Unraveling the Feeding Ecology of Meiofaunal Flatworms: Discovery and Dietary Analysis of a Novel Species
School Name
South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Zoology
Presentation Type
Mentored
Abstract
The high-energy collection beaches of North Carolina have been found to harbor a rich diversity of Kalyptorhynch tubellarians, many of which remain undocumented in existing databases. This study presents a detailed description of Lehardiya spiralis, a newly discovered Kalyptorynch tubellarian species belonging to the Karkinorhynchidae family. The specimens were collected from two high-energy beach sites in North Carolina, and rigorous protocols were followed to capture confocal microscopy images, perform measurements, and provide a comprehensive morphological characterization. The discovery of Lehardiya spiralis adds to the growing knowledge of Kalyptorynch tubellarians within the marine interstitial environment of North Carolina, increasing the reported number of species to six. By utilizing confocal microscopy, we were able to visualize intricate anatomical features and gain valuable insights into the species' morphology. Building upon this taxonomic description, our research project expands beyond taxonomy to investigate the feeding ecology of meiofaunal flatworms. Through an integrated approach involving field surveys, laboratory experiments, and molecular techniques, we aim to elucidate these organisms' dietary preferences and trophic interactions. The feeding habits of several flatworm samples and their roles within the meiofaunal community were carefully examined through prey-specific primers, providing a deeper understanding of the ecological functions and contributions of Kalyptorhynch tubellarians in North Carolina's high-energy beach ecosystems.
Recommended Citation
Jones, Alexa and Khoja, Alayna, "Unraveling the Feeding Ecology of Meiofaunal Flatworms: Discovery and Dietary Analysis of a Novel Species" (2024). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 430.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2024/all/430
Location
RITA 283
Start Date
3-23-2024 10:45 AM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
Group Project
Yes
Unraveling the Feeding Ecology of Meiofaunal Flatworms: Discovery and Dietary Analysis of a Novel Species
RITA 283
The high-energy collection beaches of North Carolina have been found to harbor a rich diversity of Kalyptorhynch tubellarians, many of which remain undocumented in existing databases. This study presents a detailed description of Lehardiya spiralis, a newly discovered Kalyptorynch tubellarian species belonging to the Karkinorhynchidae family. The specimens were collected from two high-energy beach sites in North Carolina, and rigorous protocols were followed to capture confocal microscopy images, perform measurements, and provide a comprehensive morphological characterization. The discovery of Lehardiya spiralis adds to the growing knowledge of Kalyptorynch tubellarians within the marine interstitial environment of North Carolina, increasing the reported number of species to six. By utilizing confocal microscopy, we were able to visualize intricate anatomical features and gain valuable insights into the species' morphology. Building upon this taxonomic description, our research project expands beyond taxonomy to investigate the feeding ecology of meiofaunal flatworms. Through an integrated approach involving field surveys, laboratory experiments, and molecular techniques, we aim to elucidate these organisms' dietary preferences and trophic interactions. The feeding habits of several flatworm samples and their roles within the meiofaunal community were carefully examined through prey-specific primers, providing a deeper understanding of the ecological functions and contributions of Kalyptorhynch tubellarians in North Carolina's high-energy beach ecosystems.
