Geetha, P; Dr. Ravindranatha Menon, N(Cochin University of Science & Technology, 1994)
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Abstract:
This thesis embodies findings on a taxonomical investigation of a group of lower marine invertebrates belonging to the category coelomata. Bryozoans are well known both in fossil and recent taxonomical history. They comprise of about 5,000 living and 16000 fossil species. Bryozoans are well known for their taxonomic abundance and structural diversity,representing the various ecological niches ranging from the intertidal to the abyssal benthic. At a time when global marine biological diversity has become a concern of not only to the scientists but also to the policy makers,an understanding of species diversity and abundance are cardinal aspects of biological studies. Geological time scales which is known that by Pre-Cambrian, marine invertebrate diversity reach the maximum and this diversity has become more comprehensive as time advanced. Taxonomists a vanishing species of scientists have become more concerned in discerning patterns of species diversity. The basic tool for this is identification fo animals. with this idea in mind a detailed study of taxonomy of bryozoan was undertaken . The major part of this thesis is devoted to describe various species of bryozoans with detailed description and ecotypical variations.The pattern of distribution and abundance which are important aspects of animal groups have also been documented. Possible effects of heavy metal contamination on the tolerance and growth of bryozoans, a few species of which have been eliminated from the chronically polluted areas of Cochin backwaters have also been documented.
Description:
Division of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, cochin University of Science and Technology
Biju, A; Dr. Saramma, U Panampunnayil(National Institute of Oceanography, July , 2008)
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Abstract:
Members of the order Mysidacea are important component in marine
and estuarine plankton inhabiting all regions of the oceans. There are many
brackish water species and few species occur in fresh water, some have
become adapted to the specialized environments of caves and wells. They are
omnivores, responsible for remineralisation of a substantial portion of the
detritus in the water column. They form an important link in the food chain
(between microbial producers and secondary consumers) and therefore play a
major role in the cycling of energy within the aquatic ecosystem. In tropical
and subtropical waters, swarms of mysids are exploited commercially and
marketed as preserved cooked food. Mysids have been used in fish farming as
live feed resource. They are also excellent experimental organism, extremely
useful in the studies of potential impact of various pollutants in the aquatic
environment. Mysids are also used in wood pulp effluent plants.Considering the significant role of mysids in the productivity of tropical and coastal ecosystems,the present study has been undertaken to extend our knowledge on the systematics,
species composition, distribution,abundance and ecology of mysid fauna of the
Indian EEZ and adjoining areas. The present study therefore will undoubtedly fumish
valuable information on Mysidacea of the Indian waters.