evolutionary success can be partly attributed to the remarkable diversity of their mating systems. Sexual selection, defined as differences in reproductive success due to competition for mates, often manifests itself in morphological differences between sexes (i.e., sexually-dimorphic traits) as the result of female choice for male traits, male-male battles for females, or a combination of both. The maritime earwig (Anisolabis maritima) is an insect well-suited for such behavioral studies because males differ markedly from females in body size (males are more variable in size, and often larger, than females) and weaponry (males possess asymmetrical, curved forceps whereas females have straight forceps). Sex, body size and forceps play important roles in interactions among earwigs, and A. maritima males and females differ fundamentally in their aggression towards conspecifics. Males typically resolve their disputes non-lethally by squeezing each other’s abdomens as a means to assess size, strength and fighting ability. Females, on the other hand, often kill conspecifics while vigorously guarding their nests, and larger females defend their eggs against conspecific cannibalism more effectively. This summer we will continue lab and field investigations of the social and reproductive behavior of the maritime earwig by observing how changes in group size and composition affect group dynamics and social networks.
Biotic and Abiotic Factors Influencing Kelp Bed Communities in the Salish Sea
Dr. Katie Dobkowski, Everett Community College and Friday Harbor Labs, University of Washington
I study marine community ecology and especially focus on foundation species such as bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana). Nereocystis is an annual kelp species that provides the bulk of the complex three-dimensional habitat space in rocky subtidal habitats of the San Juan Islands and elsewhere in Washington State. There are a variety of potential summer projects that focus on investigating biotic and abiotic factors influencing bull kelp across their complicated life history using a combination of lab and field work. Topics of interest include investigating:
- green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis), red sea urchin (Mesocentrotus franciscanus), Northern kelp crab (Pugettia producta), and graceful kelp crab (P. gracilis) feeding preferences (in the lab at ambient and elevated temperatures) and distribution and abundance (in the field; intertidal, snorkel or SCUBA surveys)
- influence of competition from invasive wireweed (Sargassum muticum) on nearshore habitats
- contribution of P. producta feces to detrital food webs (in the lab, using field-collected intertidal copepod Tigriopus californicus
- effects of changing ocean conditions, such as temperature, on invertebrate feeding rates (urchins, kelp crabs).
Potential impact of marine heatwaves on growth and development of echinoderm larvae
Dr. Sophie George, Georgia Southern University
Due to increasing temperatures and the recent mass mortality of sea stars along the west coast of the United States, how larvae of these species respond to increases in temperature has been of interest in our lab. Recent studies investigated whether the swimming behaviors of bipinnariae and brachiolariae of these species differ when exposed to different salinity (20 and 30‰) and temperature (16 or 19°C) combinations in the presence and absence of food at the halocline. We discovered that bipinnariae increased their swimming speeds and turning rates at high temperatures and that salinity had less of an effect on swimming speeds. This raises the question as to whether faster swimming speeds and turning rates translates into higher ingestion rates and larval development to metamorphosis. During summer 2024, students and I will have the opportunity to examine the effects of temperature (11 and 22°C) on feeding and growth of sea star larvae (e.g. Pisaster ochraceus and Pycnopodia helianthoides). Data collected will be analyzed using ImageJ and R software and presented at one or more international conferences. The long-term goal of this project is a better understanding of the potential effects of marine heat waves on sea stars with bipinnaria and brachiolaria larval stages in the Pacific Northwest.
Thermal stress and physiological performance in intertidal mussels
Dr. Mike Nishizaki, Carleton College
In this age of climate change, the biological impacts of rising temperatures have been documented in marine ecosystems worldwide. Such effects are especially evident on rocky intertidal shores, where organisms commonly live near their thermal limits. Understanding how benthic organisms like mussels cope physiologically to the harsh conditions present in intertidal habitats is important in predicting their ecological distribution both today and in the future. For sessile mussels, water temperature and velocity are two key environmental factors when considering processes like respiration that depend on the uptake of oxygen. Moreover, mussels are found across a range of temperature and flow conditions, so the effects of multiple environmental factors on their physiology remains unclear. This REU project will assess the potentially interactive effects of water temperature, pH, and/or flow on the physiological performance (e.g., respiration rates, gene expression) of mussels.
Animal Behavior in Marine and Terrestrial Environments
Dr. Amy Cook, The Evergreen State College
One of the greatest challenges animal behaviorists face is observing their subjects in the wild. However, San Juan Island offers opportunities to make detailed observations of the behavior of a variety of animals in the field with relative ease. My mentee will learn the techniques of studying behavior in the field including how to describe behaviors, sampling and recording methodologies, and data collection and analysis. Once they are comfortable with the methodology, my mentee can apply the field behavior techniques they learned to one of the following projects –breeding and social behavior in Pigeon Guillemots or the behavior of juvenile tidepool sculpins (Oligocottus maculotus) in intertidal pools. Animal behavior intersects with conservation biology, ecology, and evolutionary biology and we will discuss these connections in regular research seminars. On San Juan Island, the interaction between human behavior and the behavior of other animals is an important factor in many of our study systems. This project will benefit mentees interested in pursuing a careers or advanced study in animal behavior, field ecology, or conservation biology.
Eelgrass Wasting Disease
Dr. Becca Maher, Cornell University
Our work focuses on seagrass wasting disease, caused by the protist Labyrinthula zosterae (Lz). This pathogen contributes to significant seagrass declines in the San Juan Islands, WA. Recent work from our group suggests that the seagrass microbiome may facilitate the disease. We will conduct field surveys and lab experiments exploring the role of the microbiome in seagrass wasting disease, including: microbiome sampling of disease lesions and healthy tissue, eDNA sampling for pathogen presence in the water, laboratory isolation of the pathogen and manipulation of the microbiome. In addition to field and wet lab work, the student will also have the opportunity to gain skills in several aspects of studying the microbiome, including: collecting and preserving biological samples, DNA extraction and molecular lab techniques, computational and statistical analysis of 16S sequences. These projects are part of a multi-year effort to better understand Lz infection in natural eelgrass meadows and broadly has conservation implications for the sustainability of regional seagrass meadows.
Depending on the student’s interests, the project will involve fieldwork, molecular lab work, and bioinformatic analysis. The ideal applicant will be detail-oriented, enjoy working on a team, and, most importantly, be enthusiastic about marine ecology and microbiome science!
Fish Biomechanics
Dr. Karly Cohen, University of Florida
Dr. Matt Kolmann, University of Louisville
Dr. Cassandra Donatelli, Chapman University
Dr. Adam Summers, University of Washington
Project 1: Why so springy? Elastic energy storage in fish armor.
Many fish species have evolved bony armor (scales and plates) covering their bodies from head to tail. This sort of armor has been around for hundreds of millions of years and provides protection. Recent studies have revealed that fish armor is multifunctional and provides many other adaptive benefits to fishes. One of those benefits might be elastic energy storage – a way that fishes can capture and redirect energy during swimming. The spring-like tissues (collagen) connecting individual armor plates interact with the armor itself to make a multipurpose composite – in other words, hard and soft tissues work together to make behaviors like swimming more efficient. Our goal is to understand whether elastic storage is present in fish armors and to what extent this storage is mediated by either the hard tissues (armor) or soft tissue (collagen) components of the system.
To do this, we will use a variety of techniques to measure and model fish armor springiness. The first step will be to collect fish using field techniques like trawling and tidepooling. We will also sample fish from museum collections like the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. Once we have our fish, we will bend fish armor using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) to determine how much the armor resists bending and springs back after loading it with force. We will also use histological sectioning to identify what tissues comprise the armor and the connective tissue tying the armor together. Finally, we will use our new understanding to build a robotic model putting all the pieces together.
Project 2: The Enigma of Spotted Ratfish Feeding: A Deep Dive into Durophagy Mechanisms
For nearly a century, the mystery of how soft-bodied animals consume hard prey has intrigued biologists. Diverging early from their elasmobranch relatives, ratfishes (holocephalans) boast unique traits that sets them apart from other sharks, skates, and rays such as a beak made up of fused teeth. Certain anatomy is often found in fishes that eat hard prey; including, flat molar-like teethand extra mineralization in the skeleton to support high bite force. Our goal is to quantify the feeding mechanisms employed by the spotted ratfish when tackling hard prey, like mussels and crabs. Initial observations suggest that ratfishes do not simply crush mussel shells; instead, they use their uniquely modified beaks and jaw muscles to deftly pry them open.
To achieve this, we will employ a multi-faceted approach, using high-speed video recording and dye tracking to follow the movements of both the food and the ratfish’s jaws during feeding. This combination of advanced technologies will offer a dynamic perspective on the feeding process. To validate and enhance our findings, we will use state-of-the-art imaging techniques, including CT scans and scanning electron micrographs, to describe and quantify the damage caused by ratfish to their prey.. Our project contributes to the broader understanding of durophagy in sharks and rays but also sheds light on the remarkable adaptations that have allowed ratfishes to thrive in their unique ecological niche.
Project Phases:
- Fieldwork and Animal Husbandry: Conducting trawling expeditions to capture spotted ratfish and ensuring their welfare in controlled environments.
- Live Feeding and Video Trials: Implementing controlled feeding scenarios and capturing high-speed video footage to unveil the nuances of the ratfish’s feeding behavior.
- Video Analysis: Applying rigorous video analysis techniques to extract quantitative data on the ratfish’s feeding movements.
- Bioimaging: Employing CT scans and scanning electron micrographs to delve into the microscopic details of prey damage, providing a comprehensive understanding of the predation process.
Project 3: Swimming with Spines: the diversity of defensive spines and kinematics in Sculpins.
The persistence and preservation of eelgrass in False Bay, WA
Dr. Kendall Valentine, University of Washington
Dr. Andrea Ogston, University of Washington
Dr. Sandy Wyllie-Echeverria, Friday Harbor Laboratories, University of Washington
Dr. Bruce Finney, Idaho State University
False Bay, San Juan Island. Eelgrass patches are located at the bottom of the photo above the water line. (Photo by Gregg Ridder 2017) and field work in eelgrass meadows (Photo by Kendall Valentine).
Seagrasses are a critical part of coastal ecosystems, providing a unique habitat, but have been disappearing at a rapid rate globally. Beyond their ecological role, seagrasses also play a crucial role in carbon dynamics and contributes significantly to mitigating climate change. Through efficient trapping and storage of organic matter, seagrasses can be used as a nature-based solution to reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide. In this project, we aim to understand the persistence of seagrass patches through sophisticated carbon isotope analysis (d13C) as a proxy for eelgrass abundance, as well as the carbon storage potential of eelgrasses in False Bay, San Juan Island. Using a series of sediment cores, we will explore how downcore trends in d13C reflect changes in seagrass abundance and distribution in the bay, as well as determine how well that organic material is sequestered.
Intertidal Ecological Monitoring on Yellow Island
Chris Mantegna, University of Washington Graduate Student & Black in Marine Science (BIMS) Scientist
The impacts of anthropogenic activities on natural environments are growing ever more complex and far-reaching. Moreover, the impacts can be more pervasive and yet go unnoticed in aquatic habitats like marine intertidal environments. Long-term monitoring programs provide an opportunity to examine the (changing) relationship between organisms and their habitats to better inform our understanding of the interplay between biotic and abiotic conditions. This is the second year of the Yellow Island Monitoring project and the first full season of data collection.
The Yellow Island project focus is on (1) understanding the island’s ecology using observation, molecular techniques, and the synthesis of multi-source data, and (2) understanding the interconnectedness of the Salish Sea ecosystem and the foundational changes induced by human activities and climate change. Students will work both onsite at Yellow Island and in the lab collecting qualitative and quantitative data that can help us answer questions of intertidal community composition, food web dynamics, predator prey interactions, and physiological trade-offs in the face of a changing climate.
This project will support skill building and growth in community science project development and management, data collection in the field, analysis using BASH and R programming languages, and public facing science communication and teaching.
Seabird Diving
Bart Boom, University of Washington
Diving birds posses the incredible skill of plunge diving into the water at a staggering 70mph without sustaining injuries. This remarkable feat becomes even more significant considering the intense impact forces they encounter upon breaking the water’s surface. Our mission is to delve into the intricate dynamics of internal and external features of the bird, treating the neck as a spring mass system and the head as a cone to unravel the complexities of their interaction with water.
Preliminary investigations into simplified systems have yielded promising results, demonstrating a reduction in maximal force and jerk to the body by introducing compliance. Th student will go through the process of biology to biomimicry. This involves CT-scanning, reconstruction, and 3D modeling. Additionally, they will engage in hands-on activities, manufacturing test samples, instrumenting, and meticulously analyzing data to unlock the secrets of this awe-inspiring avian ability.
Gut Microbiomes of Intertidal Fishes with Different Diets
Dr. Joseph Heras, California State University, San Bernardino
To identify patterns of evolutionary patterns and dietary specializations within intertidal systems, my lab focuses on marine fishes such as prickleback fishes (family Stichaeidae), which are best known for dietary diversity, ontogenetic dietary shifts, convergent evolution of herbivory, and independent lineages of intertidal invasions within this family. We are seeking an undergraduate student who will be involved in a project to evaluate the gut microbiome of pricklebacks, to better understand ontogenetic diet shifts. For this study, the following intertidal species have been selected: Anoplarchus purpurescens (carnivores, no shift), Xiphister atropurpureus (ontogenetic shift from carnivory to omnivory), and Xiphister mucosus (ontogenetic shifts from carnivory to herbivory). The experimental design will be to analyze the gut microbiome of wild and lab-reared individuals at different ontogenetic stages to determine if gut microbial communities differ during dietary shifts. During the summer internship, this student will have the opportunity to gain experience in fieldwork (collecting intertidal and subtidal pricklebacks), rearing live fishes, and conducting gut microbiome extractions required to analyze microbial abundance and diversity. The ideal candidate should be interested in intertidal fieldwork, maintenance of live fishes in the lab, genomics, and bioinformatics. A student with experience in any of these areas is preferred, but not a requirement.