Project Title

CAREER: Revolutionizing biodiversity and systematics research on Aplacophora (Mollusca) and training the next generation of invertebrate systematists

Summary

Event Number:
B-237-N
NSF / DEB Award 1846174

Program Manager:
Dr. Rebecca Gast

ASC POC/Implementer:
Rachel Shackelford / Jamee Johnson

Principal Investigator(s)

Dr. Kevin M Kocot
kmkocot@ua.edu
University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Location

Supporting Stations: RV/IB Nathaniel B. Palmer
Research Locations: Weddell Sea

Description

Aplacophora is a diverse group of shell-less, worm-shaped marine molluscs. Although they are not common at intertidal depths (and are thus unfamiliar to many zoologists), aplacophorans are abundant and ecologically important members of deep-sea communities. Around 400 species have been named, but it is estimated that tenfold more are awaiting discovery. Aplacophorans are of interest to evolutionary biologists because aplacophorans, along with chitons, form the sister group to all other Mollusca, which is the second most species-rich animal phylum and exhibits some of the most dramatically disparate body plans in the animal kingdom. Unfortunately, in recent years, the number of taxonomists working on this already understudied group has dropped significantly as three of the world experts have passed away. This project will resurrect aplacophoran biodiversity and systematics research in the United States through training of a new generation of scientists and answer fundamental questions about the biodiversity and evolution of these understudied animals.

Field Season Overview

The research team will sample for benthic invertebrates with epibenthic sleds, trawls, dredges, box corers, and grabs depending on substrate type. At most sites, the team will cast out a conductivity temperature depth (CTD) rosette, a box corer, and an epibenthic sled and/or trawl. Live specimens will be sieved, sorted and processed in a manner designed to facilitate observation and documentation, and to ensure they are suitable for molecular work. Representative specimens of all species collected will be imaged live and preserved using the most appropriate preservation strategy for each taxon.

Deploying Team Members