Radula properties in marine Heterobranchia

Marine Heterobranchia comprise thousands of species, each of which is highly specialised for certain prey. They often feed on sessile organisms such as sponges, polyps of cnidarians (Cnidaria), bryozoans (Bryozoa), tunicates (Tunicata) or barnacles. But some also feed on polychaetes, or even related species. This special feature makes marine nudibranchs very interesting for research into the trophic specialisation of the mouthparts, the so-called radula.

This project focusses on the biomechanical adaptations of the radula teeth to food, which are investigated in selected species. First, the morphology of the radula teeth under the scanning electron microscope and the environment in which the radula is embedded are documented histologically. Then the mechanical properties of the teeth (hardness and elasticity) are determined by nanoindentation. Confocal laser microscopy is also used to visualise microgradients caused by tanning and relate them to the food.