Obiettivo Chromosomal rearrangements (CRs) are considered to foster adaptation (and speciation) by protecting advantageous combinations of alleles from recombination. This is supported by the frequent observation of inversion clines linked to environmental gradients. However, direct evidence for the proposed allelic interactions within CRs and their role in diversification remains elusive. The rocky intertidal is a natural laboratory to study adaptation along gradients and its contribution to speciation. In particular, the parallel evolution of divergent ecotypes in Littorina saxatilis offers a unique opportunity to investigate the genetic basis of phenotypic variation associated with spatial environmental changes (i.e. the genomic architecture of adaptation and speciation). Although advances on genomics have allowed the identification of loci involved in these processes, the role of structural variation has not yet been tested. Here I propose an interdisciplinary project that will combine data on genome organization, genotype and phenotype with modelling and existing ecological and behavioural information; aiming to provide a more complete view of adaptation and diversification when facing abrupt environmental changes. Prof. Butlin, at the University of Sheffield, will give me access to a leading research group in adaptation and speciation genomics and to a highly stimulating department in evolutionary biology; while during two secondments (at University Pompeu Fabra and University of Bari) I will receive further specialized training on CR detection. These new skills in cutting-edge research will put me in a privileged position to establish myself as an independent researcher. The outcome of INVERTIDAL will not only have an impact on basic evolutionary knowledge but will also address a major societal concern (climate change) and give key information to biodiversity managers, helping to bridge research and decision-making, in line with the Horizon2020 framework. Campo scientifico natural sciencesbiological sciencesevolutionary biologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiological behavioural sciencesethologybiological interactionsnatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesatmospheric sciencesclimatologyclimatic changesnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsgenomesnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbotany Programma(i) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Argomento(i) MSCA-IF-2015-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Invito a presentare proposte H2020-MSCA-IF-2015 Vedi altri progetti per questo bando Meccanismo di finanziamento MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinatore THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD Contribution nette de l'UE € 183 454,80 Indirizzo FIRTH COURT WESTERN BANK S10 2TN Sheffield Regno Unito Mostra sulla mappa Regione Yorkshire and the Humber South Yorkshire Sheffield Tipo di attività Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Collegamenti Contatta l’organizzazione Opens in new window Sito web Opens in new window Partecipazione a programmi di R&I dell'UE Opens in new window Rete di collaborazione HORIZON Opens in new window Costo totale € 183 454,80
