Track Building and Locomotion in Labyrinthula Zosterae: A Case of Stigmergy

Explore the fascinating physics of marine organisms in this seminar talk examining track building and locomotion patterns of Labyrinthula zosterae, a unicellular organism that colonizes seagrass Zostera marina. Delve into the complex relationship between this microscopic organism and its host plant, understanding how it constructs intricate labyrinthine networks for movement and colonization. Learn about the active matter physics governing track building, cell motility, and network formation patterns. Discover the evolutionary advantages of this unique locomotion method and its implications for coastal ecology. Through detailed analysis of network logic and movement patterns, gain insights into the adaptive mechanisms that allow this organism to transition between harmless coexistence and potentially devastating colonization of its seagrass host.