{"dp_type": "Project", "free_text": "Secondary Metabolites"}
[{"awards": "2148730 Mikucki, Jill", "bounds_geometry": null, "dataset_titles": "Massilia sp. DJPM01 Genome sequencing and assembly; Raw mass spectra of soluble metabolites from \"Multi-technique characterization of iron reduction by an Antarctic Shewanella: an analog system for putative Martian biosignature identification\"; Transcriptome of Shewanella sp. BF02_Schw", "datasets": [{"dataset_uid": "200540", "doi": "10.5281/zenodo.15389915", "keywords": null, "people": null, "repository": "Zenodo", "science_program": null, "title": "Raw mass spectra of soluble metabolites from \"Multi-technique characterization of iron reduction by an Antarctic Shewanella: an analog system for putative Martian biosignature identification\"", "url": "https://zenodo.org/records/15389915"}, {"dataset_uid": "200538", "doi": "", "keywords": null, "people": null, "repository": "GenBank", "science_program": null, "title": "Massilia sp. DJPM01 Genome sequencing and assembly", "url": "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/929211"}, {"dataset_uid": "200539", "doi": "", "keywords": null, "people": null, "repository": "GenBank", "science_program": null, "title": "Transcriptome of Shewanella sp. BF02_Schw", "url": "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/?term=PRJNA1261965"}], "date_created": "Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT", "description": "Antarctica habitats are unlike any others found on the planet with extreme combined variations in cold, salinity, moisture content and light availability. Soils and sediments from the Antarctic McMurdo Dry Valley\u2019s region harbor unique microorganisms that can cope with multiple extreme conditions, however, how extremophile microbes specifically function or respond to change in these extreme habitats is still largely unknown. This team is utilizing previously collected Antarctic McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV) samples to evaluate differences in microbial extremophile function in response to changes in strong salinity gradients caused by warming temperatures. Comparative analyses of gene expression patterns and secondary metabolite production are being undertaken in lab-based microcosm studies with varying salinities. This work is helping to elucidate the genetic underpinnings for life in Antarctica and show how Antarctic biota evolve and adapt to a changing environment. Specifically, the work is showing how environmentally relevant changes in salinity will induce differential expression of secondary metabolites in isolates previously collected from the hypersaline Don Juan Pond in the western end of Wright Valley, Victoria Land in the Dry Valleys region. Transcriptomes of cell cultures under varying salinities are being sequenced and compared to determine significant changes to cellular metabolism, particularly secondary metabolic pathways. Additional previously collected sample types (soils, glacier ice, sediments, and brines) collected from a range of salinities are being used to refine methodologies for future field work and provide training opportunities for students. The program is designed to provide strong opportunities to integrate STEM research with undergraduate education, especially at Smith College, a predominantly undergraduate women\u2019s institution. At least one graduate student and 4 undergraduates will be involved in the project, and some will participate in presenting results at international meetings. The program is also developing related curriculum in partnership with education specialists to be used with middle school students. This award reflects NSF\u0027s statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation\u0027s intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.", "east": null, "geometry": null, "instruments": null, "is_usap_dc": true, "keywords": "Secondary Metabolites; Microbial Activity; COMMUNITY DYNAMICS; ", "locations": "", "north": null, "nsf_funding_programs": "Antarctic Organisms and Ecosystems; Antarctic Earth Sciences", "paleo_time": null, "persons": "Mikucki, Jill; Giddings, Lesley-Ann", "platforms": null, "repo": "Zenodo", "repositories": "GenBank; Zenodo", "science_programs": null, "south": null, "title": "Collaborative Research: RUI: Molecular Sentinels: Secondary Metabolites as Indicators of Environmental Change in an Antarctic Polar Desert", "uid": "p0010553", "west": null}, {"awards": "1341339 Baker, Bill; 1341333 McClintock, James", "bounds_geometry": "POLYGON((-65 -65,-64.8 -65,-64.6 -65,-64.4 -65,-64.2 -65,-64 -65,-63.8 -65,-63.6 -65,-63.4 -65,-63.2 -65,-63 -65,-63 -64.9,-63 -64.8,-63 -64.7,-63 -64.6,-63 -64.5,-63 -64.4,-63 -64.3,-63 -64.2,-63 -64.1,-63 -64,-63.2 -64,-63.4 -64,-63.6 -64,-63.8 -64,-64 -64,-64.2 -64,-64.4 -64,-64.6 -64,-64.8 -64,-65 -64,-65 -64.1,-65 -64.2,-65 -64.3,-65 -64.4,-65 -64.5,-65 -64.6,-65 -64.7,-65 -64.8,-65 -64.9,-65 -65))", "dataset_titles": "Data from Amsler et al. 2019 Antarctic Science; Plocamium cartilagineum field chemotyping; Plocamium reproductive system data and R code; Plocamium transect and transplant data; Raw gastropod collection data from Amsler et al. 2022 Antarctic Science; Supplementary information provided with Murray et al.: Discovery of an Antarctic ascidian-associated uncultivated Verrucomicrobia with antimelanoma palmerolide biosynthetic potential; Synoicum adareanum sampling underwater video Mar 2011 Palmer Station Antarctica; The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula - 2010 experimental data; The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula - 2010 field data; The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula - 2011 Clad Outplant; The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula - 2013 Chemo Phylo data", "datasets": [{"dataset_uid": "601159", "doi": "601159", "keywords": "Antarctica; Benthic; Biota; Macroalgae; Mesograzer; Microscopy; Oceans; Zooplankton", "people": "Amsler, Charles", "repository": "USAP-DC", "science_program": null, "title": "Data from Amsler et al. 2019 Antarctic Science", "url": "https://www.usap-dc.org/view/dataset/601159"}, {"dataset_uid": "601215", "doi": "10.15784/601215", "keywords": "Algae; Antarctica; Biota; Chemical Ecology; Chemotyping; Halogenated Monoterpenes; Natural Products; Oceans; Palmer Station; Plocamium Cartilagineum; Southern Ocean; Terpenes", "people": "Baker, Bill", "repository": "USAP-DC", "science_program": null, "title": "Plocamium cartilagineum field chemotyping", "url": "https://www.usap-dc.org/view/dataset/601215"}, {"dataset_uid": "600047", "doi": "10.15784/600047", "keywords": "Antarctica; Biota; Oceans; Southern Ocean", "people": "Baker, Bill", "repository": "USAP-DC", "science_program": null, "title": "The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula - 2010 experimental data", "url": "https://www.usap-dc.org/view/dataset/600047"}, {"dataset_uid": "601621", "doi": "10.15784/601621", "keywords": "Antarctica; Benthic; Biota; Macroalgae; Mesograzer; Microscopy; Oceans; Secondary Metabolites", "people": "Amsler, Charles", "repository": "USAP-DC", "science_program": null, "title": "Plocamium transect and transplant data", "url": "https://www.usap-dc.org/view/dataset/601621"}, {"dataset_uid": "601622", "doi": "10.15784/601622", "keywords": "Antarctica; Benthic; Biota; Macroalgae; Population Genetics", "people": "Amsler, Charles", "repository": "USAP-DC", "science_program": null, "title": "Plocamium reproductive system data and R code", "url": "https://www.usap-dc.org/view/dataset/601622"}, {"dataset_uid": "200357", "doi": "10.5061/dryad.gxd2547gw", "keywords": null, "people": null, "repository": "Dryad", "science_program": null, "title": "Synoicum adareanum sampling underwater video Mar 2011 Palmer Station Antarctica", "url": "https://datadryad.org/stash/dataset/doi:10.5061/dryad.gxd2547gw"}, {"dataset_uid": "200356", "doi": "10.5061/dryad.8sf7m0cpp", "keywords": null, "people": null, "repository": "Dryad", "science_program": null, "title": "Supplementary information provided with Murray et al.: Discovery of an Antarctic ascidian-associated uncultivated Verrucomicrobia with antimelanoma palmerolide biosynthetic potential", "url": "https://datadryad.org/stash/dataset/doi:10.5061/dryad.8sf7m0cpp"}, {"dataset_uid": "600095", "doi": "10.15784/600095", "keywords": "Algae; Antarctica; Antarctic Peninsula; Biota; Oceans; Southern Ocean", "people": "Amsler, Charles; McClintock, James", "repository": "USAP-DC", "science_program": null, "title": "The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula - 2011 Clad Outplant", "url": "https://www.usap-dc.org/view/dataset/600095"}, {"dataset_uid": "600096", "doi": "10.15784/600096", "keywords": "Algae; Antarctica; Antarctic Peninsula; Biota; Oceans; Southern Ocean", "people": "Baker, Bill", "repository": "USAP-DC", "science_program": null, "title": "The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula - 2013 Chemo Phylo data", "url": "https://www.usap-dc.org/view/dataset/600096"}, {"dataset_uid": "600046", "doi": "10.15784/600046", "keywords": "Antarctica; Biota; Oceans; Southern Ocean", "people": "Amsler, Charles; McClintock, James", "repository": "USAP-DC", "science_program": null, "title": "The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula - 2010 field data", "url": "https://www.usap-dc.org/view/dataset/600046"}, {"dataset_uid": "601533", "doi": "10.15784/601533", "keywords": "Antarctica; Benthos; Palmer Station", "people": "Amsler, Charles", "repository": "USAP-DC", "science_program": null, "title": "Raw gastropod collection data from Amsler et al. 2022 Antarctic Science", "url": "https://www.usap-dc.org/view/dataset/601533"}], "date_created": "Tue, 05 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT", "description": "The coastal environments of the western Antarctic Peninsula harbor rich assemblages of marine animals and algae. The importance of the interactions between these groups of organisms in the ecology of coastal Antarctica are well known and often mediated by chemical defenses in the tissues of the algae. These chemicals are meant to deter feeding by snails and other marine animals making the Antarctic Peninsula an excellent place to ask important questions about the functional and evolutionary significance of chemical compound diversity for marine communities. This project will focus on three main objectives: the first objective is to expand the current understanding of the relationship between algae and their associated marine animals. The second objective focuses on the diversity of chemical compounds used to defend algae from being consumed. The third objective seeks to understand how marine animals can benefit from these compounds by consuming the algae that contain them, and then using those compounds to chemically deter predators. The field components of this research will be performed during three expeditions to the US Palmer Station, Antarctica. During these expeditions, a variety of laboratory feeding bioassays, manipulative field and laboratory experiments, and on-site chemical analyses will be performed. The investigators will also foster opportunities to integrate their NSF research with a variety of educational activities. As in the past they will support undergraduate research, both through NSF programs as well as home, university-based, programs, and they will also continue to support and foster graduate education. Through their highly successful University of Alabama in Antarctica interactive web program (two time recipient of awards of excellence from the US Council for Advancement and Support of Education), they will continue to involve large numbers of teachers, K-12 students, and other members of the community at large in their scientific endeavors in Antarctica. In addition, the investigators have hosted K-12 teachers on their Antarctic field teams through the former NSF Teachers Experiencing Antarctica and the Arctic program and will pursue participation in PolarTREC, the successor to this valuable program. Moreover, they will actively participate in outreach efforts by presenting numerous talks on their research to local school and community groups. The near shore environments of the western Antarctic Peninsula harbor rich assemblages of macroalgae and macroinvertebrates. The importance of predator-prey interactions and chemical defenses in mediating community-wide trophic interactions makes the western Antarctic Peninsula an excellent place to ask important questions about the functional and evolutionary significance of defensive compound diversity for marine communities. This project will focus on three main objectives which are a direct outcome of the past studies of the chemical ecology of shallow-water marine macroalgae and invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula by this group of investigators. The first objective is to expand the current understanding of a community-wide mutualism between macroalgae and their associated amphipods to include gastropods, which are also abundant on many macroalgae. The second objective focuses on the diversity of chemical compounds used to defend macroalgae from being consumed, particularly in the common red alga Plocamium cartilagineum. The third objective seeks to understand the relationship between P. cartilagineum and the amphipod Paradexamine fissicauda, including the ecological benefits and costs to P. fissicauda resulting from the ability to consume P. cartilagineum and other chemically defended red algae. The investigators will focus on the costs and benefits related to the ability of P. fissicauda to sequester defensive compounds from the alga P. cartilagineum and use those chemicals to defend itself from predation. The field components of this research will be performed during three expeditions to Palmer Station, Antarctica. During these expeditions, a variety of laboratory feeding bioassays, manipulative field and laboratory experiments, and on-site chemical analyses will be performed. Phylogenetic analyses, detailed secondary metabolite chemical analyses and purifications, and other data analyses will also be performed at the investigators\u0027 home institutions between and after their field seasons.", "east": -63.0, "geometry": "POINT(-64 -64.5)", "instruments": null, "is_usap_dc": true, "keywords": "FIELD INVESTIGATION; Antarctica; BENTHIC; USAP-DC", "locations": "Antarctica", "north": -64.0, "nsf_funding_programs": "Antarctic Organisms and Ecosystems; Antarctic Organisms and Ecosystems", "paleo_time": null, "persons": "Amsler, Charles; Baker, Bill; McClintock, James", "platforms": "LAND-BASED PLATFORMS \u003e FIELD SITES \u003e FIELD INVESTIGATION", "repo": "USAP-DC", "repositories": "Dryad; USAP-DC", "science_programs": null, "south": -65.0, "title": "Collaborative Research: The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula - continuing", "uid": "p0010016", "west": -65.0}, {"awards": "0442769 McClintock, James; 0838773 McClintock, James; 0442857 Baker, Bill; 0838776 Baker, Bill", "bounds_geometry": "POLYGON((-65 -63,-64.8 -63,-64.6 -63,-64.4 -63,-64.2 -63,-64 -63,-63.8 -63,-63.6 -63,-63.4 -63,-63.2 -63,-63 -63,-63 -63.2,-63 -63.4,-63 -63.6,-63 -63.8,-63 -64,-63 -64.2,-63 -64.4,-63 -64.6,-63 -64.8,-63 -65,-63.2 -65,-63.4 -65,-63.6 -65,-63.8 -65,-64 -65,-64.2 -65,-64.4 -65,-64.6 -65,-64.8 -65,-65 -65,-65 -64.8,-65 -64.6,-65 -64.4,-65 -64.2,-65 -64,-65 -63.8,-65 -63.6,-65 -63.4,-65 -63.2,-65 -63))", "dataset_titles": "The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula - 2010 experimental data; The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula - 2010 field data; The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula - 2011 Clad Outplant; The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula - 2013 Chemo Phylo data", "datasets": [{"dataset_uid": "600095", "doi": "10.15784/600095", "keywords": "Algae; Antarctica; Antarctic Peninsula; Biota; Oceans; Southern Ocean", "people": "Amsler, Charles; McClintock, James", "repository": "USAP-DC", "science_program": null, "title": "The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula - 2011 Clad Outplant", "url": "https://www.usap-dc.org/view/dataset/600095"}, {"dataset_uid": "600046", "doi": "10.15784/600046", "keywords": "Antarctica; Biota; Oceans; Southern Ocean", "people": "Amsler, Charles; McClintock, James", "repository": "USAP-DC", "science_program": null, "title": "The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula - 2010 field data", "url": "https://www.usap-dc.org/view/dataset/600046"}, {"dataset_uid": "600047", "doi": "10.15784/600047", "keywords": "Antarctica; Biota; Oceans; Southern Ocean", "people": "Baker, Bill", "repository": "USAP-DC", "science_program": null, "title": "The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula - 2010 experimental data", "url": "https://www.usap-dc.org/view/dataset/600047"}, {"dataset_uid": "600096", "doi": "10.15784/600096", "keywords": "Algae; Antarctica; Antarctic Peninsula; Biota; Oceans; Southern Ocean", "people": "Baker, Bill", "repository": "USAP-DC", "science_program": null, "title": "The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula - 2013 Chemo Phylo data", "url": "https://www.usap-dc.org/view/dataset/600096"}], "date_created": "Sun, 07 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT", "description": "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).\u003cbr/\u003e\u003cbr/\u003eThe near shore environments of the western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) harbor extremely high densities of mesograzers (small invertebrate predators approximately 1-25 mm in length) such as benthic amphipods, as well as rich assemblages of macroalgae, endophytes, and macroinvertebrates. Unlike temperate and tropical shallow marine environments, where fish and sea urchins are key grazers structuring the community, mesograzers appear to be much more important in the WAP. Accordingly, the proposed research has two main objectives: (1) To further investigate the interactions between the ecologically dominant large macrophytes, filamentous epi/endophytes, and mesograzers and (2) To determine the nature of interactions between mesograzers and sessile invertebrates. Specifically, the research will examine the following hypotheses: 1: The effects of endophytes on macrophytes are often negative, and consequently macrophytes defend against endophytic infection. 2: Mesoherbivores prevent filamentous algal species, common in the intertidal, from dominating subtidal assemblages. 3: Mesograzer predation pressure on sessile benthic macroinvertebrates, primarily sponges and tunicates, is greatest in shallow habitats dominated by macrophytes, and this impacts depth distributions of macroinvertebrate species. 4: Benthic macroinvertebrates may defend against mesograzers with secondary metabolites which effect molting and/or deter feeding.\u003cbr/\u003e\u003cbr/\u003eBroader impacts include involvement of undergraduates, including minorities, in research; training of graduate students, and continuation of the highly successful UAB IN ANTARCTICA interactive web program (two time recipient of awards of excellence from the US Council for Advancement and Support of Education). The researchers also will share their scientific endeavors with teachers, K-12 students, and other members of the community at large while in residence in Antarctica. In addition, the investigators will request the participation of a PolarTREC teacher.", "east": -63.0, "geometry": "POINT(-64 -64)", "instruments": null, "is_usap_dc": true, "keywords": "Not provided", "locations": null, "north": -63.0, "nsf_funding_programs": "Antarctic Organisms and Ecosystems; Antarctic Organisms and Ecosystems; Antarctic Organisms and Ecosystems; Antarctic Organisms and Ecosystems", "paleo_time": null, "persons": "Baker, Bill; Amsler, Charles; McClintock, James", "platforms": "Not provided", "repo": "USAP-DC", "repositories": "USAP-DC", "science_programs": null, "south": -65.0, "title": "Collaborative Research: The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula", "uid": "p0000475", "west": -65.0}]
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| Project Title/Abstract/Map | NSF Award(s) | Date Created | PIs / Scientists | Dataset Links and Repositories | Abstract | Bounds Geometry | Geometry | Selected | Visible | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Collaborative Research: RUI: Molecular Sentinels: Secondary Metabolites as Indicators of Environmental Change in an Antarctic Polar Desert
|
2148730 |
2025-12-24 | Mikucki, Jill; Giddings, Lesley-Ann | Antarctica habitats are unlike any others found on the planet with extreme combined variations in cold, salinity, moisture content and light availability. Soils and sediments from the Antarctic McMurdo Dry Valley’s region harbor unique microorganisms that can cope with multiple extreme conditions, however, how extremophile microbes specifically function or respond to change in these extreme habitats is still largely unknown. This team is utilizing previously collected Antarctic McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV) samples to evaluate differences in microbial extremophile function in response to changes in strong salinity gradients caused by warming temperatures. Comparative analyses of gene expression patterns and secondary metabolite production are being undertaken in lab-based microcosm studies with varying salinities. This work is helping to elucidate the genetic underpinnings for life in Antarctica and show how Antarctic biota evolve and adapt to a changing environment. Specifically, the work is showing how environmentally relevant changes in salinity will induce differential expression of secondary metabolites in isolates previously collected from the hypersaline Don Juan Pond in the western end of Wright Valley, Victoria Land in the Dry Valleys region. Transcriptomes of cell cultures under varying salinities are being sequenced and compared to determine significant changes to cellular metabolism, particularly secondary metabolic pathways. Additional previously collected sample types (soils, glacier ice, sediments, and brines) collected from a range of salinities are being used to refine methodologies for future field work and provide training opportunities for students. The program is designed to provide strong opportunities to integrate STEM research with undergraduate education, especially at Smith College, a predominantly undergraduate women’s institution. At least one graduate student and 4 undergraduates will be involved in the project, and some will participate in presenting results at international meetings. The program is also developing related curriculum in partnership with education specialists to be used with middle school students. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. | None | None | false | false | ||
|
Collaborative Research: The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula - continuing
|
1341339 1341333 |
2019-03-05 | Amsler, Charles; Baker, Bill; McClintock, James | The coastal environments of the western Antarctic Peninsula harbor rich assemblages of marine animals and algae. The importance of the interactions between these groups of organisms in the ecology of coastal Antarctica are well known and often mediated by chemical defenses in the tissues of the algae. These chemicals are meant to deter feeding by snails and other marine animals making the Antarctic Peninsula an excellent place to ask important questions about the functional and evolutionary significance of chemical compound diversity for marine communities. This project will focus on three main objectives: the first objective is to expand the current understanding of the relationship between algae and their associated marine animals. The second objective focuses on the diversity of chemical compounds used to defend algae from being consumed. The third objective seeks to understand how marine animals can benefit from these compounds by consuming the algae that contain them, and then using those compounds to chemically deter predators. The field components of this research will be performed during three expeditions to the US Palmer Station, Antarctica. During these expeditions, a variety of laboratory feeding bioassays, manipulative field and laboratory experiments, and on-site chemical analyses will be performed. The investigators will also foster opportunities to integrate their NSF research with a variety of educational activities. As in the past they will support undergraduate research, both through NSF programs as well as home, university-based, programs, and they will also continue to support and foster graduate education. Through their highly successful University of Alabama in Antarctica interactive web program (two time recipient of awards of excellence from the US Council for Advancement and Support of Education), they will continue to involve large numbers of teachers, K-12 students, and other members of the community at large in their scientific endeavors in Antarctica. In addition, the investigators have hosted K-12 teachers on their Antarctic field teams through the former NSF Teachers Experiencing Antarctica and the Arctic program and will pursue participation in PolarTREC, the successor to this valuable program. Moreover, they will actively participate in outreach efforts by presenting numerous talks on their research to local school and community groups. The near shore environments of the western Antarctic Peninsula harbor rich assemblages of macroalgae and macroinvertebrates. The importance of predator-prey interactions and chemical defenses in mediating community-wide trophic interactions makes the western Antarctic Peninsula an excellent place to ask important questions about the functional and evolutionary significance of defensive compound diversity for marine communities. This project will focus on three main objectives which are a direct outcome of the past studies of the chemical ecology of shallow-water marine macroalgae and invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula by this group of investigators. The first objective is to expand the current understanding of a community-wide mutualism between macroalgae and their associated amphipods to include gastropods, which are also abundant on many macroalgae. The second objective focuses on the diversity of chemical compounds used to defend macroalgae from being consumed, particularly in the common red alga Plocamium cartilagineum. The third objective seeks to understand the relationship between P. cartilagineum and the amphipod Paradexamine fissicauda, including the ecological benefits and costs to P. fissicauda resulting from the ability to consume P. cartilagineum and other chemically defended red algae. The investigators will focus on the costs and benefits related to the ability of P. fissicauda to sequester defensive compounds from the alga P. cartilagineum and use those chemicals to defend itself from predation. The field components of this research will be performed during three expeditions to Palmer Station, Antarctica. During these expeditions, a variety of laboratory feeding bioassays, manipulative field and laboratory experiments, and on-site chemical analyses will be performed. Phylogenetic analyses, detailed secondary metabolite chemical analyses and purifications, and other data analyses will also be performed at the investigators' home institutions between and after their field seasons. | POLYGON((-65 -65,-64.8 -65,-64.6 -65,-64.4 -65,-64.2 -65,-64 -65,-63.8 -65,-63.6 -65,-63.4 -65,-63.2 -65,-63 -65,-63 -64.9,-63 -64.8,-63 -64.7,-63 -64.6,-63 -64.5,-63 -64.4,-63 -64.3,-63 -64.2,-63 -64.1,-63 -64,-63.2 -64,-63.4 -64,-63.6 -64,-63.8 -64,-64 -64,-64.2 -64,-64.4 -64,-64.6 -64,-64.8 -64,-65 -64,-65 -64.1,-65 -64.2,-65 -64.3,-65 -64.4,-65 -64.5,-65 -64.6,-65 -64.7,-65 -64.8,-65 -64.9,-65 -65)) | POINT(-64 -64.5) | false | false | ||
|
Collaborative Research: The Chemical Ecology of Shallow-water Marine Macroalgae and Invertebrates on the Antarctic Peninsula
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0442769 0838773 0442857 0838776 |
2010-11-07 | Baker, Bill; Amsler, Charles; McClintock, James | This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).<br/><br/>The near shore environments of the western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) harbor extremely high densities of mesograzers (small invertebrate predators approximately 1-25 mm in length) such as benthic amphipods, as well as rich assemblages of macroalgae, endophytes, and macroinvertebrates. Unlike temperate and tropical shallow marine environments, where fish and sea urchins are key grazers structuring the community, mesograzers appear to be much more important in the WAP. Accordingly, the proposed research has two main objectives: (1) To further investigate the interactions between the ecologically dominant large macrophytes, filamentous epi/endophytes, and mesograzers and (2) To determine the nature of interactions between mesograzers and sessile invertebrates. Specifically, the research will examine the following hypotheses: 1: The effects of endophytes on macrophytes are often negative, and consequently macrophytes defend against endophytic infection. 2: Mesoherbivores prevent filamentous algal species, common in the intertidal, from dominating subtidal assemblages. 3: Mesograzer predation pressure on sessile benthic macroinvertebrates, primarily sponges and tunicates, is greatest in shallow habitats dominated by macrophytes, and this impacts depth distributions of macroinvertebrate species. 4: Benthic macroinvertebrates may defend against mesograzers with secondary metabolites which effect molting and/or deter feeding.<br/><br/>Broader impacts include involvement of undergraduates, including minorities, in research; training of graduate students, and continuation of the highly successful UAB IN ANTARCTICA interactive web program (two time recipient of awards of excellence from the US Council for Advancement and Support of Education). The researchers also will share their scientific endeavors with teachers, K-12 students, and other members of the community at large while in residence in Antarctica. In addition, the investigators will request the participation of a PolarTREC teacher. | POLYGON((-65 -63,-64.8 -63,-64.6 -63,-64.4 -63,-64.2 -63,-64 -63,-63.8 -63,-63.6 -63,-63.4 -63,-63.2 -63,-63 -63,-63 -63.2,-63 -63.4,-63 -63.6,-63 -63.8,-63 -64,-63 -64.2,-63 -64.4,-63 -64.6,-63 -64.8,-63 -65,-63.2 -65,-63.4 -65,-63.6 -65,-63.8 -65,-64 -65,-64.2 -65,-64.4 -65,-64.6 -65,-64.8 -65,-65 -65,-65 -64.8,-65 -64.6,-65 -64.4,-65 -64.2,-65 -64,-65 -63.8,-65 -63.6,-65 -63.4,-65 -63.2,-65 -63)) | POINT(-64 -64) | false | false |

