Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/B500282/1
What are the roles of DMS and other simple molecules as signalling compounds in marine tritrophic interactions?
Fellowship Award
- Fellow:
- Dr M Steinke, University of East Anglia, Environmental Sciences
- Grant held at:
- University of East Anglia, Environmental Sciences
- Science Area:
- Marine
- Atmospheric
- Overall Classification:
- Marine
- ENRIs:
- Global Change
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Biogeochemical Cycles
- Ocean - Atmosphere Interact.
- Community Ecology
- Abstract:
- When attacked by herbivores, land plants can produce volatile compounds that attract carnivorous mutualists. In this project, I will examine whether phytoplankton use volatile chemical cues in analogous tritrophic interactions. Marine algae produce several classes of biogenic gases such as non-methane hydrocarbons, organohalogens, and dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and in some cases production of these increased when they are grazed by microzooplankton. I will build on my new data that show a behavioural response in the copepod Temora longicornis after exposure to DMS. This response suggests that copepods could use trace gases as a directional cue to detect and locate their preferred prey. The grazing-induced release of volatiles is poorly understood, and its effect on the chemical ecology of plankton and the foraging behaviour of predators is essentially unknown.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/B500282/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Postdoctoral Fellow
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Postdoctoral Fellowship
This fellowship award has a total value of £101,861
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - T&S | Total - Staff | Total - Other Costs |
|---|---|---|
| £4,980 | £77,882 | £19,000 |
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