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Genomic Variation Lab
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Mariah Meek |
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Graduate Group in Ecology Department of Animal Science One Shields Avenue Davis, CA 95616 mhmeek@ucdavis.edu |
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Education
PhD, Ecology, University of California-Davis, (Expected Summer 2009)
B.S., Zoology and Biology, Fisheries Minor, University of Washington, 2000
Research
Invasion biology and conservation genetics of four species of brackish water hydrozoans in the San Francisco Estuary
A suite of four predatory hydrozoan species (Maeotias marginata, Moerisia sp., Blackfordia virginica, and Cordylophora caspia) have invaded and become abundant in the San Francisco Estuary (SFE). Our current level of knowledge regarding the basic biology and ecology of these organisms is alarmingly poor in light of both their possibly negative effect on the SFE ecosystem and the increasing trends in jellyfish blooms around the globe. My research seeks to investigate the potential effects of these species on the SFE ecosystem, to determine the key factors allowing successful establishment and spread of these species, and to predict future effects and spread of the invasions.
This multi−tiered research project involves two interrelated components:
1. Genetic studies
I am developing molecular tools to quickly and reliably identify the species present in all life history forms.
Hydrozoans are novel predators in that they can reproduce both asexually and sexually. The capacity to reproduce asexually may confer a strong advantage on these rapidly expanding invasives. In my dissertation research I will gain a clear understanding of both the nature of clonal diversity and relative contribution of asexual and sexual reproduction to the invading populations.
I am quantifying feeding rates upon zooplankton and larval fish prey for both medusae and polyp life history stages in order to quantify their potential impact on the SFE ecosystem. Additionally, I am conducting laboratory experiments to evaluate salinity and temperature tolerances for medusae and polyps and the effects of these environmental conditions on survival and reproduction.
The expected outcome of this work will be a clearer understanding of the effects of several abundant and novel hydrozoan predators in the system and the role of reproductive mode and genetic diversity in the invasions. Through this work, I will gain a better understanding of what makes these invasives successful and predict how the invasion may spread and adapt in the years to come.
