A Ptale of Pterrific Pteropods

Abstract:

Pteropods are a group of tiny swimming snails that live throughout the world’s oceans. They make their fragile shells from the mineral aragonite, a more soluble form of calcium carbonate, which makes them more susceptible to the impacts of ocean acidification. Because of this, they’re hailed as the ‘canary in the coal mine’ for ocean acidification. This poetic presentation will tell you about these charismatic critters including where they live, how they are being impacted by ocean acidification, and why they really matter. The content will span introductory level science to new research results with the aim to give the listener an introduction to this field.

Here’s the limerick version of my abstract:

Pteropods are calcareous snails,

Built from a mineral which more easily fails.

They shuttle C to the seafloor,

Feeding fish, krill and more,

Learn why it’s essential that this group prevails.