Effects of Both Anthropogenic and Environmental Stressors on the Life History Traits of Daphnia

Effects of Both Anthropogenic and Environmental Stressors on the Life History Traits of Daphnia

Presenter(s)

Emily Berkshire, Lauren Myers

Comments

Presentation: 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Kennedy Union Ballroom

Description

Climate change due to anthropogenic activity is forcing organisms to adapt to shifting environments at a rate faster than they may have ever before. An important factor to this rapid response to environmental change is phenotypic plasticity. Apart from holding a crucial trophic role in the freshwater ecosystems they inhabit, Daphnia magna species exhibit this adaptive phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental variation. In this investigation we aim to replicate a real-world, multi-stress environment for Daphnia magna individuals through exposure to increased temperatures and Stickleback fish predator cues. To examine Daphnia magna phenotypic response to these stressors, individuals were placed into four different treatment groups from birth to death: normal temperature + no predator cues (control), normal temperature + predator cues, increased temperature + no predator cues, and increased temperature + predator cues. Daphnia size was measured at 7 days old and total lifespan reproductive output was collected as well. At the conclusion of this experiment, data on plasticity among Daphnia magna life history and morphology in response to environmental stressors will be available. The goal is to provide insight on how this species is able to adapt and survive in a stressful environment, with one of the stressors being anthropogenic.

Publication Date

4-19-2023

Project Designation

Independent Research

Primary Advisor

Jennifer Hellmann

Primary Advisor's Department

Biology

Keywords

Stander Symposium, College of Arts and Sciences

Effects of Both Anthropogenic and Environmental Stressors on the Life History Traits of Daphnia

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