Project description
Mega-evolution in frogs and toads
Adaptive radiation is believed to be the main force behind phenotypic and taxonomic diversity. Rapid phenotypic evolution often ceases when new niches are occupied in a process described as mega-evolution. This can explain the diversification patterns of many but not all clades, and the early evolution of some lineages, such as that of frogs and toads (Anura), remains obscure. The EU-funded MEGAN project will test the mega-evolution hypothesis by determining how Anura larval characters are distributed in the anuran tree of life. The transformation series will be individualised from all larval phenotypic systems, and characteristics will be optimised and used to reconstruct the phylomorphospace and estimate evolutionary rates in all branches.
Objective
Adaptive radiation has been pointed out as the main force responsible for phenotypic and taxonomic diversity. Rapid phenotypic evolution and expansion in the morphospace tend to cease as new niches are occupied, and this early burst pattern has been called mega-evolution. The mega-evolution hypothesis explains the diversification patterns of many but not all clades, and the early evolution of some lineages, such as that of anurans, remains obscure. In MEGAN, I will test the mega-evolution hypothesis for anuran diversification based on larval morphology. This proposal comprises three work packages that reflect the main research objectives:1) To determine how larval characters are distributed in the anuran tree of life; 2) To reconstruct the phylomorphospace of anuran larvae; 3) To determine the rates of diversification of anurans based on larval characters. Taxonomic sampling is designed to cover the entire phylogenetic, phenotypic, and ecological diversity of anuran larvae. Transformation series will be individualized from all larval phenotypic systems and characters will be optimized in a time-calibrated; optimizations will be used to reconstruct the phylomorphospace and to estimate evolutionary rates in all branches. MEGAN is aligned with the Horizon 2020 FAIR data management and Open Science, and thus, both data and results will be publicly available. Moreover, I will disseminate and communicate the results of MEGAN in freely accessible medias and scientific events. With MEGAN, I intend to gain new skills that will substantially augment my qualification and enable me to reach a higher level in my career and to perform excellence-level research.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
-
H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme -
H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
See all projects funded under this programme
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.
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.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2020
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
53113 Bonn
Germany
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.