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Marine physiology topics
IH310 The eco-physiology of corals within high light environments, Indonesia (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007) Understanding how coral communities are regulated by their growth environment is critical for informing how, and to what extent, climate change will ultimately affect reef systems. Examining coral species that persist in present day extreme (or “marginal”) reef environments can yield clues as to which species have evolved tolerance and thus should become most dominant under future climate change scenarios. Light availability is fundamental for coral growth; however, too much light can be toxic (and ultimately mimic the effects of thermal stress) and cause corals to bleach. As reefs become warmer, they are also predicted to become clearer; thus, understanding how species have adapted to tolerate light stress is a key issue in environmental and climate change research. One project could identify species most tolerant, as well as the physiological mechanisms that afford tolerance, to high light extremes that exist on reef flats. In particular, studies could focus on species of Acroporidae and Pocilloporidae that are known to occur in reef flats but are typically considered to be the most environmentally sensitive of all reef forming corals. This project is mainly laboratory based but will require sampling from shallow sub-tidal environments.
IH311 Q10 relationships of fish inhabiting intertidal nursery areas, Indonesia (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007) What are the effects of temperature change on metabolic responses of juvenile reef fishes from nursery areas surrounding Hoga Island reefs? Tidepools, mangroves and seagrass beds serve as nursery areas to many important reef fish. These areas have several characteristics in common: all are tidally influenced and experience rapid, sometimes extreme changes in depth, temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen. While well adapted for current conditions, some fish may be extirpated from traditional nursery zones if ocean temperatures increase. Current models predict a 1-2°C increase in surface sea temperatures over the coming decades, and it is likely that changes will be more extreme in shallow-water nurseries. A better understanding of how temperature change may affect metabolic responses can aid in identifying critical nursery habitat as well as in identifying species most or least at risk, should climatic conditions change. One project could examine changes to metabolic rates (using oxygen consumption) of key fish species in response to temperature. The research is primarily laboratory based but will also include intertidal based ecological surveys to assess the abundance and distribution patterns of the test species.
IH312 Temperature preferences of intertidal fish in Indonesia (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007) How does temperature affect distribution of fish? Temperature is the overriding factor affecting animal behavior and physiological function. Understanding temperature preference profiles will provide important insights into current as well as potential distribution patterns of terrestrial and aquatic fauna. With the predicted increase in sea surface temperatures and general change in climate, shallow nursery areas such as mangroves and tidepools, as well as some terrestrial environments are likely to experience even greater temperature variations. Animals adapted to survive in these specialized habitats are likely to experience changes in distribution and behaviour patterns. A better understanding of the effects of temperature on animal behaviour and physiological processes will aid in developing effective conservation and management practices. One project that would be both laboratory and field based (intertidal) could develop thermal profiles across habitats frequented by key intertidal fish species. The overall thermal strategies of animals living in these habitats will also be examined along with the thermal niche of particular species through the construction of critical thermal polygons, a simple graphical representation of thermal tolerance and acclimation range.
IH313 Water loss resistance of intertidal crabs relative to intertidal distribution and inundation period, Indonesia (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007) Does evaporative water loss resistance for intertidal or terrestrial amphibious animals of Hoga Island differ, and are there patterns associated with habitat use? Hoga Island hosts a large and diverse population of terrestrial and intertidal amphibious fauna including six species of crab (Uca and Ocapode genus). Indeed, virtually every aspect of their life history, behaviour and distribution is dictated by their degree of amphibiousness. Although uniquely suited to exploiting resources on land as well as water, drying during periods of emergence can be a major problem for these animals. Changing land use, habitat loss and shifting climate conditions threaten many of these animals in populated areas, but Hoga offers the opportunity to study amphibious adaptation in a relatively pristine habitat. One project could quantify rates of water loss of the key intertidal crabs of Hoga under controlled laboratory conditions. To contextualize water loss resistance, ecological surveys could be conducted to identify distribution patterns of the different species.
IH314 Nocturnal and diurnal emergence patterns in air-breathing mudskipper and rockskipper fish in relation to resistance to evaporative water loss, Indonesia (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007) Mudskippers and Rockskippers are common within the intertidal habitats of Hoga Island. Both species are air-breathing and spend prolonged periods out of the water. Such behavior will undoubtedly result in severe desiccation stress but resistance to water loss has not previously been quantified for these two species. One project could assess water loss and calculate water loss resistance under controlled laboratory conditions. Diurnal and nocturnal ecological studies could also be undertaken to determine if cycles in behaviour, as well as underlying physiology, reduce the desiccation stress experienced by these species.
IH315 Resistance of tropical frogs to water loss and implications for distribution changes in the face of global warming trends, Indonesia (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007) Terrestrial amphibians (especially anurans) have experienced rapid population declines worldwide and some have been extirpated across much of their range. A better understanding of their physiological ecology and habitat requirements can provide useful insights into species management, preservation and restoration. Owing to their susceptibility to drying, many amphibians could show marked changes in distribution if current climate change models manifest themselves. One lab based project could quantify the water-loss resistance of tropical frogs common to Hoga Island. There are also opportunities to include an ecological component to this research through the detailed investigation of abundance and distribution patterns of the key species.
IH316 Eco-physiology of mangrove corals in Indonesia (Weeks 2 - 8; need to have completed IH007) Mangrove systems are considered to be “marginal” reef environments and are characterized by environmental conditions that are sub-optimal for coral growth. Typically, light and calcium carbonate availability required for growth are low, while daily temperature fluctuations, which can inhibit growth, are high. However, corals do exist in mangrove systems thereby demonstrating that some coral species may be adapted to tolerate extreme environmental conditions, and thus could become the major reef formers as reef environments continue to rapidly change. Unfortunately, little is known about community structure (diversity) or the form and function (species diversity, life history strategy, growth rates, mechanisms of tolerance to marginal growth conditions) of the coral species found within mangrove systems. One project could therefore conduct community analyses and physiological examinations of mangrove corals through laboratory experiments and detailed snorkelling based surveys.
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