Discipline: Ecology Environmental and Earth Sciences
Subcategory: Ecology
Dwight Bland - Norfolk State University
Co-Author(s): Rondell Holden, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Va; James Sossou, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Va; Tamara Shoals, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Va; Demarcus Turner, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Va and Joseph D'Silva, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Va
This study aims to investigate the population growth of a rotifer, Philodina sp. (Rotifera). A population of Philodina has been observed to initially grow and then plateau in a bird bath and flower pots in Suffolk, Virginia. Animal population growth follows this trend in general. We hypothesize that the population growth of these rotifers are dependent on the temperature of their environment. Does the Philodina population follow a similar growth pattern under experimental conditions? Initial results indicate that growth of the population is regulated by the temperature of their environment. A Philodina population was subjected to three temperatures: 5℃ , 22℃, and 30℃ and showed a trend of growth. Rotifers tested at 5℃ illustrated no population growth while subjects tested at 22℃ and 30℃ were observed as the optimum temperatures because of their steady growth rate. Further investigation is in progress incorporating environmental stressors such as freezing temperatures and sunlight exposure to determine population growth. Philodina exhibited expedited growth rates when exposed to sunlight recorded at 30℃. Rotifers are fed to fish larvae in aquaculture. Brachionus sp. (Rotifera) is one such rotifer to feed fish larvae. Philodina are the most common species of rotifers and can also be used for feeding. We will be conducting this investigation to further understand how they reproduce and can be beneficial for aquaculture.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): National Science Foundation:Graduation Academy F2040013
Faculty Advisor: Joseph D'Silva, jdsilva@nsu.edu
Role: Observed and identified rotifer species from collected samples . Subjected rotifers to temperature regimes . Created powerpoint presentation and poster.