Overview
Our understanding of host-microbe interactions is known in great depth from a very few number of “simple” study systems (i.e., squid-vibrio, lucinid clams, Atlantic killfish, Olavius oligochaete) and a larger number of foundation species (i.e., corals, sponges). Assuming that between 0.3 and 2.2 million metazoan species live in the ocean, our knowledge about host-microbe interactions is based upon 0.03% and 0.004% of all marine host species only (they fall in 5 out of 32 phyla living in the ocean).
Expanding the breath of host-microbe studies On what taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional groups should future studies on symbiosis be focusing and why?
Discussion Questions
What have we learned from these systems?
Why are some systems being studied more than others?
On what taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional groups should future studies on symbiosis be focusing and why?
Play a game with the group: If you could pick 10 organisms to study, how would you pick them? Why?
Can we study hosts in aquaria without disrupting their symbioses, or are field studies necessary?
How can a system be studied with a more systematic approach? How deep do you have to study a system? Where should we prioritize research?
Outcomes
Schedule
0630-0730 Breakfast
0800–1200 Field trip
Fossils with Aaron O’Dea
Lunch in the field
1400–1700 Topic 3
1400–1430
Raquel Peixoto & Luis Mejia on Probiotics/BMMO (title TBA; confirmed)
1440–1540
Break-out groups
3A: What can microbiology do for conservation?
1540–1640
Report and discuss ideas
1640–1700 Break
1700–1900 Topic 4
With refreshments
1700–1715
Introduction to Topic 4 (Laetitia/Matt/Jarrod)
1715–1815
Break-out groups
4A: On what taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional groups should future studies on symbiosis be focusing and why?
1815–1900
Report and discuss ideas