Research Lines

The research lines developed aim to identify, describe, and analyze the biodiversity of different marine invertebrate assemblages through taxonomic, biological, and ecological studies, from both historical and current perspectives. This perspective includes the study of the extent and importance of biological invasions, considering that this is an anthropogenic process with a major impact on the biodiversity of natural communities. In this context, the following general research lines are developed:

• Description of biodiversity based on faunal surveys of benthic and planktonic marine invertebrates in the region. The objective is to establish distribution and aggregation areas for different species and zoogeographic groups, based on the affinity of their distribution areas and their relationship with the involved physical and/or biological factors.
Development of a historical database to analyze the state of diversity and the impact of biological invasions at the regional level, generating baseline information for the design of future research, as well as management and control strategies for biological invasions.

• Identification of exotic species in the study areas, and of the factors influencing their establishment in coastal environments (e.g., structure of local communities, life histories and autecology of native and invasive species, effects of anthropogenic factors).

• Study of the effects of conspicuous exotic species on populations of organisms that make up invaded communities.

Research Project

Details of the research projects of the members

Cnidaria and Ctenophora: Distribution, seasonality and abundances. Life histories and life cycles. Interspecific relationships. Genzano, G., Schiariti, A., Diaz Briz, L., and F. A. Puente Tapia

Ecology and paleoecology of Foraminifera and ostracods. Marquez M. and L. Ferrero

Taxonomic studies on benthic organisms (crustaceans, poriferans, cnidarians). Schejter L.

Peracarid crustaceans in natural and impacted environments of the Buenos Aires coastal zone and San Matías Gulf. Rumbold C. and S. Obenat

Invasion of the gastropod mollusk Rapana venosa in the Río de la Plata and its dispersion to coastal areas of Buenos Aires province. Giberto D., Bremec C., and L. I. Bruno

Effects of the invasive alga Undaria pinnatifida on the native sea star Asterina stellifera. Meretta P. and S. Obenat

Invasion of the exotic toxic sea slug Pleurobranchaea maculata in Mar del Plata, San Antonio, and Puerto Madryn: toxicity in the different invaded environments. Obenat S. and N. Farias

Effects of ecosystem engineer invaders Ficopomatus enigmaticus in a Buenos Aires estuarine environment (Mar Chiquita lagoon) and Crassostrea gigas (in Anegada Bay) on the reproduction of other species. Bazterrica C. and S. Obenat