2009 LTER All Scientists Meeting - Population Genetics

Functional genetics and parasite community ecology in a keystone species

Liz Harp — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:22:56 +0000

Poster Number:

169

Presenter/Primary Author:

Liz Harp

Co-Authors:

Michael Antolin

Wildlife face ever-increasing threats from emerging pathogens, many that also cause disease in humans. Genetic diversity plays a central role in buffering populations against the effects of parasites and pathogens. The ability to isolate genes related directly to disease susceptibility and understanding how those genes evolve is important for designing successful and cost-effective conservation programs. We are investigating the relationship between diversity in six immune system genes and the parasite community of black-tailed prairie dogs.

Student Poster:

Yes

Molecular and Morphological Analysis of Eudorylaimus Biodiversity in the McMurdo Dry Valleys

Samuel Douglass — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:54:54 +0000

Poster Number:

152

Presenter/Primary Author:

Samuel Douglass

Co-Authors:

Christian A. Peña

Co-Authors:

Adler R. Dillman

Co-Authors:

Tim S. Davie

Co-Authors:

Scott M. Peat

Co-Authors:

Bishwo N. Adhikari

Co-Authors:

John M. Chaston

Co-Authors:

Ed Ayres

Co-Authors:

Breana L. Simmons

Co-Authors:

Diana H. Wall

Co-Authors:

Byron J. Adams

Co-Authors:

Istvan Andrassy

Relative environmental simplicity in the McMurdo Dry Valleys provides an ideal environment for furthering studies of the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Establishing species richness in the Dry Valleys is key to drawing conclusions about this relationship. Antarctic nematode diversity is generally considered to include five main species, only one of which belongs to the genus Eudorylaimus. However, preliminary data suggests the existence of multiple Eudorylaimus species.

Student Poster:

Yes

Molecular and morphological analysis of Plectus biodiversity in the McMurdo Dry Valleys

Adam Clayton — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:01:53 +0000

Poster Number:

148

Presenter/Primary Author:

Adam Clayton

Co-Authors:

Istvàn Andràssy

Co-Authors:

Diana H Wall

Co-Authors:

Byron J Adams

Nematodes are known to play important roles in ecosystem functioning, however their specific roles may vary across different taxonomic levels. Correct identification of nematode species is necessary when analyzing their diversity in order to effectively assign their functional role(s). Several different nematode genera are known to inhabit the dry valleys of the McMurdo LTER, but the ecological roles of each of these taxa is still a mystery. One genus of particular interest is Plectus. The taxonomic diversity of these Antarctic inhabitants is currently in flux.

Student Poster:

Yes

Population Structure and Dynamics of Natural and Restored Eelgrass Meadows in the Virginia Coast Reserve

Laura Reynolds — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:39:40 +0000

Poster Number:

Presenter/Primary Author:

Laura Reynolds

Co-Authors:

Karen J. McGlathery

Co-Authors:

Michelle Waycott

Co-Authors:

Joseph C. Zieman

A pandemic wasting disease coupled with a destructive hurricane in the1930s, caused the local extinction of eelgrass (Zostera marina) in the Virginia coastal bays. Small patches of naturally-recruited seagrass were noticed in the late 1990s, prompting a large-scale restoration effort using seeds from nearby Chesapeake Bay. Restored meadows are currently thriving and expanding; however, there is a concern about the genetic structure of these meadows.

Student Poster:

Yes

Contrasting patterns of dispersal and gene flow in two populations of red oak

Tomomi Suwa — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:47:05 +0000

Poster Number:

Presenter/Primary Author:

Emily Moran

Co-Authors:

James S. Clark

Oaks are a dominant component of many North American forests, yet in many areas oak seedling production is declining. Oaks are generally thought to be highly dispersal limited, which could hamper reaching scarce recruitment sites and limit oaks’ ability to respond to climate change via migration or local adaptation. In this study, we apply a Bayesian parentage model developed for monoecious plants to two populations of red oak (Q. rubra) in North Carolina: in the Piedmont (12 ha) and the Coweeta LTER in the southern Appalachians (7.5 ha).

Student Poster:

Yes