Crustaceans use sound for many different life history strategies. Over the last decade many different crustaceans, such as paddle crabs and lobsters, have been described to produce sounds. However, these sounds are typically outside what is known about their hearing capabilities. Underwater there are two sound transmission channels, through the water or the substrate. Recently, the substrate sound transmission channel was highlighted as important for animals that are in contact with the seafloor, such as crustaceans. Using three model organisms, paddle crab, spiny lobster, and snapping shrimp, and novel physics-based techniques, this study will provide a comprehensive investigation into the physics, structure, function and behaviour of crustacean hearing. To achieve this, we will:
- measure sounds produced in both the water and substrate simultaneously;
- characterise the morphology of the three known sound receptors in a diverse range of crustaceans; and
- provide functional and behavioural evidence for sound reception in both sound transmission channels. Our results will directly contribute to the growing body of evidence that the sound sensory channel is an important and widely used sense by marine animals and provide a physiological and behavioural basis for sound communication in crustaceans.
The first project will investigate sound production in crustaceans and in particular assess the signal characteristics between the water propagated and sediment propagated signals. The project will require extensive use of vector sensor technology and laser vibrometry and imaging techniques. Therefore, an ideal student should be familiar with some of these techniques, or have the ability to learn quickly, as training will be provided.
The second project will utilise conditioning (e.g., operant conditioning) and physiological (e.g., auditory evoked potentials) techniques to investigate the hearing abilities of crustaceans. The ideal applicant should be familiar with at least one of these techniques (not necessarily on crustaceans), or have the ability to learn quickly, as training will be provided. This PhD position will be based at the Leigh Marine Laboratory (www.marine.auckland.ac.nz).
Applicants should hold a first-class MSc or BSc honours degree in physics or biology, or equivalent. Applications should include evidence of qualifications (official academic transcript) and research experience, together with a curriculum vitae and contact details of two academic referees. Applications should be supported by a cover letter that states which project the candidate is interested in, why they are interested in the position and how their qualifications are suited to the proposed project. Please email [Email Address Removed] with completed applications as well as any additional inquiries.
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