XXXVII CICLO | Ferretti Sara

During my undergraduate studies, I pursued Ecological and Biological Sciences, and in my postgraduate studies, I specialized in Marine Biology. Currently, during my PhD, I have been focused on studying the behaviour and welfare of marine invertebrates, with a specific emphasis on biological invasions. This research not only addresses global challenges related to the conservation of marine ecosystems but also allows me to explore the behavioural dynamics driving such processes. I am passionate about understanding how species interactions and anthropogenic impacts shape behavioural patterns in marine contexts. I aspire to continue this research to contribute to the conservation of marine biodiversity and the sustainable management of oceanic resources, through a better understanding of the behaviour of organisms inhabiting our seas.

Behaviour plays a crucial role in biological invasions, as only some species demonstrate the ability to expand and adapt in new environments, often due to specific behavioral traits and greater phenotypic flexibility. During my PhD, I focused on the South African nudibranch Godiva quadricolor, introduced to the Mediterranean about 20 years ago, along with two sympatric endemic species, Cratena peregrina and Caloria quatrefagesi. The first phase of my research involved simulating the introduction and adaptation in a new environment, to examine and compare behavioral traits related to “invasive syndromes” such as exploratory tendency and aggressiveness of invasive species compared to the two endemics. I observed aggressive behaviour, cannibalism, and self-cannibalism exclusively in G. quadricolor. Based on these

observations, I investigated the species
behavioural responses to rapid environmental
changes, focusing on the effects of heatwaves.
These species inhabit transitional waters that
can become ecological traps during heatwave
events. The study assessed survival rates and
behavioral responses of the species to
temperature increases.

• Macali A, Ferretti S, Scozzafava S, Carere C, 2023. Cannibalism, self-cannibalism and autotomy in the non-indigenous nudibranch Godiva quadricolor. Rend. Lincei Sci. Fis. Nat.34.

• Macali A, Ferretti S, Scozzafava S, Gatto E, Carere C, 2023. Different behavioural profiles between invasive and native nudibranchs: means for invasion success? In review (Current Zoology)