Project Completion

Abstract

For my proposal, I worked closely with Dr. Bonnie Bain at SUU to help her to identify, describe, and draw two new species of sea spiders collected from Monterey Bay,CA. I also helped her with drawing another sea spider that lacked illustrations but was relatively well known in literature (Colossendeis colossea). Obscure creatures, sea spiders are a type of marine invertebrate that resembles a spider, but is found in the oceans. They are very different however as they lack the fangs typical in spiders and also lack the book lungs typically found in spiders. Since they are relatively poorly understood due to lack of scientists that research them, we know next to nothing about them and there are many species waiting to be discovered in collections around the world. With this in mind, the intent of this project was to help expand our knowledge of such creatures. All three specimens were collected by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) in the Monterey Submarine Canyon. These were collected around depths of 3087-3498m. The other sea spider drawn was graciously loaned to us by the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) and was found off the coast of Nova Scotia at a depth of 1792m. Looking at their features, we were able to determine that they belonged to the Genus Pallenopsis, Subgenus Bathypallenopsis, and the mollissima group. We determined that off the 3 specimens looked at, there were 2 species previously new to science and that the only comparable species was P. comosa, but due to slight differences in ovigers and geographic location, it is unlikely they're the same species.I have also entered in the SUU Festival of Excellence which will be coming up relatively soon (April 2^nd). I have spent around 11 hrs working on each individual specimen. The main aim of my project has and continues to be focused on engaging with the scientific community, but the majority of the skills worked on involved on anatomical illustrations, and in identifying species.

Project Goals:

• I will be writing at least a single scientific paper
• I will draw around half a dozen sea spiders as well as draw their distinctive features.
• I will be applying to the Festival of Excellence and producing a poster for it

Goal Outcome:

Overall, I was able to accomplish most of my goals. I wasn’t quite able to fulfill the first two and therefore modifications to these goals were necessary. Looking back, I was a bit ambitious with my project. For example, I expected to easily get 6 drawings of the sea spiders accomplished, but upon working, I realized that each illustration I worked on took significantly more time. I thought that I could complete 1 within a week at my fastest and about 1 every 2 weeks at the worst. Therefore I was just barely under the goals I had set for myself. It’s not bad to be ambitious, but looking back, I would’ve probably set the standard a bit lower. I would’ve tried to just have 3-4 illustrations completed. As for the scientific paper, the paper I ended up writing won’t be good enough to be publishable. Since I was the sole author, I don’t think it’s a smart idea submitting it without having Bonnie look over it and making recommendations for changes. I was able to create and present my poster for my project for the Festival of Excellence however, which was an amazing chance for me to get some experience with public speaking for a little bit.

Outcomes:

Following the completion of this project, I can definitely say that I will have a better competitive edge in applying for a wildlife biologist positions solely on the grounds that I now have some experience with how to identify and describe new species. I have learned many things that are actually incredibly helpful and look impressive such as stating that I helped to discover not just one species, but two! If that doesn’t impress, I don’t know what will. I can also adequately explain how I was able to come to the conclusion that they were new species such as describing how they’re different to other species. Some of the little details and observations that I’ve made will also be helpful as they will show that I have some understanding of the issues concerning describing new species. For starters, I now know that a picture literally tells more than words could adequately explain. On top of that, my portfolio will be especially helpful as it will show that I am capable of drawing extremely complicated illustrations of animals. They also show my progression as an artist. All of these things would definitely impress should I decide to ever go to graduate school and or enter a profession as a wildlife biologist (I’ll still need to go to graduate school before entering this profession unfortunately). Lastly, my work on the sea spiders will allow me to use Dr. Bonnie Bain and Prof. Fredric Govedich as references on my resume. They could definitely help put in a good word of favor for me should I ever go to graduate school or apply for a biology career in the near future.

I guess another valuable goal accomplished in this project was that I was able to expand my art portfolio. Regardless of what I end up using my art for, having physical drawings that showcase my arts and talents will be incredibly valuable. This was the first time that I ever drew illustrations that showed the unique features of a new species! I learned a lot in the process as well since I was able to learn what features I needed to show in each illustration as well as got better about orientating multiple drawings on the page in a way that made sense and was somewhat easy to tell what was what. Additionally, I learned that ¾ views of invertebrates really isn’t all that beneficial as drawing comparisons between species can be harder to do. I’d say that overall, I was able to accomplish all of the above objectives.

Deliverables

• Festival of Excellence Poster
• Journal/Reflection
• Scientific Paper
• Sketches
• Comparisons of Pallenopsis specimens
• Pallenopsis Measurements