Partner Control and Environmental Fouling in the Crayfish-Branchiobdellid Symbiosis

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Kaitlin J. Farrell (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/
Advisor
Robert Creed

Abstract: Previous research found that crayfish (Cambarus chasmodactylus) may be engaged in a cleaning mutualism with ectosymbiotic worms (Annelida: Branchiobdellidae), yet mechanisms for symbiosis establishment and maintenance remain unknown. In addition, it is unclear why a co-occurring crayfish species (Orconectes cristavarius) hosts almost no worms. The research in this thesis seeks to answer some of these questions by incorporating field surveys with laboratory and field experiments to assess the influence of both partner control behaviors and environmental fouling on the interaction between crayfish and branchiobdellid worms.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Farrell, K.J. (2012). Partner Control and Environmental Fouling in the Crayfish-Branchiobdellid Symbiosis. Unpublished master’s thesis. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
Language: English
Date: 2012
Keywords
cleaning symbiosis, mutualism-parasitism continuum, Cambarus chasmodactylus, Orconectes cristavarius, Cambarincola ingens

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