Defense Date

5-11-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Science

Degree Name

Marine Science

First Advisor

Tamara Frank, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Patricia Blackwelder, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Heather Bracken-Grissom, Ph.D.

Keywords

Crustacean vision, Terrestrial decapod, Visual adaptation, Visual physiology

Abstract

Autrum’s studies (1950, 1958) on terrestrial arthropods first revealed that the visual systems of arthropods reflected their lifestyles and habitats, demonstrating that rapidly moving predatory diurnal species tend to have better temporal resolution than slower moving nocturnal species. In order to test Autrum’s hypothesis that visual adaptions are driven by predator/prey interactions, the visual physiology of a nocturnal fast-moving predatory crab, the Atlantic ghost crab (Ocypode quadrata), and a diurnal herbivorous crab, the mangrove tree crab (Aratus pisonii), was examined and compared. Spectral sensitivity, irradiance sensitivity, and temporal resolution of the crabs were quantified using the electroretinogram (ERG), while the spatial resolution was calculated utilizing morphological methods. Both O. quadrata and A. pisonii had a single dark-adapted spectral sensitivity peak (494 and 499 nm respectively) and chromatic adaptation had no effect on their spectral sensitivity, indicating that both species have monochromatic visual systems. The temporal resolution of O. quadrata was not significantly different from that of A. pisonii, but O. quadrata did possess a significantly greater spatial resolution and irradiance sensitivity. Both species possess an acuity zone in the anterior region of their eyes. The data presented in this study will aid in the current understanding of the correlation between visual physiology and the life history of the animal.

Download
Share Feedback

Share

COinS