Morphological variation in Gonionemus Vertens among latitudinal gradient of population
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Paul Bologna
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 10:30 AM
End Date
25-4-2025 11:29 AM
Description
The sudden emergence, increasing abundance, and distinct sting characteristics of Gonionemus vertens (GV) have raised significant global concern, attracting the attention of researchers due to its unique origin, distribution patterns, and ecological impact. Notably, GV populations from the Northwestern Pacific exhibit heightened sting potency, like those found along the East Coast of the United States, suggesting possible environmental or genetic influences. To investigate further, this study uncovered intriguing morphological variations, particularly in the number of radial canals, which are traditionally number four in GV but were observed to vary between three and five. Samples collected from four states between 2016 and 2024 revealed that three-radial-canal variants were more prevalent overall, although five-radial-canal individuals were more common in Connecticut, indicating potential regional influences. Additionally, GV specimens with abnormal radial canals first appeared in New Jersey in 2018, peaked in 2020, and continued to be observed annually through 2024, suggesting a persistent but fluctuating trend. These findings prompt further exploration into the causes and implications of these morphological anomalies, including potential genetic mutations, environmental stressors, and climate-related factors, while also examining whether these variations influence GV’s stinging ability, adaptability, or reproductive success. By shedding light on the evolving morphology of GV, this research contributes to broader discussions on species adaptation, ecological shifts, and the potential consequences of environmental changes on marine biodiversity.
Morphological variation in Gonionemus Vertens among latitudinal gradient of population
The sudden emergence, increasing abundance, and distinct sting characteristics of Gonionemus vertens (GV) have raised significant global concern, attracting the attention of researchers due to its unique origin, distribution patterns, and ecological impact. Notably, GV populations from the Northwestern Pacific exhibit heightened sting potency, like those found along the East Coast of the United States, suggesting possible environmental or genetic influences. To investigate further, this study uncovered intriguing morphological variations, particularly in the number of radial canals, which are traditionally number four in GV but were observed to vary between three and five. Samples collected from four states between 2016 and 2024 revealed that three-radial-canal variants were more prevalent overall, although five-radial-canal individuals were more common in Connecticut, indicating potential regional influences. Additionally, GV specimens with abnormal radial canals first appeared in New Jersey in 2018, peaked in 2020, and continued to be observed annually through 2024, suggesting a persistent but fluctuating trend. These findings prompt further exploration into the causes and implications of these morphological anomalies, including potential genetic mutations, environmental stressors, and climate-related factors, while also examining whether these variations influence GV’s stinging ability, adaptability, or reproductive success. By shedding light on the evolving morphology of GV, this research contributes to broader discussions on species adaptation, ecological shifts, and the potential consequences of environmental changes on marine biodiversity.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.