Tardigrade species diversity in coastal lichens

Supervisors: Torbjørn Ekrem, Terje Meier (ekstern)

There are more than 150 tardigrade species registered from Norway, some of which were newly discovered through a project focused on tardigrades in Norwegian forests. However, tardigrades are present in almost all ecosystems and there are many habitats that are poorly studied in Norway. One such habitat is found in coastal lichens influenced by the marine environment. Results from a recent, unpublished field survey indicate a rich tardigrade fauna in this habitat including species new to science.

This Master project will focus on generating an overview of the tardigrade fauna from this habitat and describe the diversity along a geographical and/or environmental gradient. Fieldwork will be conducted along the coast of Norway. Practical work includes collection, sorting, slide mounting and identification of tardigrades. The project involves digital microscopy and molecular analyses in the laboratory facilities at the NTNU University Museum, Department of Natural History. Data will be analysed using available phylogenetic, bioinformatic and biogeographic tools.

It will be an advantage if the student stays some months in a collaborating lab in Italy on the Erasmus+ exchange program.

Speciation, biogeography and taxonomy of bryophytes

Supervisors: Kristian Hassel, Magni Kyrkjeeide (NINA)

We offer master projects focusing on the following subjects:
•    Speciation of bryophytes and the evolutionary significance of allopolyploidy
•    Glaciations and the existence of refugia within the Scandinavian ice sheet – which bryophytes survived within the ice sheet?
•    Taxonomy of bryophytes, species delimitation and relationships

Species delimitations in selected groups of beetles (Coleoptera), wasps (Hymenoptera) and true bugs (Hemiptera) in northern Europe

 
Supervisors: Frode Ødegaard, Torbjørn Ekrem

The beetle fauna in northern Europe is generally well known when it comes to taxonomic borders between species, but still there are difficult taxonomic complexes where species limits are discussed or controversial. Modern methods with use of molecular data combined with traditional methods provide unique possibilities to resolve such research questions today.

We propose a study combining morphological measurements and data from different gene segments of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA to infer phylogenetic relationship. Material would be available from museum collections, private collections and own field work. There are several possibilities for choosing a species complex among insects for a master thesis in this topic, but we advice to choose a complex where material is easy to obtain and specimens are not too small and difficult to handle.

Marine biology

Supervisor: Torkild Bakken

We explore the fauna, species diversity and distribution along the Norwegian coast and in the deep Norwegian Sea. Projects will include taxonomy of different marine organisms, description of species, and assessment of diversity. We regularly find species new to science and learn a lot about species' distribution that previously have been overlooked or never dealt with. Through morphological and molecular dentification of specimens we make descriptions and keys for identification. Integrated with DNA barcoding, new insight in our diversity is assessed, often leading to higher diversity measures than we thought we had. Would you like to contribute to obtain a better understanding of biodiversity in the ocean?

You will learn: identification of species by morphology and DNA barcoding; field work, use of different methods and sampling gear; use GIS to assess distribution; how scientific collections in museums work, and contribute to build museums’ scientific collections; assess nature types. Sampling methods may include both traditional gear for soft and hard bottom habitats, but also technology using under water robotics.

 
Genetic diversity in closely related non-biting midges

Supervisors: Elisabeth Stur, Torbjørn Ekrem

Non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) is one of the most species-rich insect families on earth and many species are difficult to separate. Thus, identification using standard genetic markers (so-called DNA barcoding) is particularly useful when studying diversity of non-biting midges. Recent studies have shown that midge species diversity is larger than originally thought based on morphological analyses. This cryptic diversity will be investigated through several student projects that are focused on species groups with northern distributions.

The main goal will be to investigate if separate populations of selected midge species can be separated genetically and morphologically, and if they should be regarded as separate species.

Some fieldwork in Norway or other Nordic countries will be an advantage, but not necessarily required due to our existing comprehensive collection at the NTNU University Museum. Practical work includes collection, sorting, slide mounting and identification of all life stages. The projects involve digital microscopy and molecular analyses in the laboratory facilities at the museum. Data will be analysed using available phylogenetic, bioinformatic and biogeographic tools.

Dark Taxa: Studying Life’s Hidden Hyperdiversity

Supervisor: Emily Hartop

Delve into the fascinating world of dark taxa—organisms that make up the majority of Earth's biodiversity yet remain poorly studied. These taxa are essential to the functioning of our planet but pose significant challenges for researchers due to their elusive nature.

Whether your interests lie in fieldwork, genetic analysis, morphological studies, or ecological modelling, a project can be tailored to a specific group of dark taxa, offering countless opportunities for discovery. Field surveys may take you into underexplored environments such as forests, wetlands, or even urban areas, while cutting-edge tools like MinION nanopore sequencing allow for real-time DNA analysis to identify and understand these organisms at the molecular level. Complementary morphological studies provide further insights, and ecological analysis helps reveal the patterns and roles these taxa play in their environments.

Each dark taxon presents unique challenges and opportunities, and this project is designed to adapt to your interests and expertise. For more information or to start designing your own dark taxon project, please contact Emily Hartop.