Contrary to theoretical expectations, calcification does NOT always protect coralline algae from herbivory – species and shape matters!
Blog Recent Publications
Predicting the fate of eDNA in the environment and implications for studying biodiversity
The role that differing environments play on the major processes that eDNA undergoes between organism and collection, with recommendations for eDNA practitioners.
Altering eelgrass: The impact of invasive European green crabs on critical habitat
BMSC Alumna, Brett Howard (SFU) and authors, report that the invasive green crab, Carcinus maenas, significantly reduces the density of ecologically important marine plant ecosystems.
Humans unknowingly consume a lot of microplastics
Microplastic particles can easily sneak into our bodies undetected through food or when we breathe air containing microplastics, says BMSC Alunmus, Kieran Cox, a UVic marine biology PhD candidate in Francis Juanes’ lab.
Undergraduate experiential learning leads to peer review publication
BMSC Scientific Diving class goes under to explore the effects of handling and captivity on red sea urchins.
How do snails grow complex shells?
On growing a beautiful shell: How do snails coordinate the placement of shell sculpture?
The answer to a long-standing mystery regarding the function of lamellose snail shell sculpture results in publication of BMSC undergraduate research
Although the frilled dogwinkle (Nucella lamellosa) is a well-studied intertidal snail, questions have remained regarding the purpose of some variations in shell form found commonly in individuals of this species. The function of axial lamellae, an external shell structure giving some individuals of this species a frilled appearance, has remained a mystery. As a part…
Invasive European green crabs in Barkley Sound demonstrate faster attack rates and handling times for prey
Appetite for destruction: Invasive European green crabs in Barkley Sound eat faster and grow bigger
Hook-induced injuries hamper suction feeding performance in marine shiner perch
Recreational fishing is popular throughout the world and has significant socioeconomic impacts. Catch-and-release fishing is beneficial for a number of reasons, but the immediate impact of hook removal is poorly understood. Melissa Thompson, a University of Alberta undergraduate student, during our 2017 Biology of Marine Fishes course (co-taught by Tim Higham and Sean Rogers), caught…
BMSC Marine Invertebrate Zoology student observations inspires range expansion publication
Typically found on the wave-exposed sandy beaches of California and Oregon, the Pacific sand crab, Emerita analoga, was first noticed by our Marine Invertebrate Zoology students on Keeha Beach in 2016, leading to a publication by instructors, Dr. Mar Wonham (Quest U) and Dr. Mike Hart (SFU).