[Objectives]:
Main goal is to unravel the impact of cyanobacteria on the life history of D. polymorpha and to find out how D. polymorpha circumvents these effects. By using populations from different habitats, this project will provide insights into the question whether the origin of a population is important in having the ability to cope with the negative effects of cyanobacteria. This would imply a genetical basis, which would act against these effects. In particular, the following questions will be addressed:
1. Can zebra mussels discriminate between cyanobacteria, differing in composition, and how is this discrimination achieved?
2. Does the filtration rate of D. polymorpha change when exposed to different strains of cyanobacteria and how does this affect (pseudo-) feces production and composition?
3. Does exposure to cyanobacteria affect growth and reproduction?
4. Do populations of D. polymorpha, originating from different habitats, exhibit different clearance rates? What is the selection mechanism involved in this and are there differences between populations in (net) energy gain?
[Planning 2005]:
On April 6th Miguel Dionisio Pires will defend his PhD thesis. |
