Pathogenesis in a Widespread, Estuarine Copepod: Etiology and Demographic Effects

影响水生种群动态的因素已经研究了几十年。可以理解的是，最能量化的物理和生物因素是那些受到最多关注的因素。研究人员严重忽视的一个因素是疾病。无可争辩的是，疾病会影响生物体的生产性能，降低生态潜力。在这项研究中，朗斯代尔博士将从一种疾病对个体有机体和人口统计学的影响这一层面来研究这种疾病。她的研究将集中在加拿大Scottolana，一种分布广泛的河口桡足动物。加拿大的一种疾病，使雌性无法繁殖。朗斯代尔博士在这种桡足动物的生态和养殖方面的经验将允许进行各种实验，以确定这种痛苦的原因及其对该物种丰富程度的潜在影响。方法包括用光学和电子显微镜对健康和患病的桡足类进行组织学检查，并使用抗生素进行生命表实验，以帮助确定致病因子的特征。为了验证这种痛苦会对桡足类动物生长产生负面影响的假设，朗斯代尔博士将每两周从长岛环境“紧张”和“原始”的河口对加拿大S.进行采样。

Factors influencing the dynamics of aquatic populations have been studied for decades. Understandably, physical and biological factors that are best quantified are those that have received the most attention. A factor that has been severely neglected by investigators is disease. It is inarguable that disease may affect organismic performance and reduce ecological potential. In this research, Dr. Lonsdale will examine an affliction at the level of its effects on individual organisms and the demography of populations. Her research will focus on Scottolana canadensis, a widespread, estuarine copepod. An affliction in S. canadensis that can render females unable to reproduce. Dr. Lonsdale's experience with the ecology and culture of this copepod will permit a variety of experiments designed to determine the cause of the affliction and its potential for affecting the abundance of this species. The methodology includes histological examinations of healthy and afflicted copepods with light and electron microscopy and life-table experiments using anti-biotics to help characterize the agent responsible for pathogenesis. To test the hypothesis that the affliction negatively impact copepod growth, Dr. Lonsdale will conduct bi-weekly sampling of S. canadensis from environmentally "stressed" and "pristine" estuaries on Long Island.