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QE : 25 April 2018, Wednesday, 3pm (Louise Neo / Assoc Prof Hugh Tan) Seminar Room 2

Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

Centers of plant generic endemism in Borneo and their significance for biogeography and conservation

Speaker:              Louise Neo (Graduate Student, Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Date:                   25 April 2018, Wednesday
Time:                   3pm
Venue:                Seminar Room 2 (S2 Level 4, #04-15)
Supervisor:         Assoc Prof Hugh Tan T W
Co-Supervisor:  Dr Wong Khoon Meng (Principal Researcher, Singapore Botanic Gardens)

 Abstract: –

The narrow geographical ranges of endemic plants that make them regionally or globally rare, render them of special interest for biogeographic research and conservation. Endemic genera can be unique evolutionary lineages. Centers of generic endemism, where these are concentrated, can indicate special environments, or could be areas of active speciation or refugia. The highly biodiverse rainforests of Borneo have been a major source of speciation and dispersal for plant lineages in Southeast Asia since the pre-Miocene, but they are hypothesized to be in a refugial state at present and, therefore, highly threatened. Centers of plant generic endemism have never been examined, although they can highlight priority areas for biogeographic research and conservation. I use a taxonomy-informed approach to gather the known occurrences of the endemic and near-endemic plant genera of Borneo from critically identified herbarium specimens, with the aims of (1) mapping distribution patterns of the genera, (2) identifying centers of generic endemism and their environmental correlates, (3) understanding distribution patterns and centers of generic endemism within the historical biogeography context of Borneo, and (4) assessing conservation exigencies for these genera.

All are welcome

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QE : 26 April 2018, Thursday, 10am (Kenny Chua / Asst Prof Darren Yeo) DBS Conference Room

Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

FRESHWATER FISH DIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Speaker:       Kenny Chua Wei Jie (Graduate Student, Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Date:            26 April 2018, Thursday
Time:              10am
Venue:             DBS Conference Room  (S3 Level 5, #05-01)
Supervisor:     Asst Prof Darren Yeo Chong Jinn

 

Abstract: –

The highly diverse ichthyofaunas of Southeast Asian fresh waters are threatened by land-use change, resulting in declines in species richness. Given the ecological importance of freshwater fishes, the loss of their diversity is expected to alter ecosystem functioning—i.e., pools and fluxes of biogeochemical resources—but these potential impacts remain poorly understood in Southeast Asia. To address this knowledge gap, I aim to elucidate the relationship between freshwater fish diversity, ecosystem functioning and land-use change in Southeast Asia. By characterising and analysing the variation in functional traits of freshwater fishes, my work will investigate mechanistic links between freshwater fish diversity and the ecosystem functions mediated by them. I will also conduct both cross-sectional and longitudinal field studies across Southeast Asia to quantify the impacts of land-use driven fish diversity losses on the functioning of flowing fresh waters in the region. Since ecosystem functions ultimately underpin ecosystem services that are essential for human well-being, knowledge gained from this study will help illuminate the potentially far-reaching and reflexive consequences of anthropogenic biodiversity loss.

All are welcome

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Jobs with the black soldier fly project: Project Manager (PhD) and 2 RA/LOs at NUS

Food recycling with black soldier flies

Singapore has a food waste and a food security problem. Both issues can be addressed by recycling food waste with black soldier flies (BSFs). The larvae of the flies are used as feed (e.g. for egg/ fish production) and the remaining waste can be used as fertilizer for vertical farming. More details can be found here: https://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/black-soldier-flies-war-food-waste/.

We are now recruiting manpower for this new 2-year project. The first phase of the project concentrates on improving the performance of the flies via artificial selection for higher larval growth rate and larger clutch size. The genome of the species will be sequenced and regular re-sequencing will be used to identify the genetic markers that are under selection.

The second phase of the project consists of working with our commercial partners to establish pilot plants capable of handling at least one tonne of food waste per day.

Three positions are available. One for a project manager (e.g. with PhD) and two for RAs or lab technologists; use the relevant links to apply:

Prof Rudolf Meier
Evolution Lab [link]
Department of Biological Sciences
National University of Singapore

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PhD Defense Seminar cum Oral Examination: 13 April 2018, Friday, 10am (Muhammad Izuddin Bin Mohamad Rafee / Assoc Prof Edward L Webb) DBS Con Rm

PhD Defense Seminar cum Oral Examination

ConservIzuddin.jpgation of epiphytic orchids in urbanised tropical environments

Speaker:       Muhammad Izuddin Bin Mohamad Rafee (Graduate Student Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Date:             13 April 2018, Friday
Time:             10am
Venue:          DBS Conference  Room (S3 LEVEL 5, #05-01)
Supervisor:   Assoc Prof Edward L. Webb

Abstract – 

“As urban expansion persists, preserving biodiversity becomes progressively difficult. Yet, ex situ methods can facilitate biodiversity conservation in urban spaces. However, species-specific niche requirements—particularly in urbanised environments—remain largely unknown, making ex situ conservation programmes ineffectual. Using native epiphytic orchids as a study system, I assessed two primary ecological barriers to orchid regeneration in urban habitats, namely availability of orchid mycorrhizal fungus / fungi (OMF) as well as the niche requirements of OMF and native orchids. First, I assessed the availability of OMF on urban trees and the orchid-site suitability of various orchid species by conducting metabarcoding and next-generation sequencing on tree bark and orchid samples. I also identified biophysical factors that influenced OMF presence and richness on urban sites. Second, I investigated the germination niches—i.e. compatible OMF and suitable biophysical conditions—of four orchid species by conducting orchid mycorrhizal fungal baiting and seed sowing experiments. I then assessed the potential for aboveground orchid seed banks (seed longevity) using seed viability tests on post-experimental, non-germinated seeds. Third, I evaluated the effectiveness of managed relocation of multiple native orchid species in various urban habitats via long-term planting experiments, as well as identified species post-germination niche requirements that influenced the long-term survival and growth of translocated orchids. My results indicated that OMF are present on urban trees. However, presence, diversity, and distribution of OMF were primarily constrained by biophysical factors. Urban trees can support germination niches for native epiphytic orchids as well. I also found evidence of seed bank formation on epiphytic microsites. Based on the long-term study, majority of the species showed survival and positive growth. Overall, this thesis demonstrates how species-specific niche requirements can be evaluated / quantified and how the information gained can benefit ex situ, as well as in situ, orchid conservation.”

All are welcome

 

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QE : 23 April 2018, Monday, 11am (Ng Chin Soon Lionel / Asst Prof Huang Danwei) DBS Con Rm

Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

Functional characterisation of coral species for enhancing reef restoration

Speaker:              Ng Chin Soon Lionel (Graduate Student, Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Date:                   23 April 2018, Monday
Time:                   11am
Venue:                DBS Conference room  (S3 Level 5)
Supervisor:        Asst Prof Huang Danwei
Co-Supervisor:  Prof Chou Loke Ming

 

Abstract: –

The global decline of coral reefs has necessitated active management strategies in the form of restoration and rehabilitation. Despite the emphasis on reinstating taxonomic diversity on degraded reefs, there is limited understanding on how such actions and the species used collectively contribute to reef ecosystem functioning. This could be addressed by adopting a trait-based approach to reef restoration, but this is hampered by a general paucity of available information on coral traits. My thesis focuses on characterising the functional traits of reef stony corals to prioritise species for the rehabilitation of Singapore’s degraded reefs. Broadly, I aim to: 1) establish species distributions across Singapore’s coral habitats, 2) investigate species responses to bleaching, 3) quantify coral growth rate and skeletal density, and 4) examine stakeholder inputs towards reef restoration. The data obtained will be incorporated into a decision-making framework so that relevant and effective restoration strategies can be formulated. The research is expected to enhance coral reef management in Singapore, and is applicable to other coastal cities seeking to optimise their habitat rehabilitation strategies.
 All are welcome

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QE: 20 April 2018, Friday, 2pm (Jenny / Assoc Prof Peter T Todd) DBS Con Rm

Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

Competitive interactions between scleractinian corals and macroalgae on heavily impacted reefs

Speaker:              Jenny (Graduate Student, Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Date:                    20 April 2018, Friday
Time:                    2pm
Venue:                 DBS Conference Room II (S1, Level 3, mezzanine
Supervisor:          Assoc Prof  Peter A. Todd
Co-Supervisor:   A/P Suresh Valiyaveettil

 

Abstract: –

Coral reef ecosystems are in global decline with macroalgae commonly replacing many scleractinian corals. On heavily impacted coral reefs where nutrients are elevated and herbivory is low, high levels of competitive interactions between corals and macroalgae are predicted. Macroalgae are able to suppress coral survival, growth, and reproduction, which can potentially lead to phase-shifts from coral- to algae-dominated reefs. The dynamics of coral–macroalgal interactions and the mechanisms involved, however, remain poorly understood. My PhD thesis aims to (1) assess the spatial–temporal patterns of coral–macroalgal interactions on Singapore’s reefs, (2) examine the effects of macroalgal competition on coral physiology and microbiomes across various coral–macroalgal pairings, and (3) investigate the allelopathic effects of macroalgae as the potential mechanism mediating coral–macroalgal competition. My research will help improve our understanding on processes regulating coral–macroalgal competition and hence the long-term benthic community structure on impacted coral reef ecosystems.
 All are welcome

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QE : 12 April 2018 , 3pm (Wong Boon Hui/ Assoc Prof Li Daiqin) DBS Con Rm

Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

The evolution of enlarged chelicerae in the ant-mimicking jumping spiders

Speaker:            Wong Boon Hui
Date:                  12 April 2018, Thursday
Time:                 Time: 3pm
Venue:               S3-05-02 – DBS CONFERENCE ROOM (S3 LEVEL 5)
Supervisor:      Assoc Prof Li Daiqin

 

Abstract: –

Exaggerated weapons have persisted through the animal evolutionary tree, having evolved on multiple occasions. This study is to examine the evolution of weapons, which are the enlarged chelicerae, in the ant-mimicking jumping spiders, Myrmarachne spp., through the analysis of its allometry, trade-off, compensation, and selection mode across the phylogeny, with focus on the family Salticidae, followed by the genera Myrmarachne. As we established the evolutionary history, I will proceed to evaluate the cost and benefit of developing and carrying such weapon. Food resources and moulting behaviour are proposed as the cost while sexual selection, comprising male-male competition and female mate choice, is proposed as the benefit.

As to verify enlarged chelicerae being an honest signal, which is limited by cost, I will conduct experiment to show that nutritional level of the spider diet will affect the size of the chelicerae. As the spiders only carry weapons after their final moult, I will also investigate whether weapon size affects moulting duration, as moulting is known to be an energetically costly process.

As for the benefit, male-male competition is tested by pairing size-matched males against each other in contest experiments to test whether chelicera size affect contest outcome. Pairs of males will then be presented to females to see if female spiders have a preference over males with different chelicera sizes. These two experiments will indicate whether enlarged chelicerae are employed as honest signal for resource holding potential (RHP) and/or as mate potential.
 

All are welcome