Project properties

Title Well-hidden but still there: patterns of cryptic speciation in Dutch rotifer populations
Group Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group
Project type thesis
Credits 24-36
Supervisor(s) Steven Declerck, Dr.
M. Lurling
Examiner(s) Prof M. Scheffer
Contact info Edwin Peeters: edwin.peeters@wur.nl
Begin date 2013/04/15
End date 2013/11/15
Description The rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus is a rotifer occurring in a wide variety of habitats, ranging from mesotrophic to hyper eutrophic ponds and lakes. Recent studies have suggested the existence of cryptic species for this taxon. In this project, we want to genetically characterize natural populations of this species in The Netherlands and explore for the existence of cryptic species. For this, we will hatch resting eggs from numerous ponds and lakes, and sequence nuclear and mitochondrial DNA to assess the geographic distribution of species and their degree of phylogenetic differentiation. This topic is suitable for both bachelor and master students.
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