Using Gonionemus vertens polyps as an educational tool to teach asexual reproduction, population growth, and novel observations on life history
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Advisor
Paul Bologna
Access Type
Event
Start Date
26-4-2023 1:44 PM
End Date
26-4-2023 2:45 PM
Description
Hydrozoans represent a novel group of organisms that can be used to teach a variety of foundation biological concepts. Many species exhibit a bi-phasic life history which can teach principles of alternation of generations applicable to plants and algae. They also provide an opportunity to discuss sexual vs. asexual reproduction and their impacts on populations and species abundance. Lastly, they can be used in a more experimental pathway to evaluate clonal growth and reproduction coupled with physiological constraints like temperature and salinity. We have developed culturing techniques using Gonionemus vertens polyps that allow students to generate clonal growth rates under varying temperatures ranging from 20-24C. Results from large scale class activities indicate that optimal growth was achieved at higher temperatures (24C), compared to slower growth at low and intermediate temperatures (Fig. 1). Beyond simple evaluation of clonal growth rates, utilizing classroom research activities has allowed us to observe undiscovered growth patterns and potential stress responses to changing environments. For example, students observed a polyp which was producing a medusa bud, but subsequently reverted into a tissue mass that produced numerous frustules generating new polyps adjacent to the original polyp. Other observations include polyps producing numerous tissue masses underneath themselves, potentially akin to scyphozoan production of podocysts. Continued use of this species as a teaching and research model may help elucidate the mystery of the missing polyps in the field.
Using Gonionemus vertens polyps as an educational tool to teach asexual reproduction, population growth, and novel observations on life history
Hydrozoans represent a novel group of organisms that can be used to teach a variety of foundation biological concepts. Many species exhibit a bi-phasic life history which can teach principles of alternation of generations applicable to plants and algae. They also provide an opportunity to discuss sexual vs. asexual reproduction and their impacts on populations and species abundance. Lastly, they can be used in a more experimental pathway to evaluate clonal growth and reproduction coupled with physiological constraints like temperature and salinity. We have developed culturing techniques using Gonionemus vertens polyps that allow students to generate clonal growth rates under varying temperatures ranging from 20-24C. Results from large scale class activities indicate that optimal growth was achieved at higher temperatures (24C), compared to slower growth at low and intermediate temperatures (Fig. 1). Beyond simple evaluation of clonal growth rates, utilizing classroom research activities has allowed us to observe undiscovered growth patterns and potential stress responses to changing environments. For example, students observed a polyp which was producing a medusa bud, but subsequently reverted into a tissue mass that produced numerous frustules generating new polyps adjacent to the original polyp. Other observations include polyps producing numerous tissue masses underneath themselves, potentially akin to scyphozoan production of podocysts. Continued use of this species as a teaching and research model may help elucidate the mystery of the missing polyps in the field.