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Research Publications: UM-SG-RS-2017-21
Title:
On the half shell: An introduction to oysters and their unique structures and functionYear:
2017Authors:
Frederick, JA; Haines, S; Romano, C; Takacs, JSource:
Science Activities 54 ( 1 ) : 18 - 27DOI:
10.1080/00368121.2016.1264921Abstract:
The eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, is an ecologically and economically important species in Chesapeake Bay. Oysters are ecologically unique in the Chesapeake Bay because they build a structure known as a bar or reef by attaching to one another over a 45 long period of time. They have been coined the “Ecological Engineers of the Bay”. The main purpose of this activity is to investigate 5 uniquely designed organs of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). Emphasis is placed on two organs, the mantle and gills, and their ability to construct a pair of shells and to remove suspended materials from the water. Age-appropriate activities can be identified and performed in the elementary classroom that inspire inquiry and a better awareness of the relationship between structure and function and its importance for both the individual organism and the ecosystem in which it lives.Maryland Sea Grant Topic(s):
'Related Research Project(s)' link to details about research projects funded by Maryland Sea Grant that led to this publication. These details may include other impacts and accomplishments resulting from the research.
'Maryland Sea Grant Topic(s)' links to related pages on the Maryland Sea Grant website.
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Featured Fellow
Leone Yisrael is a cephalopod-loving scuba diver, cook, and loves to try new activities. She conducts genetic analysis and fieldwork at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center through the Coastal Disease Ecology Lab.
Featured Research Project
Developing a habitat model for mysids, an important link in Chesapeake Bay food webs
Mysids are important mesozooplankton prey for many species of fish in Chesapeake Bay and are an important link in transferring energy from lower to upper trophic levels. Mysids also serve as biological vectors for benthic-pelagic coupling due to their diel vertical migration and omnivorous prey-switching behavior, which makes mysids important regulators of food web architecture. Despite their central role in coastal food webs, surprisingly little is known about mysid ecology and dynamics in Chesapeake Bay.
