U.S.-Australia Cooperative Research: "Biomechanical and Physiological Changes Associated with the Evolution of Non- feeding Development in Echinoids

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This award supports visits over two years by Dr. Richard Emlet of the University of Oregon to the laboratory of Dr. Ove Hoegh-Guldberg of the University of Sydney. The research will examine the fluid-mechanical and physiological changes that are associated with modification of development in the Australian echinoid genus Heliocidaris and other genera of sea urchins. The research will compare larvae of the congeners H. tuberculata and H. erythrogramma which live in the same latitude and environment thus minimizing measurable differences between related species for reasons unrelated to developmental changes. The research will involve measurements of ciliary morphology and kinematics, swimming behavior and metabolic rates. Results are expected to show whether and how changes in morphology influence swimming performance in the species with modified development. The morphology of the non-feeding larva will permit a determination of the energetic cost of locomotion in a larval metagoan. This research combines the strengths of the U.S.-Australian scientists to allow them to investigate how changes in development are manifested in morphological and physiological performance. Dr. Emlet has expertise in the evolution of echinoid larval development and fluid mechanics of microscopic organisms. HIs Australian colleague brings expertise in metabolic physiology and has developed new technology for measuring oxygen consumption in growing planktonic organisms. Seven of the fourteen lineages of sea urchin larvae that have evolved nonfeeding development are represented along the coasts of Australia.