Date of Award

2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Diaz-Almedya, Erika

Area of Concentration

Biology

Abstract

There is an expanding body of knowledge surrounding the cnidarian-algae symbiosis which seeks to explore the intricacies of this relationship and deepen the understanding of the role algal thermotolerance plays in the success and longevity of the relationship. The adaptive bleaching hypothesis informs this line of research in that the it proposes that the ability of a host cnidarian to uptake a more thermotolerant species of algae than what it might naturally be in symbiosis with would afford the host more resistance to heat stress in the event of increasing seawater temperatures. In this study, Cassiopea xamachana polyps were used to observe the viability of three different Symbiodiniaceae as thermotolerant symbionts. This host species was used because of its ability to act as a model organism for this relationship. This study was designed to determine if two thermotolerant stains of Symbiodiniaceae, S. necroappetens and S. pilosum, would be able to establish successful symbiosis within C. xamachana. The specific strain of S. microadriaticum used is a known thermotolerant symbiont for C. xamachana and was used in this study to explore the role of time in the efficiency of symbiosis between the two species. The time needed to experience strobilation was observed in polyps from a light-free environment with an established symbiosis and compared to polyps that were newly infected. At the end of the observation period, it was determined that S. necroappetens and S. pilosum were not suitable symbiotic partners for C. xamachana. It was also determined that established infections of S. microadriaticum were significantly more effective in triggering strobilation than newer infections.

Download

Share

COinS