Microclimate and movement of Littorina saxatilis
This is a suggestion for a Degree Project for Bachelor's and Master's levels at the Department of Marine 91̽»¨s. Degree projects at the Department of Marine 91̽»¨s are done independently and must be written and assessed individually.
Subject: Marine Biology
Level: Master's or Bachelor's
Supervisors: Luisa Kumpitsch and Erica Leder
Project Background
Ecological speciation is a process of speciation because of adaptation to different habitats. Adaption potential is key to understand in today’s changing world with higher temperatures, lower ph, and increased precipitation. Since the 1980s, rough periwinkle (Littorina saxatilis) has been studied and has been considered a model species of evolution (Johannesson, 2016). .
This small marine snail exists in two distinct ecotypes across several regions, including Sweden, Spain, and the UK. Despite inhabiting the same coastal bays, these ecotypes differ markedly in physical traits and behavior. The larger, more cautious "crab" ecotype is adapted to sheltered bay areas, whereas the smaller, more daring "wave" ecotype thrives in exposed sections of the coastline. This species reproduces via ovoviviparity, with females brooding eggs inside a special pouch and releasing live young.
Littorina saxatilis is a highly resilient species which can survive temperatures between -10°C and 40°C for limited periods of time. New data from both the wave and the crab habitat in Sweden show temperature of over 40°C in summer and snails can be desiccated for days. To deal with desiccation, the snails will primarily close themselves and stop movement on the rock. Preliminary data also show the microclimate on the rocks to be complex with temperatures varying almost 10°C within decimeters. The placement on the rocks must therefore be important for how the individuals will be affected by high heat.
Project Description
In this project we want to explore the snail’s movement in relation to the microclimates of the rocks.
Do they have preferences for where to sit on the rock? How much active movement do the snails have? When are the snails most active?
The student will mainly work outside during this project. There is also the possibility of adding developmental studies to this project.
91̽»¨
Erica Leder, professor
Email: erica.leder@gu.se