Collection-Based Research For Undergraduates
Examples of research projects on marine invertebrates
under the direction of Dr. Richard Brusca
Description of a new species of isopod
There are several undescribed species of isopods in the University of Arizona
Invertebrate Collection and my collections. A suitable 2-semester
project for an undergraduate working in my lab would include identification
of an undescribed species (using keys, starting at the ordinal level and
working down to the species level), familiarization with the literature
(reviewing the genus in question to certify that the species is indeed
undescribed), micro-dissection (via a binocular dissecting microscope),
scientific illustration, species description writing, and preparation of
plates and a manuscript for submission to a professional journal.
The final product would be a published new species, co-authored with Dr.
Brusca.
Comparative anatomy of 2 or more species of isopods
As an introduction to isopod anatomy, the student would dissect, study,
and illustrate the anatomical region(s) of interest from a specimen of
the giant deep-sea isopod Bathynomus. Using this benchmark, the student
could then dissect, study, and illustrate comparable anatomical regions
on other (much much smaller) species of interest. For example, a
detailed comparison of the maxilliped anatomy of selected Cirolanidae,
or comparison of the same anatomical structure in widely separated populations
of the same species, such as those with a marked depth range would be within
the grasp of an undergraduate, and could also be of considerable scientific
value.
Construction of field guides and keys to invertebrates
of Puerto Peñasco
I am now directing quarterly sampling of intertidal invertebrates in the
northern Gulf of California as part of a long-term ecological monitoring
project. This project already has 15 years of census data, spanning
two large and several small El Niño events. These censuses
would be facilitated by a simple set of picture keys, or photographic ID
cards, or some other novel tool that can be used in the field to help make
IDs during the transect runs (no specimens are removed from the field during
sampling). Most of the species censused are represented in the University
of Arizona Invertebrate Collection, which would be the starting place for
an undergraduate interested in developing such field/teaching tools. Whereas
this doesn't fall under the rubric of scientific research sensu stricto,
it does provide students looking toward a career in teaching with a hands-on
opportunity to develop real teaching tools.
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