Project properties
Title From fallen leaves to colorful feathers; Carotenoids in the food chain
Group Entomology, Laboratory of
Project type thesis
Credits 24-36
Supervisor(s) Dennis Oonincx (Anu)
Julien Rougeot (Ento)
Examiner(s) Prof. dr. M. Dicke
Contact info dennis.oonincx@wur.nl
Begin date 2024/06/01
End date 2025/12/31
Description Carotenoids are a group of colourful compounds, which fulfil a variety of functions in animals. For instance, certain carotenoids are stored in the feathers of birds and give them their bright colours. Others are converted to vitamin A and fulfil several physiological functions. While carotenoids are important for reproduction and health, most animals cannot synthesize carotenoids de novo. Hence, these components are provided via the diet. Certain detritivores and herbivores can accumulate these important compounds and supply them to species higher in the food chain, such as colourful birds. It is of interest to know how these compounds travel through the food chain. Different genotypes, or strains, of certain species can differ in carotenoid absorption and accumulation.

Within this thesis you will work with isopods (Porcellio laevis) which differ greatly in colour (orange or black and white). These strains are each provided with two different diets and subsequently analysed for carotenoid content. This data will then be analysed to determine whether the phenotypic differences are due to carotenoids, and to which extent diet and strain are relevant factors. You will report and present your study as part of your thesis. If you are interested, and the data is suitable, it might be possible to publish this study as a short communication.
Used skills Literature review, execution of an experiment, lab work, data collection and analysis, reporting and presenting your findings.
Requirements For doing a BSc-thesis at Entomology, there are no requirements for specific courses.
For doing a MSc-thesis or Research Practice at Entomology, the following requirements apply: ENT-30806 + a second ENT-course (preferably ENT-30306 or ENT-50806 or ENT-53806). As an alternative for the second ENT-course, PHP-30806 or BHE-30306 can be selected.
For doing an Internship at Entomology, the following requirements apply: ENT-30806.
Note 1: these courses need to be done in your MSc, not the BSc!
Note 2: these requirements do not apply for MBI students; MBI students should select at least one of the courses linked to an Entomology thesis/internship in their specialization (in consultation with their ENT-supervisor).