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Publication Date

2024-5

First Advisor

Laura A. Katz

Document Type

Honors Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Biological Sciences

Keywords

antarctica, amoeboid, protist, foraminifera, biodiversity, different sites, molecular tools

Abstract

Foraminifera are microbial amoeboid protists that are versatile, diverse, and ecologically significant. Despite their importance, there are likely many undiscovered species and we lack a full understanding of their diversity or ecological roles especially in less explored habitats such as the poles. Advances in molecular techniques have allowed for the presence and relative abundance of foraminifera species to better be characterized. These developments have additionally allowed for the discovery of novel species of forams. In this study, we aimed to examine the biodiversity of foraminifera across multiple areas in Antarctica using molecular tools. Our results demonstrated a large amount of diversity among foraminifera species, with a range in species relative abundance and presence. Further, about half of the foraminifera in this study indicated endemic tendencies, appearing exclusively in one location. We were additionally able to identify a potential novel clade of Antarctic foraminifera. These insights allowed for the further characterization of forams, along with their existence in Antarctica to be better understood. A deeper understanding of Antarctic foraminifera relative abundance, presence, and habitat tendencies aids in knowledge on foraminifera in regards to climate change and our changing planet.

Rights

©2024 Alexi Malecki. Access limited to the Smith College community and other researchers while on campus. Smith College community members also may access from off-campus using a Smith College log-in. Other off-campus researchers may request a copy through Interlibrary Loan for personal use.

Language

English

Comments

58 pages: color illustrations. Includes bibliographical references (51-58).

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