Research Projects

Rationale of the Research Seagrasses are essential components of coastal ecosystems, playing a significant role in biodiversity and ecological stability. Their meadows support various marine species and provide crucial ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, water filtration, and coastal protection (Waycott et al., 2009). However, global declines in seagrass populations due to climate change and human activities pose a serious threat to these ecosystems. Therefore, understanding seagrasses' genetic resilience and adaptability to environmental stressors is vital for effective conservation and management efforts (Koch et al., 2013; Costanza et al., 2014). This research addresses the urgent need to understand the genetic diversity and evolutionary potential of Indian seagrass species in the context of ongoing environmental changes. The southeastern coast of India, known for its rich marine biodiversity, offers an ideal environment for studying the genetic structure of seagrasses, particularly those in the Cymodoceaceae family. By utilizing advanced genomic techniques, this study aims to uncover the genetic mechanisms underlying the adaptability and resilience of seagrasses, contributing to the broader field of marine conservation genetics. Objectives • Generate SNP markers for Cymodoceaceae species along the Indian coastline using techniques like ddRAD and GBS to assess genetic variation effectively. • Utilize the SNP markers to investigate the genetic structure and connectivity of Cymodoceaceae species, identifying patterns of gene flow and spatial genetic variation. • Specifically analyze the genetic diversity within Cymodocea serrulata and Cymodocea rotundata populations and compare variations among populations. • Study genetic diversity across different populations of Halodule species and Syringodium isoetifolium, exploring factors contributing to variations. • Conduct comparative assessments to understand genetic variations across different populations over time and geographical scales. Hypothesis/Model The study is based on the hypothesis that seagrass species along the Indian coastline exhibit significant genetic structuring due to ecological factors such as ocean currents, historical events, and species-specific life history traits. Furthermore, it is proposed that SNP markers can effectively reveal fine-scale genetic variations and provide insights into the adaptability and resilience of seagrass species in response to environmental stressors, particularly climate change. Significance to the Field • The study will enhance knowledge of how genetic variation influences the resilience and adaptability of seagrass meadows, a critical component of coastal ecosystems. • Insights into the evolutionary history and gene flow dynamics of seagrasses will improve our understanding of marine biodiversity and the factors affecting it.