Barnacle Life History Evolution

I am currently working on a thesis project on reproductive ecology and life history evolution of barnacles.

I am studying reproductive investment into male and female specific roles, mating success in different environments and changes in condition of the barnacle penis with respect to microhabitat.

So far, it seems that barnacles have longer penises when isolated and have penises of slightly different morphology in different microhabitats. Barnacles also seem to have thicker penises in sites exposed to wave action.

Update: 3/3/2009

Paper accepted to Evolution!

Brian and J. Matt have made an amazing discovery: a barnacle with two penises. This is currently being written up as a Short Communication or note for publication.

Transplant Experiment 2006 is completely analyzed and is being written up right this very minute!

Analysis of field experiment 2005 is underway. Analysis of Transplant Experiment 2007 is underway!

I received a Dissertation Improvement Grant from NSF for $12,000 to carry out genetic paternity analysis on brooded barnacle larvae.

Barnacles are glued to the rocks, so for a barnacle to mate, it must have a long penis to reach its neighbors!

Dissected penis from the barnacle, Balanus nubilis

Dissecting barnacles, to examine reproductive tissue under a microscope.

Here are 2 pics of barnacle penises and another of an egg brooding barnacle with penis viewed from below:

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