Research - R. Aiken

Hydrodynamics and grouping behaviour in barnacles Hermaphrodite mating strategies

Hermaphrodite Mating Strategies Mating Strategy Males have a lower investment in offspring Therefore, should be promiscuous in mate choice and mate with as many females as possible Females have a higher investment in offspring Therefore, should be choosy in mate choice and mate with only the ‘best’ male they can Male and female strategies conflict

Hermaphrodite Mating Strategies Among hermaphrodites Male strategyFemale strategy choosinesspromiscuity Combine in one animal +

Hermaphrodite Mating Strategies How do hermaphrodites maximize their reproductive success if they have conflicting interests in the same animal? OR How do hermaphrodites apportion their time and energy so as to maximize their success as both male and female?

Hermaphrodite Mating Strategies To answer these questions, we look at: 1.Time (seasonal) shifts in behaviour 3. Seasonal changes in the proportion of gonad tissue devoted to the production of eggs and sperm 2. Conditions under which an animal chooses to act more ‘male’ or more ‘female’.

Hermaphrodite Mating Strategies What animals do we use? Nudibranch and Sacoglossan Molluscs (sea slugs)

Hermaphrodite Mating Strategies What animals do we use? Bryozoans Barnacles

Group Living and Hydrodynamics What is the effect of being in a group on resource acquisition and reproduction in barnacles?

Hydrodynamics and Groups What is the effect of being in a group on resource acquisition and reproduction in barnacles? A B Across an aggregation, there are differences in: - size - gonad development - morphometrics - symmetry - food availability

Hydrodynamics and Groups What is the effect of being in a group on resource acquisition and reproduction in barnacles?

Morphometrics and Environmental Stress HighLow Fluctuating Asymmetry

Morphometrics and Environmental Stress HighLow

Kingsport Conrad’s Beach Grand Pré Port Elgin Baie Verte Cape Enrage Green’s Point St. Andrews Mace’s Bay Where do we work?

If you have the minimum GPA for Honours (3.0), I don’t worry too much about grades after that. A little personal philosophy about Honours Everyone in the lab has their own project for which they are responsible. If you don’t have an Honours GPA, come and talk to me about a Special Topics (Bio 4950) project.

For more information me and come for a chat Go to the lab website Talk to current research students - Kelsey MacKay - Hilary Hamilton - Carrie MacDonald - Natalie Bjurman