Jerome Kok Wai Kit

Supervisor: Dr. Darren Yeo Chong Jinn & Dr. Sandric Leong (TMSI)

Project: Productivity of toxic algal species in relation to environmental variations along the East Johor Straits

I enjoy being outdoors, and that is perhaps how I was drawn towards pursuing a concentration in Environmental Biology. The research I have come across under this concentration has been quite interesting. I find it interesting to imagine where and how the various research findings can fit into the highly-complex processes which characterise what can be found in the real world. For my FYP, I am extending from what I had studied in an earlier UROPS— also carried out under the FIB lab. I intend to look at how growth patterns of a toxic algal species differ under various conditions. Toxic algal bloom events in Singapore waters can have very severe impacts upon aquaculture as well as public health. Through my study, I hope to better understand how environmental variations in the East Johor Straits may influence the growth of a toxic algal species that can be found there.

Lim Zi Yun

Supervisor: Dr. Darren Yeo Chong Jinn & Dr. Joelle Lai

Project: Revision of the genus Mekhongthelphusa Naiyanetr, 1985 and a study of a group of freshwater crabs in the former family Parathelphusidae Alcock, 1910.

The genus Mekhongthelphusa currently consists of four species of river crabs distributed in northeast Thailand and southern Vietnam.  Two species used to be under the genus Chulathelphusa Naiyanetr, 1994 but have been synonymised due to the slight differences. From existing species, there is evidence of two extremes in the morphology. Preliminary data from specimens collected in other parts of Indochina suggest that there are many more undescribed species of Mekhongthelphusa. With more species described, the gradation between the two extremes may be more clearly reflected. The revision aims to describe all new species and address the morphological gradation. In addition to the study on the genus Mekhongthelphusa, character mapping to DNA sequences will be done to investigate the possible gradation in morphology for of the group of freshwater crabs with three epibranchial teeth in the former family Parathelphusidae. The results may provide insights about the synonymy of the family Parathelphusidae Alcock, 1910 to Gecarcinucidae Rathbun, 1904.

Lar Kar Mun

Supervisors: Dr. Darren Yeo Chong Jinn

Project: Effects of microcystin on zooplankton in Lower Peirce Reservoir, Singapore

Studies of interactions between Microcystis (and the cyanotoxin that it produces, microcystin) and zooplankton have largely focused on responses of zooplankton to intact Microcystis cells (unicellular or colonial). However, the concentration of Microcystis alone is not necessarily an accurate indicator of microcystin concentration in solution because many cyanobacteria retain cyanotoxins in the cells and only release the toxins into the surrounding water upon cell death and lysis. Hence, early stages of a cyanobacterial bloom are more linked to intracellular toxins, while as a bloom progresses and cell death occurs, the concentration of extracellular toxins increases. To date, few studies have compared the effects of microcystin from intact and lysed Microcystis on zooplankton. Hence, my project aims to elucidate the specific effects of microcystin in solution on zooplankton.

Chen Ming Li

Supervisor: Dr. Darren Yeo Chong Jinn & Dr. Tan Heok Hui

Project: The autecology of non-native Cichlasoma urophthalmus in Singapore’s freshwaters

The Mayan cichlid, Cichlasoma urophthalmus, is a highly invasive species native to
Central America that was introduced to Singapore. Its known invasion history means that C. urophthalmus could potentially expand its range in Singapore by population growth and continued release into waters, possibly inflicting negative impacts on local native freshwater communities. Since there has been little research done on C. urophthalmus in Singapore, my project aims to provide insights into the ecology – diet, reproduction and condition of this species in a local context.

Ng Boon Hong

Supervisor: Dr. Darren Yeo Chong Jinn

Project: Global risk assessment for invasiveness of crabs

This project seeks to compile a list of traits (physical, behavioural, physiological and life history) that a select group of potentially invasive crabs possess. The usefulness of each trait to the crabs at various stages of invasions will also be assessed and the list will serve as a global risk assessment to predict the invasive potential of all crabs species into different geographic areas. With this list, the relevant authorities can also be better informed on the species that can be brought into the country with low risks of having the establishment of these alien species.

Joan Lee Wan Jia

Supervisors: Dr. Darren Yeo Chong Jinn & Dr. David Bickford

Project: Status and range of the non-native Norops sagrei in Singapore

My project focuses on the non-native brown anole, Norops sagrei, which has been first spotted in Singapore at Gardens by the Bay in 2012. As this species has been found to be highly invasive in regions like Florida, Hawaii and Taiwan, there is a likelihood that N. sagrei may become invasive if left to their own means. Hence, I aim to determine the current distribution, population size and extent of spread of this lizard in Singapore as well as investigate the possible sources of introduction through molecular methods. It is hoped that this study will shed some light on the invasive potential of the brown anole in Singapore to enable better management and control.