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lab profile
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 Zen Faulkes
The University of Texas-Pan American
Department of Biology
1201 W. University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539
USA
zfaulkes@utpa.edu
956-665-2614
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| PI: |
NO |
| Taxa Studied: |
Invertebrate Animals |
| Techniques Employed: |
Other, Ethology; light microscopy |
| Research Description: |
Marmorkrebs are the only know parthenogenetic decapod crustacean. There are at least three reasons that they are interesting for research. First, there is the evolutionary question of how they became parthenogenetic, and why this type of reproduction is not seen more often in other decapod crustaceans. Second, because they reproduce parthenogenetically, they are genetically identical. That individuals are genetically identical is helpful for determining the impact of environmental effects on development. Third, Marmorkrebs have no known native population, but have been introduced into ecosystems in several countries. Because they are parthenogentic, a single individual can establish a new population. Marmorkrebs have potential to become an invasive species in regions where they are introduced. |
| Lab Web Page: |
http://marmorkrebs.org |
| Willing to Host Undergraduates: |
YES |
| Actively Seeking Undergraduates: |
NO |
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