Understanding the role of Stylochus ellipticus as a predator of Crassostrea virginica in Chesapeake Bay tributaries

Predation may be a key component of the unsuccessful restoration of the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica), a former keystone species in Chesapeake Bay. Here, I examine the polyclad flatworm Stylochus ellipticus and its potential role as an important predator of C. virginica. Using small-fragment size C. virginica specific DNA primers, oyster DNA was successfully detected in whole organisms homogenates of wild-caught S. ellipticus individuals. Of the 1,575 individuals tested, 68.1% tested positive, thus predation occurred. Predation did not appear to be affected by salinity or temperature; however, season did appear to have an effect on both predation and S. ellipticus abundance (p-value: <0.05). The findings also imply that S. ellipticus are highly mobile, entering the water column to reach hard substrate at various depths, whereas previous studies suggest otherwise. These findings are useful in the planning and management of oyster cultivation and restoration. Furthermore, this study outlines a method of diet study that may be more sensitive than traditional DNA-based techniques.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.available

2014

Author dc:creator

• Barker, Marion Kensey

Contributors dc:contributor

• Bonnie L Brown

• Stylochus ellipticus
• Crassostrea virginica
• oyster conservation
• molecular prey detection
• diet study
• predatory flatworm
• oyster predation
• Biology
• Life Sciences

Statement dc:rights

• © The Author

Identifier

https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/599

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-1598