Discussion and data analysis of the project "zonation in sheltered rocky shores of the subtropical Atlantic: spatial variation and biofilm effects"

• Grant number: 14/05669-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: July 20, 2014
• End date: October 19, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Ecosystems Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Marcel Okamoto Tanaka
• Grantee: Jaqueline Cristiane Siquitelli
• Supervisor: Sergio Andrés Navarrete Campos
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
• Associated to the scholarship: 13/04184-9 - Zonation on sheltered rocky shores in the subtropical Atlantic: Spatial variation and biofilm effect., BP.MS

Abstract

In this ongoing Masters project, we are testing the hypothesis that the biofilm influences the zonation of sheltered rocky shores of the Brazilian South-East by reducing the occurrence of barnacles on the inferior midlittoral. We are also assessing the spatial extension of this zonation pattern, as well as barnacle mortality in this zone. These studies will permit to obtain baseline data on the sheltered rocky shores in this region and on the functioning of these communities. This is especially relevant for subtropical ecosystems due to the scarcity or inexistence of studies of this type. With this proposal of Research Internship Abroad Scholarship (BEPE), we intend to broaden the discussion of the study carried out in Brazil with a group of excellence abroad. The objectives include: to analyze and discuss the results of this project; to increase the student's scientific experience; to make the publication of the data more efficient; to increase the contact between the study groups; and to look for future academic partnerships. The objectives will be accomplished by a number of integrated strategies, and each strategy will be evaluated according to specific indicators. We believe that the conclusion of the project, the student's formation, and the Brazilian Post-Graduation Program will benefit directly from the BEPE, leading to a greater internationalization of Brazilian science. (AU)