Marine Biology Commons^™

The Evolution Of Bioluminescence Across The Shrimp Family Sergestidae: A Genomic Skimming And Phylogenetic Approach, Charles G. Golighty Iii

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The family Sergestidae provide a unique system for studying the evolution of bioluminescence, with species possessing one of three distinct forms of photophores. This study capitalizes on molecular data to construct a genus-level phylogeny of sergestid shrimp. “Genome skimming” was implemented, capturing mitochondrial genomic data across 19 species. Additional individuals were incorporated through Sanger sequencing of four partial gene regions. The -sergestes group of genera was recovered as non-monophyletic, with the -sergia group of genera being recovered as monophyletic. Ancestral state reconstructions of light organ type indicate the organs of Pesta photophore is the ancestral state for the …

Comparison Of Modern And Mid-Holocene Benthic Foraminifera To Assess Recent Environmental Change In Almirante Bay, Caribbean Panama, Maria N. Gudnitz

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study used the diversity and distribution of benthic foraminiferal assemblages of Almirante Bay, Caribbean Panama, as environmental proxies to compare modern coral, seagrass and mangrove habitats to mid-Holocene coral reef facies on the island of Isla Colón, to investigate both natural and human-influenced changes.

The modern study associated species and assemblage characteristics with environmental conditions related to degraded water quality. Assemblages were fairly similar among neighboring habitats but differed in species proportions, while several stress-tolerant taxa might indicate eutrophic conditions. Diversity appeared to be regionally controlled by freshwater input irrespective of habitat type, was generally lower near the mainland …