biological sciences HONOURs 2014 - The University of Sydney

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ANIMAL DEVELOPMENT
AND STRESS
Research Interests
I am interested in animal development and stress. In higher
animals stress hormones play vital roles in controlling the
physiology of reproduction. Many more animals in this changing
world are either currently facing or will soon face an additional
stress, that of global warming. Marine animals will also have to
cope with the stress of ocean acidification as increased CO 2
levels change the pH of the ocean.
The marine isopod Cirolana harfordi is an excellent model
organism in which to study development and stress. C. harfordi
like many crustaceans has two sets of antennae that it uses to
sense food in the environment and is thought to find prey using
sensory nerves and receptors housed in elaborate extensions
of the cuticle called setae. Just like a shark is followed or
carries remora fish, the isopod C. harfordi carries with it an
amazing menagerie of organism ‘hangers on’. They are either
attached to its body (epibionts) or they cling on and are mobile
in its body. Characterising the microscopic ecosystem that C.
harfordi provides is an exciting opportunity for a scientist to
plunge into uncharted territory.
Dr Murray
Thomson
Room 314, Heydon-
Laurence Building A08
T: (02) 9036 6412
E: murray.thomson@
sydney.edu.au
Honours projects
1. Behavioural studies on C. harfordi. Cirolana harfordi is a
good organism for a wide array of behavioural studies. For example, what causes the animals to
pick one shelter, when given a choice of two, and aggregate there?
2. The effects of rising temperature and acidification on stress levels and altered
development of sensory setae. Physiological stress will be measured by biochemical indicators
and behavioural traits. This isopod is viviparous and gives birth to live young that the female
carries in a marsupium pouch that is made up of plates that grow from the legs. The effects on
setae containing sensory equipment development will be studied using electron microscopy.
3. The role of the antennae in finding food and friends The role of the two pairs of antennae
and their components in spatial orientation and food tracking provides the basis for a stimulating
and multi faceted project.
4. Custom projects with other organisms can also be formulated and training is available in the
following techniques; electron microscopy; behavioural biology; immunohistology; electrophoresis
and western blotting; biochemistry; cell and molecular biology.