Seminar: Daniel Molloy

Daniel P. Molloy, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Department of Biological Sciences
State University of New York - Albany
"Unraveling the Mystery of Rotifer Deaths at a Remote Adirondack Lake"

Brooktrout Lake is a water body being monitored for acid recovery in an Adirondack wilderness area. Several years ago, odd shaped rotifers with filaments jutting out from their bodies were unexpectedly observed in plankton tow samples. Rotifers with such morphologies had never been previously reported. Were they new rotifer species? - Not at all. Further investigation soon revealed that these strange looking rotifers were actually parasitized individuals of common Adirondack species. Their strange appearance was due to a parasite extending out from their bodies. Understanding the biology, taxonomy, and ecology of this disease organism has been the goal of an international team of scientists ever since. Come hear about the progress they've made and key questions that still remain.

Thursday, November 17, 2011
12:15–1:30 p.m.
Classroom Building B118

Students, staff, and faculty are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.