Bachelor in Marine Biology (Hons.)
Thesis
The impact of ocean acidification on the ecology of calcareous coralline algae
Description
Ocean acidification is the decrease of pH in sea water caused by the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide - CO2 - it is well known that the concentration of CO2 has rapidly increased since pre-industrial times resulting in alterations to the ocean chemistry. Physiological processes (e.g. calcification) in marine organisms are sensitive to such changes in pH and carbonate chemistry. It has been demonstrated that calcareous coralline algae are among the most sensitive organisms to ocean acidification, in particular the processes of calcification, growth and recruitment. However, the potential effects of ocean acidification on the ecological interactions (e.g. inter-and intraspecific competition) have been less studied. The aim of this research is to assess the effect of ocean acidification on different aspects of the ecology of calcareous coralline algae.
Supervisor
- Dr Guillermo Diaz-Pulido
Research expertise
- Ecology of coral population