Document Type
Poster
Session Format
Graduate Research Poster (no oral presentation)
Location
Magnolia Ballroom
Publication Date
2024
Faculty Advisor
Kristine N. White
Start Date
27-3-2024 10:00 AM
End Date
27-3-2024 10:50 AM
Abstract
Amphipods are an order of Crustacean which are responsible for many ecosystem services including nutrient cycling, environmental bioindication, as well as supporting higher trophic levels as a primary food source. Amphipods are incredibly successful and as such, can be found in high volumes in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial systems. Panama is typically associated with well-documented biodiversity because it is part of the Caribbean. Despite this, amphipods have previously been understudied within Panama with only 33 species reported before this study. Due to the success of caprellidiran amphipods, we hypothesized that there would be a higher number of amphipods within the parvorder Caprellidira in Panama than previously reported. Using light microscopy, the preliminary analysis of collections taken from 2005, 2021, and 2023 within Bocas del Toro, Panama has revealed a significantly larger number of species from within the area than previously reported. In total, five families, 12 genera, and 22 species have been identified within this parvorder with 12 of these species are believed to be new to science. Scientific illustrations and an identification key to species will be completed to assist in the future identification of difficult species within the parvorder. Molecular analysis of a few species will also be completed to assist in identifying otherwise unidentifiable species. Ultimately, this research clarifies the often-confused descriptions of amphipod species and contributes to the knowledge of phylogeny.
Recommended Citation
Sir, Sally and White, Kristine N. Ph. D., "Preliminary Diversity of Panamanian Amphipod Crustaceans Within the Parvorder Caprellidira" (2024). Graduate Research Showcase. 141.
https://kb.gcsu.edu/grposters/141