Presenter(s)
Elise Betcher, Karalyn Kolstad, Ashley Marks, Marguerite Reitano, and Alexander Train
Abstract
Platyhelminthes, also known as flatworms, are among the most common parasites found in North American duck species. This phylum of parasites includes tapeworms and flukes. This study focused on identifying various Platyhelminthes found in Minnesota and Wisconsin wild ducks using both morphological characteristics and genetic sequencing. Both diving and dabbling species of ducks were used for this study, including green winged-teal (Anas carolinensis) and ring-necked ducks (Aythya collaris). Platyhelminthes were removed from legally harvested ducks and stained before examining and imaging under the microscope to identify key morphologic features for a presumptive identification. Subsequently, DNA was extracted and amplified, then sequenced at the Idaho State Molecular Research Core Facility to confirm the genus and species of each organism. This study’s findings allowed for a better understanding of the various Platyhelminthes found in wild ducks across Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as showing the benefits of integrating both morphological characteristics and genomic sequencing for an accurate identification of an unknown organism’s species.
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Biology
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Kimberly Bates
Start Date
4-24-2025 2:00 PM
End Date
4-24-2025 3:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
2b=2pm-3pm
Poster Number
44
Included in
Comparison of Morphological Characteristics and DNA Sequences of Platyhelminthes within Dabbling and Diving Ducks Species
Platyhelminthes, also known as flatworms, are among the most common parasites found in North American duck species. This phylum of parasites includes tapeworms and flukes. This study focused on identifying various Platyhelminthes found in Minnesota and Wisconsin wild ducks using both morphological characteristics and genetic sequencing. Both diving and dabbling species of ducks were used for this study, including green winged-teal (Anas carolinensis) and ring-necked ducks (Aythya collaris). Platyhelminthes were removed from legally harvested ducks and stained before examining and imaging under the microscope to identify key morphologic features for a presumptive identification. Subsequently, DNA was extracted and amplified, then sequenced at the Idaho State Molecular Research Core Facility to confirm the genus and species of each organism. This study’s findings allowed for a better understanding of the various Platyhelminthes found in wild ducks across Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as showing the benefits of integrating both morphological characteristics and genomic sequencing for an accurate identification of an unknown organism’s species.
