Molecular-genetic organization and evolution of dinoflagellate mitochondria. Dinoflagellates are unicellular organisms that are important parts of the biota as significant primary producers of the oceans. Certain dinoflagellates form essential symbionts of reef-forming corals and loss of the symbiont causes coral bleaching and death, a phenomenon linked to global warming. Dinoflagellate blooms are also notorious for causing fish kills and human illnesses such as paralytic shellfish poisoning. My ....Molecular-genetic organization and evolution of dinoflagellate mitochondria. Dinoflagellates are unicellular organisms that are important parts of the biota as significant primary producers of the oceans. Certain dinoflagellates form essential symbionts of reef-forming corals and loss of the symbiont causes coral bleaching and death, a phenomenon linked to global warming. Dinoflagellate blooms are also notorious for causing fish kills and human illnesses such as paralytic shellfish poisoning. My studies of the mitochondrion will address a major aspect of the biology of this poorly understood group. Mitochondrial function is often a target for drugs and other controlling agents, and therefore these studies could offer scope to better interpret and manage dinoflagellates in our environment.Read moreRead less
The cost of a meal: life-history consequences of foraging mode in fur seals and sea lions. Australia's two fur seal species are currently experiencing population increases throughout their range as they recover from the over-exploitation of the commercial sealing era (18-19th centuries) whereas the Australian sea lion population is decreasing (or stable but low) throughout its range and is considered vulnerable. Understanding the mechanisms which determine foraging efficiency in fur seals and s ....The cost of a meal: life-history consequences of foraging mode in fur seals and sea lions. Australia's two fur seal species are currently experiencing population increases throughout their range as they recover from the over-exploitation of the commercial sealing era (18-19th centuries) whereas the Australian sea lion population is decreasing (or stable but low) throughout its range and is considered vulnerable. Understanding the mechanisms which determine foraging efficiency in fur seals and sea lions will have implications for the management of these species, which are likely to experience increasing interactions with fisheries activities. The results of this research will assist in the development of policies to ensure the environmentally sustainable use of marine resources. Read moreRead less
How does allocation to each sex evolve in hermaphrodites? New insight from the sea. Understanding the ability of hermaphroditic animals to adapt their sex allocation to suit environmental conditions will pave the way for integration between pure and applied research. Such understanding can provide stakeholders across a range of disciplines (natural resource management, aquaculture, conservation) with key information about genetic and environmental influences on the reproduction of many species o ....How does allocation to each sex evolve in hermaphrodites? New insight from the sea. Understanding the ability of hermaphroditic animals to adapt their sex allocation to suit environmental conditions will pave the way for integration between pure and applied research. Such understanding can provide stakeholders across a range of disciplines (natural resource management, aquaculture, conservation) with key information about genetic and environmental influences on the reproduction of many species of significant ecological, economic and social value with this mating system. This research will yield knowledge at the very forefront of evolutionary ecology, enhancing Australia's reputation for research excellence in this field, and further benefit Australian science through the training of young scientists.Read moreRead less