Objective
The evolutionary success of otophysans, a major lineage of fish diversity, is often attributed to a novel morphology involving unique bones, anterior vertebrae, and the swim bladder. This feature, termed the Weberian apparatus (WA), is an accessory hearing organ that transduces sound from the swim bladder to the inner ear. As a result, otophysans have sensitive hearing, however, the adaptive function for such ability is unknown. Further, the effect of WA morphological variation between species is not clear. It is hypothesized that acute hearing facilitates prey detection. This research will test this hypothesis by examining WA morphology and function in Serrasalmidae, an ecologically diverse otophysan family with 15 genera and ~60 species that include piranhas and pacus. Among serrasalmids are species that eat small fishes, scales off other fishes, small invertebrates, and falling fruits. The objectives of this research are to examine WA morphology in serrasalmids, to determine if morphology is related to hearing ability, and to test if prey can be localized by acoustic cues. This research will utilize the Muséum National de Histoire Nationelle specimen collection along with computerized tomography (CT), 3D imaging, and comparative analysis. Electrophysiology will be used to test hearing and behavioral experiments will examine piranha and pacu responses to prey sounds. This project will involve training in CT and 3D visualization, histological and microscopy methods, phylogenetic comparative analysis, and biomechanical modeling. The fellowship is expected to help the candidate realize an academic career. The candidate will learn cutting edge methods, develop skills for managing data, and gain experience with scientific presentations, writing and publishing. The unique opportunity to work with an internationally renowned research community and a highly respected functional morphology expert will allow the applicant to focus on a new, related research area.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
75005 Paris
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.