Overview
The dispersal of offspring away from their parent's habitat is a widespread phenomenon in nature. In coral reef ecosystems, most animals produce tiny, dispersive larvae that develop for several days to months in the upper water column before returning to settle in benthic habitats. This process of larval dispersal determines the level of connectivity among patchily distributed reefs, which has important consequences for the ecology, evolution, and conservation of reef associated species. Yet, the processes that shape patterns of larval dispersal and population connectivity in the ocean remain poorly understood.
To address this gap in our knowledge, the Majoris Lab leverages expertise in marine ecology, animal behavior, and aquaculture to study the early life history and dispersal traits of marine fishes. To date, our research has primarily focused on (1) measuring larval dispersal traits throughout development, (2) determining how larval behaviors influence population dynamics on coral reefs, and (3) developing aquaculture protocols for coral reef fishes. The Majoris Lab's goal is to advance our understanding of how physical and biological processes influence patterns of population connectivity in marine ecosystems.
To address this gap in our knowledge, the Majoris Lab leverages expertise in marine ecology, animal behavior, and aquaculture to study the early life history and dispersal traits of marine fishes. To date, our research has primarily focused on (1) measuring larval dispersal traits throughout development, (2) determining how larval behaviors influence population dynamics on coral reefs, and (3) developing aquaculture protocols for coral reef fishes. The Majoris Lab's goal is to advance our understanding of how physical and biological processes influence patterns of population connectivity in marine ecosystems.
Masthead photo credit: Morgan Bennett-Smith, @morganbennettsmith