Molecular Ecology and Conservation Labs
Hidden from sight yet essential to life on Earth, DNA holds the keys to nature’s biggest mysteries. By studying these microscopic building blocks, we gain deeper insight into how ecosystems function and how we can better protect them.
At Shedd’s Molecular Ecology and Conservation Labs, a collaborative team of conservation scientists, animal health and animal care experts work to apply cutting-edge technology to real-world challenges in aquarium science, animal care and wellbeing, and conservation. Laboratory projects are diverse and can include everything from helping to maintain healthy water quality and complex biological filtration systems at the aquarium to supporting conservation research initiatives across the globe.
Unlocking Microbial Community Dynamics in Built Aquatic Ecosystems
Effective nitrogen cycling, which prevents the accumulation of toxic compounds, is critical to keeping animals at the aquarium healthy. Ammonia, found in animal waste or released from decaying organic material, must be continually removed by microorganisms through a process known as nitrification.
Nitrification is initiated and controlled by bacteria and other microorganisms living within filter media (the material in a filter that catches particles), substrate (the material that covers the bottom of a habitat) and water within a habitat. These microbial communities must be established, or “seeded,” prior to introducing animals. Characterizing and harnessing the potential of nitrifying microbes in aquariums is still poorly understood, yet these organisms are vital to sustaining water quality and function of these systems.
We are currently conducting studies in several saltwater and freshwater aquariums to explore microbial dynamics and establishment in new exhibits like Wonder of Water, and to uncover effects of quarantine treatments on nitrifying microbes.
Decoding Diets of Magellanic Penguins in Patagonia
In the face of declining Magellanic penguin populations, Shedd is collaborating with University of California, Davis and Argentinian researchers to unravel the mysteries of their diet. This vital information is crucial to conserve these charismatic creatures.
As a result of climate change, Magellanic penguins from central Patagonia may be traveling longer distances to find quality food sources. This could affect how often their chicks are fed and reduce their survival.
Currently, there is no way to reliably assess the diets of wild penguins without significantly disrupting their nesting colonies. Shedd is collaboratively addressing this challenge by developing protocols to determine penguin diets using DNA sequencing of fecal samples. This emerging technique is not only helping to advance our understanding of penguins in a non-invasive way, but it is also driving the field of conservation forward by establishing new research methods that other organizations can replicate in the field.
Detecting Unnatural Foods in Tourist-visited Bahamian Rock Iguanas
Bahamian rock iguanas are an endangered species facing numerous threats including hunting, habitat destruction and introduced animals like cats, dogs and pigs. A growing threat includes increased visitation and feeding by tourists.
Shedd scientists have documented that an unnatural diet – like junk food or even grapes – affects rock iguana physiology, health and behavior.
As the largest native herbivores in the area, rock iguanas play an important role as seed dispersers on the remote islands they inhabit. Feeding with non-native foods could disrupt this process, altering ecosystems over time. As a complement to Shedd’s long-standing iguana research program, we are using a combination of traditional microscopy and molecular techniques in the lab to identify plant species in iguana scat (feces) and determine the makeup of human-provided versus natural food items.
A Rich History of Shedd's Laboratories
In 2015, Shedd received a generous gift from the Grainger Foundation to fund the Aquarium Microbiome Project and create a new, on-site molecular biology laboratory – the Microbiome Lab. The lab was designed with high-throughput, state-of-the-art technology, including automated DNA extraction and liquid handling robotics, PCR/qPCR and next-generation (Illumina) sequencing instrumentation, making it a first-of-its-kind facility among AZA institutions.
The Microbiome Lab has evolved beyond its original scope to incorporate a broader range of workflows and objectives, leading to its renaming as the Molecular Ecology Lab to reflect its expanded role. Through intentional restructuring of the Animal Care and Science Division and incorporation with the renovated Conservation Research Lab facility, Shedd is leveraging the tools of the combined Molecular Ecology and Conservation Labs to further conservation initiatives and answer in-situ and ex-situ research questions.