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Molecular genetic and ecological analyses of population biodiversity in freshwater fishes

Objective



Research objectives and content
The diversity of the European freshwater fish fauna is highly threatened at both the population and the species level. In order to predict the impacts of continued anthropogenic changes and ensure conservation of endangered populations we intend to study population structure of a common European freshwater fish with a marked population heterogenity the bullhead, Cottus gobio. The project will focus on two key questions. What are the relative contributions of habitat fragmentation and life history in generating genetic differentiation?
What are the relationships between genetic structuring
genetic diversity and population fitness? These two objectives will be adressed by four tasks: (1) providing different measures of genetic variability for populations differing in size and structure. (2) describing population structure on a microgeographic scale with a special consideration of the influence of habitat fragmentation of river courses (e.g. mill weirs) and consequences of differing population continuity. (3) estimating population fitness of populations displaying different levels of variability. (4) continuing the biogeographic investigation of C. gobio on an European scale. To enhance accuracy in describing population structure and gene flow estimation several molecular approaches will be employed, namely, allozymes, mt-DNA RFLP's and microsatellites. We expect (I) to improve knowledge about the influence of river fragmentation and habitat destruction on the survival of fish populations as a basis for decisions in conservation management. (II) to provide microsatellite markers with an appropriate variability for further population analysis. (III) to progress on-going European collaboration on C. gobio to establish a model species for studies on biogeography and historical colonisation of European freshwater.
Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact)
My previous experience in populaticn genetics concentrated on allozyme analyses and quantitative genetics. Working in the MEFGL will extend my molecular genetic experience to include all major molecular tools used in contemporary molecular ecology, together with instruction on their appropriate choice, application and analyses. In particular the isolation and characterisation of microsatellites provide a powerful approach for adressing a variety of problems in environmental management and conservation biology. Learning this most promising technique is essential for my further career in population genetic research.

Call for proposal

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Coordinator

University of Hull
EU contribution
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Address
Cottingham Road
HU6 7RX Hull
United Kingdom

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Total cost
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Participants (1)