Objetivo The origin of species diversity has challenged biologists for more than two centuries, but despite the large amount of literature on the subject, pivotal questions about speciation remain unanswered. For example, we know that the origin of species must involve genetic separation, most often followed by phenotypic differentiation. Geographic isolation and subsequent genetic separation gives rise to the uncontroversial allopatric mode of speciation. But in theory, populations can become genetically separated without geographical isolation, resulting in the more disputed sympatric mode of speciation. Recently, Savolainen (the applicant of this proposal) and colleagues provided strong evidence for sympatric speciation in a case study of two species of Howea palms on Lord Howe Island, Australia. Here, we will take our research to a much deeper level and tackle novel themes. Innovative approaches will be developed, combining field ecology and genetic modelling, and taking advantage of the most recent advances in genomic technologies such as ultra-high throughput sequencing provided by the Roche 454 and Illumina Solexa platforms. Using Howea as a model system, sequences of their transcriptomes, scans of their genomes and genes expression profiles, we will test the theoretical predictions that only a few genetic loci controlling key traits are necessary for rapid ecological speciation. Extending this study to other taxa and islands, we will ask what combinations of ecological conditions and genomic architectures lead to the evolution of new species? Particularly, how can species originate in the face of gene flow, for example when confined to a minute oceanic island? The project will provide one of the most comprehensive studies of speciation and has the potential to provide a drastically new perspective on this process. It will also shed light on the wide-ranging link between genotype and phenotype, as well as help to manage biodiversity in a sustainable manner. Ámbito científico natural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystemsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsgenomes Palabras clave evolutionary ecology plant sciences speciation Programa(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Tema(s) ERC-AG-LS8 - ERC Advanced Grant - Evolutionary, population and environmental biology Convocatoria de propuestas ERC-2008-AdG Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoria Régimen de financiación ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Institución de acogida IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE Aportación de la UE € 2 415 470,00 Dirección SOUTH KENSINGTON CAMPUS EXHIBITION ROAD SW7 2AZ LONDON Reino Unido Ver en el mapa Región London Inner London — West Westminster Tipo de actividad Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Investigador principal Vincent Savolainen (Dr.) Contacto administrativo Brooke Alasya (Ms.) Enlaces Contactar con la organización Opens in new window Sitio web Opens in new window Coste total Sin datos Beneficiarios (1) Ordenar alfabéticamente Ordenar por aportación de la UE Ampliar todo Contraer todo IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE Reino Unido Aportación de la UE € 2 415 470,00 Dirección SOUTH KENSINGTON CAMPUS EXHIBITION ROAD SW7 2AZ LONDON Ver en el mapa Región London Inner London — West Westminster Tipo de actividad Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Investigador principal Vincent Savolainen (Dr.) Contacto administrativo Brooke Alasya (Ms.) Enlaces Contactar con la organización Opens in new window Sitio web Opens in new window Coste total Sin datos
