This master project is linked to the Artsdatabanken-funded project Challenging taxa of gelatinous zooplankton (CHANGEZ). While a commonly observed dominant midwater hydromedusa in Arctic surveys, the trachymedusa Sminthea arctica (Hartlaub, 1909) is currently listed as a taxon inquirendum in the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS). This is problematic, as the uncertain status of the species precludes it from being included in diversity assessments using WoRMS as the taxonomic backbone. This project will review the validity of the species Sminthea arctica, with the goal of resolving its status.
This MSc project includes:
- taxonomic detective work on genus Sminthea
- learning techniques in the DNA lab (DNA barcoding) and the morphology lab (identification and taxonomy)
- Phylogenetic and molecular species delimitation analysis
- opportunitites to participate in field work
- presenting in academic events and potentially being part of a peer-reviewed publication
- inclusion in the Manet Team research group 🪼
Contact Aino Hosia, Luis Martell or Joan J. Soto-Angel to learn more about the project!
