2012- 21st Annual NC State Undergraduate Research Symposium

Session Time : 4/10/12 10:30 AM - 4/10/12 11:45 AM

Content Area : Biological Sciences

Poster Appointment: , -

Student Presenters :
Jordan Daniel Taylor Biology

Kenzi Stemp Biology;
Taylor Shropshire Biological Oceanography

Mentors and/or Co-Authors :
Miriam Ferzli Biology

Abstract Title : Marine Organisms and Ecosystems: The Balance of Interspecies Relationships and Biodiversity

Abstract :
Organisms in marine ecosystems evolve in accordance with biotic and abiotic pressures.Interactions between organisms and their environments can affect populations as well as whole ecosystems. There is a vast amount of research that examines different marine ecosystems, community relationships and biodiversity. For example, the parasite-host interactions in coral reefs control fish populations and can affect the entire coral reef ecosystem. In globally unique ecosystems, such as the Sargasso Sea, interactions between organisms and their environments define the ecosystem. Researchers carried out a strategic analysis of ecological populations to gather a survey of each ecosystem. They also performed case studies of specific organisms to analyze predator/ prey interactions. Additionally, exhibitory organisms such as the cuttlefish display camouflage strategies in response to predation. Scientists performed observational studies to determine how cuttlefish react to various substrates they encounter in marine environments These studies serve as controls on biodiversity, and observe unique adaptions to specific prey adaptation. Marine aquatic environments allow organisms to adapt to evolutionary pressures and population control, as well as ecosystem interactions and relationships. Further research will continue to describe the fragility and complexity of these ecosystems and the relationships of the organisms that live there.