Phenotypic and genotypic variability of Meseres

The aim of this international, cooperative research project is to investigate the ecological significance of phenotypic variability relative to genotypic variability in freshwater ciliates, using the oligotrich species Meseres corlissi as a model organism. This species belongs to the Family Halteriidae, and its cell size is in vivo approximately 70-90 x 60 m; the species is morphologically similar to Halteria and Strombidium. The ecology of the species is at present unknown. This study will use a combination of ecophysiological, morphological and molecular methods to investigate the extent of phenotypic and genotypic variability among various isolates of M. corlissi obtained from geographically distant and diverse locations. In particular, we want to compare - the ecophysiological and genetic variability within a given location (clonal variability) to - the variability across geographically distant areas (local adaptation).

The aim of this international, cooperative research project is to investigate the ecological significance of phenotypic variability relative to genotypic variability in freshwater ciliates, using the oligotrich species Meseres corlissi as a model organism. This species belongs to the Family Halteriidae, and its cell size is in vivo approximately 70-90 x 60 m; the species is morphologically similar to Halteria and Strombidium. The ecology of the species is at present unknown. This study will use a combination of ecophysiological, morphological and molecular methods to investigate the extent of phenotypic and genotypic variability among various isolates of M. corlissi obtained from geographically distant and diverse locations. In particular, we want to compare the ecophysiological and genetic variability within a given location (clonal variability) to the variability across geographically distant areas (local adaptation).