Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center

09 May, 11 AM - 15 May, 01 AM

Nematodes of the family Cephalobidae are relatively common inhabitants of organic poor soils, including deserts. An advantage of working with this group is that specimens are readily recognizable by low magnification microscopy in extracts of soil samples. Relatively little is known about the species diversity of cephalobs, although molecular approaches for delimiting nematode species appear promising. Even less is known about the genetic structure of nematode populations, with virtually no work having been done on microbivores living in soil. The twin goals of this research are to use molecular sequences to investigate the number of cephalob species resident in selected regions of the Deep Canyon Reserve. For one or more of these species (depending on abundance and distribution), molecular markers will be used to assess the genetic structure of natural populations. This study has the potential to reveal the diversity over a relatively small spatial scale, and provide data on the genetic diversity of one or more species at the intraspecific level. We have already been successful in obtaining nematodes (2008, 2009) and sequencing them. Preliminary analyses suggest that there are up to 16 species at Deep Canyon, presumably mostly undescribed. As per project description above, the purpose is to sample soil for nematodes for genetic analysis (biodiversity research). Small soil samples will be taken, nematodes recovered by water extraction, nematodes photographed and identified by microscopy, and these specimens preserved in ethanol for subsequent genetic analysis. Approximately 10-12 soil samples will be taken per day on site. Processing of samples will occur off-site (at UC Davis).

Visit #20820 @Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center

Approved

Under Project # 9517 | Research

Assessing Acrobeles species diversity and genetic structure

faculty - University of California, Davis

Reservation Members(s)

Steven Nadler May 9 - 15, 2010 (7 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Mayhew housing facilities 1 May 9 - 15, 2010