Utilizing High Resolution Micro-Computed Tomography to Determine the Mechanism of Desiccation for Barnacles
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Type
Submission
Department
Biology
Major
Biology
Abstract
Ecosystem disruption due to climate change is one of the paramount environmental concerns of our time, with marine ecosystems experiencing the disproportionate brunt of the impact due to rising temperatures and sea levels. Barnacles, intertidal filter feeders, emerge as vulnerable populations to the dangers of desiccation based on their positioning at higher altitudes on shore. Given the imperative role that marine life plays in providing sustenance and ecological stability, the significance of understanding the dynamics of desiccation of barnacles cannot be overstated. Barnacles experience stress through their exposure to air and harsh wave action. We seek to better understand the potential effects that desiccation has on barnacles and the mechanism or behaviors they exhibit under a heightened stress environment. We will collect a variety of barnacle species, namely under the genus Balanus, most commonly found in the Malibu, California coastline. We will anesthetize the barnacles to capture high resolution images from the micro-computer tomography or uCT. These uCT images will be taken at different stages of the desiccation process for each barnacle and later compared between species. These results will provide further insight on the future of our marine ecosystems as climate change continues to alter environments and increase stress for rocky intertidal organisms. Our research will contribute valuable information and insight on the further effects of climate change on coastal benthic sessile communities.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. La Valle, Dr. Holmlund
Funding Source or Research Program
Academic Year Undergraduate Research Initiative
Location
Waves Cafeteria
Start Date
22-3-2024 1:30 PM
End Date
22-3-2024 2:30 PM
Utilizing High Resolution Micro-Computed Tomography to Determine the Mechanism of Desiccation for Barnacles
Waves Cafeteria
Ecosystem disruption due to climate change is one of the paramount environmental concerns of our time, with marine ecosystems experiencing the disproportionate brunt of the impact due to rising temperatures and sea levels. Barnacles, intertidal filter feeders, emerge as vulnerable populations to the dangers of desiccation based on their positioning at higher altitudes on shore. Given the imperative role that marine life plays in providing sustenance and ecological stability, the significance of understanding the dynamics of desiccation of barnacles cannot be overstated. Barnacles experience stress through their exposure to air and harsh wave action. We seek to better understand the potential effects that desiccation has on barnacles and the mechanism or behaviors they exhibit under a heightened stress environment. We will collect a variety of barnacle species, namely under the genus Balanus, most commonly found in the Malibu, California coastline. We will anesthetize the barnacles to capture high resolution images from the micro-computer tomography or uCT. These uCT images will be taken at different stages of the desiccation process for each barnacle and later compared between species. These results will provide further insight on the future of our marine ecosystems as climate change continues to alter environments and increase stress for rocky intertidal organisms. Our research will contribute valuable information and insight on the further effects of climate change on coastal benthic sessile communities.