Research Training Program

Benjamin Linzmeier
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, Ohio

Martin Buzas, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist
Department of Paleobiology

"World class collections, researchers,
and facilities, are all at the fingertips
of a lucky few undergraduates each summer through the Research Training Program. How could we better spend our summers?"

Ammonia test morphology: a quantitative analysis of variation

The actions of modern humans have dramatic effects on biologic community structure around the world. During the summer of 2005, a vast amount of freshwater from Lake Okeechobee was released through a series of canals into the Indian River Lagoon's St. Lucie Inlet. The release of freshwater into the area greatly reduced the salinity of the water, which affected both macro and microorganisms. The present investigation focused on the foraminifera, a shelled microorganism, from the St. Lucie Inlet. Size and shape of the foraminifera's shells were measured for variation. Samples were taken during and after freshwater release. Then specimens were compared to each other and samples from an unaffected area. Through the comparisons of shell shape and structure, insight can be gained into the relationship between the development of the microorganism and the environment in which it grows. By studying modern microorganisms like these, information about climate and chemical conditions from millions of years ago can be gathered more efficiently from the fossils of microorganisms.

This research was supported by a grant from the NMNH Office of the Director.

Letter of gratitude