Thesis subject
Using eDNA to analyze the diet of mysterious deep sea squid
Cuttlefish and squid are thought to be opportunistic predators, hunting anything that moves. To capture prey, they use their suction cups found on their arms and tentacles. Despite, their opportunistic behaviour, the morphology of their suction cups varies significantly between species. A possible indication that their suction cups have adapted to a specific prey type.
We want to study whether cuttlefish and squid are indeed opportunistic predators by studying their diet. To uncover the diet composition, we will extract environmental DNA (eDNA) from several deep sea squid and North sea squid species.
We are looking for a motivated student (MSc thesis or 24 ECTS BSc thesis) that has affinity with molecular techniques and has for example followed the course “advanced molecular ecology” or a similar course. During this project you will learn all about: extracting eDNA from squid stomachs, preparing isolated DNA for sequencing and sequencing the DNA with a Nanopore Minion; a sequencer as large as your smartphone! Together, this will give us a better understanding of their diet and understand whether their suction cup morphology is linked to their diet.
If you are interested in studying morphology and want to learn a range of cool techniques, do not hesitate to contact us via ezo.thesis@wur.nl to ask for the options.