Patterns of Sphaeridiotrema pseudoglobulus infection in sympatric and allopatric hosts (Bithynia tentaculata) originating from widely separated sites across the USA

Sandland, Gregory J.; Peirce, James

doi:10.1007/s00436-020-06949-0

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 49 publications

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“…For the purposes of this lesson, it is important to note that these trematode species do not infect humans and thus the snails do not require special protocols for handling. Studies on the infection patterns (30,(32)(33)(34)(35) and population dynamics (36,37) of this system are increasing, but studies investigating how biotic and abiotic factors affect small-scale dispersal behavior of the snail are still needed. A better understanding of how snails disperse at a local scale will help more accurately predict the invasive potential of the snail and trematode parasites.…”

Section: System Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

Snail Races: An Inquiry-Based Approach to Learn Invasive Species Ecology

Grindle,

Bergan-Roller,

Johnson

et al. 2023

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Inquiry-based lessons allow learning that is hands-on and student-driven, fostering engagement and retention of knowledge in any discipline. Here, we use this learning framework to engage students in exploring the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on animal dispersal as a means of connecting students to multiple ecological concepts. Instructors are provided with a guided lecture on key ecological concepts including the impacts of invasive species, dispersal mechanisms, and species interactions with the environment. Furthermore, the interactive lecture introduces students to the snail study system and explains the experimental process, which involves low-cost, readily available materials (e.g., kiddie pools). Students design experiments that explore how variables including density, substrate, and temperature can affect animal dispersal. They conduct the experiments, engage in a process of peer-review, analyze results, and share their study. We performed this lesson in an undergraduate Ecology course and report here on student responses to the experience. The lesson is designed to be performed with the faucet snail (Bithynia tentaculata), an invasive freshwater species throughout much of the Great Lakes region, but can be easily modified to accommodate other species. The lesson is also highly amenable to modifications for variable class sizes, student grade levels, and lesson duration.

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