Ascidian (Benthic tunicate) collection
Tunicates, which include Ascidians, are characterised by an outer envelope called a tunic formed from a cellulose compound. They are marine animals, fixed or pelagic, whose larvae have a typical dorsal chord that disappears when adult. Ascidians live exclusively in marine waters. They live fixed at all depths, from the tidal zone to the ocean trenches.
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Presentation
Most of the samples in the Museum's ascidian collection are preserved in formalin, but since 2011, some of the recent collections have been preserved in alcohol for molecular studies. They are all identified to family, genus and species level for the 9,500 flasks and the 11,400 microscopic preparations on slides (preparations and stained dissections). The number of type batches is estimated at around 1,000, for some 3,000 species worldwide. The specimens in the collection come from every ocean, at every latitude, from the North Pole to the South Pole. The largest number of specimens is found in the tropical zone.
The value of this collection is also linked to the systematic diversity represented, since specimens from all families and genera are kept here.
History
Due to a lack of French specialists until 1965, very few ascidians have been harvested and preserved in the Muséum. The oldest specimens date back to Savigny (1816). Then, travelling naturalists brought back a few examples.
For over 30 years, C. and F. Monniot devoted their entire career to ascidians and accumulated the vast majority of the current collection. The collection of bathyal and abyssal ascidians is unique in the world.
Research
Most of the research concerning the collection is systematic (morphology, anatomy and genetics) but there is also ecological and biogeographical research. Specimens have been used for studies of pollution by heavy metals, hydrocarbons, etc. Ascidians are a major component of biomedical research internationally and the collection includes reference specimens from which chemists have extracted new molecules.
The collection is growing all the time thanks to the work of the Muséum’s colleagues and researchers from all countries.
Contacts
Marc Eléaume, Head of the Benthic Tunicate Collection
marc.eleaume [@] mnhn.fr