Ann M. Tarrant

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About

Ann M. Tarrant is a leading marine chemical ecologist whose work illuminates the hidden roles of small organisms in global biogeochemical cycles. Her research focuses on the molecular and physiological mechanisms by which marine invertebrates—particularly copepods and cnidarians—interact with their environment, from nutrient cycling to chemical signaling. Tarrant’s most-cited paper, “Small copepods could play a big role in the marine carbon cycle” (2020), challenges conventional assumptions by demonstrating that tiny, often-overlooked copepods significantly influence the biological carbon pump through grazing and fecal pellet production. This work has reshaped understanding of how zooplankton mediate carbon sequestration, with implications for climate modeling. Beyond this landmark study, Tarrant has made foundational contributions to coral chemical ecology, including the discovery of how coral larvae use environmental chemical cues for settlement. Her research integrates genomics, physiology, and field observations, earning her recognition as a pioneer in linking molecular mechanisms to ecosystem-scale processes. With over 3,000 citations across her career, Tarrant’s work continues to inspire new generations of marine scientists to explore the invisible drivers of ocean health.