Distribution patterns of hydroids (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) in deep Atlantic waters and adjacent polar seas

Abstract

My PhD project aims to infer distributional patterns of Atlantic deep-water hydrozoans, including those of the adjacent polar seas. Primary data will be based on information of the specimens deposited in international collections, after checking their identifications. Geographical, morphological and ecological data of these specimens will be synthesized to infer limits and gradients of species/supraspecific clades. Life history (e.g., presence of medusa stage in the life cycle) and morphological traits (e.g., body size or presence of hydrotheca) will be contrasted with depth and latitude in order to check their functional/historical drivers. We believe it is essential to study the Hydrozoa collection of the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., The United States of America) in order to achieve these goals. The NMNH collection comprises a large number of specimens, and has the best taxonomic and geographic representation for the western Atlantic area. Besides data collection, the stay at NMNH will enable to experience research in a renowned center for biodiversity studies as well as to interact with Allen Collins, an expert in morphology, genetics and life history of cnidarians, and a historical collaborator of our laboratory. (AU)