Terme
Arjomand
Sponsor: Andrew Rypel, Ph.D. Wildlife & Fisheries Biology Parasites are a common feature of animal populations and ecosystems, but few studies investigate the physiological and ecological impacts of parasites. In this study, we investigate tapeworm parasitism in a common fish species (Speckled Dace, Rhinichthys osculus) across Sierra Nevada glacial lakes. In total, we sampled and performed dissections on 92 speckled dace from 10 Sierra Nevada alpine lakes to quantify 1) parasite prevalence; and 2) influence of parasitism on fish condition factor (K). Preliminary results revealed 38% of dace were parasitized by tapeworms, of which 31.4% hosted multiple tapeworm parasites. On average, parasites were responsible for 20.6% of host fish weight. This contribution of parasite weight towards total fish weight could significantly bias estimates of condition factor. For example, once accounted for, condition factor values were, on average, 21% lower than original calculations. Since condition factor is a standard index used to estimate fish health, parasitism might lead to inaccurate assessments; fish biologists may mistakenly claim that fish are in "good condition" when, in reality, they are in "poor condition". Parasites should likely be considered when using condition factor to manage fish populations in freshwater systems. Drought Resistance in Mimulus Guttatus
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Terme Arjomand
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Mimulus guttatus, colloquially known as the Monkeyflower, is a highly adaptable plant found in diverse environments, from Mexico's deserts to the Altiplano's snowline. Its resilience across varying climates makes it an excellent model for studying climate adaptation mechanisms. With droughts increasingly threatening California's agriculture, understanding how native species respond to water scarcity is essential. Our research examines the root adaptations of Mimulus guttatus to drought stress by analyzing 29 populations collected before and after the severe 2013-2015 California drought. We assessed the Mimulus Guttatus root system architecture to identify drought-induced morphological changes. To simulate dehydration, seedlings were cultivated in vitro on drought-adapted media containing Polyethylene Glycol 8000 (PEG8000). This method allowed us to observe variations in root development under controlled drought conditions. By comparing root traits across populations, we aim to identify patterns of adaptation that may help explain how Mimulus guttatus copes with water scarcity in its natural habitats. UC Davis 36 th Annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference 58 Botrytis' Sweet Tooth: The Influence of Plant Sugars in the Fungus Growth Lorenzo Arosemena
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UC Davis / UC Davis Genome Center / 2025
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Terme Arjomand