How predation risk affects competitive interactions between two functionally similar snail species

Project Title

How predation risk affects competitive interactions between two functionally similar snail  species

Project Description

Faculty mentor: Dr. Catherine Matassa

Project Description: 

This past summer, I conducted research with Dr. Catherine Matassa at UConn, studying  predator-prey interactions within the rocky intertidal. My project specifically focused on how the  Atlantic dogwhelk and Atlantic oyster drill competed with each other when in the presence of  their common predator, the European Green Crab. To study this, two experiments were  conducted where the snails were made to compete for mussels when subjected to chemical  cues from each other and then to both each other and a crab. The results of the experiment  showed that when in the presence of only the crab, both species ate less, which was expected. 

However, both species ate more when in the presence of a competitor and a predator. This  showed that growing prey diversity in an environment may weaken strengthening trophic  cascades when the prey are functionally similar.

 

Why is your research important?

Little research has been done on the rocky intertidal and invertebrate species like snails, even  though they can be key indicators of their environment. This research is essential because it  reflects how trophic cascades within the rocky intertidal between other marine organisms may  act and how they will be impacted by climate change in the future. 
 

What does the process of doing your research look like?

This project required a lot of fieldwork that was dictated by low tide periods to collect thousands  of mussels, hundreds of mussels, and multiple crabs, sometimes in the middle of the night or  early in the morning. Every day, I would go in multiple times to do water checks to ensure that  water was constantly flowing over the specimens. While the experiment was running, I would  conduct behavior checks every four days to see how the snails responded to their treatments. 

What knowledge has your research contributed to your field?

From the first competition experiment, where the snails were only in the presence of each other,  I found that the dogwhelk was a much worse competitor than the oyster drill. This is possibly  because Beavertail St Park, RI, where the specimens were collected, is the furthest southern  range for the dogwhelks, and thus, they are less adapted to the warmer water temperature. The  second experiment yielded the result of both snails eating less when only in the presence of the  crab, which was an expected result. An unexpected result from the second experiment was that  the non-consumptive effects were reduced when both species were in the same container with  the crab. This was possibly a result of the compounding stressors of both a competitor and a  predator. 

 

In what ways have you showcased your research thus far?

During the summer, I presented a poster at Mystic Aquarium and gave an oral  presentation at UCONN. In February, I had the opportunity to present my research at the  Ocean Sciences meeting in New Orleans.
 

How did you get involved in research? What drove you to seek out research experiences in college?

I became interested in research experiences after joining the STRONG Scholars program at Oberlin and having the opportunity to work on a project in my first year of college. I enjoyed the  project so much that I applied for summer REU programs and got into the Mystic  Aquarium-UCONN Avery Point program.
 

What is your favorite aspect of the research process?

My favorite aspect of the research project was the fieldwork I got to conduct when collecting and  surveying specimens. For this project, I traveled up the East Coast from Connecticut to Maine,  studying the two snail species my project focused on. I also had the opportunity to go on a  research cruise mapping the bottom of Long Island Sound.
 

How has working with your mentor impacted the development of your research project? How has it impacted you as a researcher?

My mentor and their Ph.D. student were very supportive and were fantastic guides  throughout the process. I appreciate that they entrusted me with some of the hands-on  lab responsibilities (water checks, behavior checks, surveying, specimen collecting) and  allowed me independence on my project.
 

How has the research you’ve conducted contributed to your professional or academic development?  

My experience this summer allowed me to see that I want to earn my Ph. D. and conduct  research with NOAA, USGS, or the EPA as a career. Furthermore, it helped me narrow  down the area I want to study to coastal and estuarine habitats. 
 

What advice would you give to a younger student wanting to get involved in research in your field?

I would tell a younger student to get involved with multiple lab projects to find what  research field intrigues you. During my first semester at Oberlin, I had no idea that I was  interested in marine science until after I conducted the research. Now, I want to pursue it  as a career!