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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/M/S/2003/00066

Fluorescence properties of fossil peridinioid & gonyaulacoid cysts: a key to the development and evolution of heterotrophy in fossil dinoflagellates

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Dr S Feist-Burkhardt, The Natural History Museum, Earth Sciences
Science Area:
Marine
Earth
Overall Classification:
Earth
ENRIs:
Natural Resource Management
Global Change
Biodiversity
Science Topics:
Palaeobiology
Population Genetics/Evolution
Systematics & Taxonomy
Community Ecology
Abstract:
Latest studies have shown that the organic cysts of some extant heterotrophic peridinioid dinoflagellates, in contrast to phototrophic dinoflagellates, do not show autofluorescence. The proposed project seeks to test if this relationship may be used for discriminating between cysts of phototrophic and heterotrophic dinoflagellates in fossil material. By using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), detailed quantitative fluorescence spectra at different excitation wavelengths shall be obtained of fossil dinoflagellate cysts of selected time slices. The analyses shall help to clarify the nutritional preferences in fossil dinoflagellates, and contribute to answer the questions when and in which groups heterotrophy evolved, whether this was a unique event, and to what extent peridinioid cysts may be used as environmental or productivity indicators.
Period of Award:
1 Sep 2003 - 30 Sep 2004
Value:
£39,542
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NER/M/S/2003/00066
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
New Investigators Pre FEC
Grant Status:
Closed

This grant award has a total value of £39,542  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

Total - StaffTotal - T&STotal - Other CostsTotal - Indirect Costs
£16,165£3,030£12,911£7,436

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