Eric: This summer we were interested in sort
of studying performance in marine organisms.
Specifically we were interested in some fish,
the flounder, and crabs, blue crabs.
What we’re trying to do is link performance
or what an animal can do to both its ecology
and its morphology.
Carrie: We are looking at the southern flounder
and how parasites may affect their ability
to survive.
Specifically we are looking at how parasites
in the fins of a flounder could compromise
their bearing and swimming abilities.
Candice: We’ve collected two species of
blue crabs and we have been testing pinch
force on them as well as doing fights between
pairs of individuals.
Then we’re also going to be testing the
colors on their claws as well as measuring
them, their shape and size.
Eric: How hard a crab can pinch is potentially
a predictor of a crab’s ability to find
matings, to produce offspring and to breed
leave those offspring for the next generation
of crabs.
The Flounder Project actually involves collaboration
between myself and [inaudible 00:01:16] who
is also professor at the College of Charleston.
She is an expert on parasites in marine organisms,
specifically fish.
Carrie: I personally get to help with the
collection.
If I were located at a different college,
I wouldn’t have the opportunity to do something
this cool.
Candice: I’ve learned a lot about different
methods of collecting forest data.
We use different methods here.
Going out on the boats to collect the crabs,
I’ve never done that before.
It’s really.
I’ve gained a lot of experience.
Eric: We’ve been working hard.
We’ve collected a ton of data.
Overall the research experience they’ve
got I think has been top notch.
I’ve been able to collect a lot of data
and learn a lot about these animals.
Candice: I think it will help my career, because
ultimately what it’s going to add to my
thesis and hopefully will be able to catch
even publication from it.
It’s going to make me a better scientist.
