Date of Award
12-5-2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Biology, MS
First Advisor
Paul Sikkel
Second Advisor
Maureen Dolan
Committee Members
Tanja McKay
Call Number
ISBN 9780438701830
Abstract
Gnathiid isopods are one of the most common ectoparasites found in coral reef habitats. Sequencing of host blood meals from wild-caught specimens is a promising tool for addressing the extent to which they feed on available hosts. Challenges must be overcome when samples are subjected to conditions that may contribute to DNA degradation, and efforts to slow DNA degradation during field collection can play an important role in the successful identification of the blood-meal source. Herein, we developed and validated molecular-based host identification methods for a Caribbean gnathiid isopods based on the degradation rate of blood meals. These methods were validated and tested for feasibility of use for field-collected samples obtained from lighted plankton traps. We found that blood meal sources could be determined in 94 % (n=100) of gnathiid blood meals from wild-fed gnathiids, and that host identity could be determined from gnathiid blood meals up to 5 days post-feeding.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Hendrick, Gina Carole, "Developing Molecular Methods for Detection of Blood Meal Sources of a Free-Living Marine Ectoparasite" (2018). Student Theses and Dissertations. 483.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/483
