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Towards a strategy to preserve deep-sea biodiversity: understanding deep-sea evolution and diversification drivers of hyperdiverse marine invertebrates

Project description

A peak into deep-sea diversity

The deep ocean remains one of Earth’s least explored frontiers. Deep-sea invertebrates, in particular, are poorly understood, even as human activities like deep-sea mining threaten their habitats. Understanding the factors driving species diversification in these environments is crucial before this biodiversity is lost. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the DEEPDIVERSE project will study squat lobsters, a highly diverse group that makes them an ideal subject for studying species evolution and biodiversity. Using cutting-edge techniques, such as genetic barcoding and 3D imaging, the project will assess species diversity and evolutionary processes in the deep sea. The findings will support both scientific research and conservation efforts, contributing to the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.

Objective

For centuries, biologists have been intrigued by how diverse our planet is and what processes are behind it. But we are far from knowing how many species live on Earth, especially for deep-sea invertebrates. The deep ocean provides a particular scenario for diversification and remains relatively pristine. However, soon programmed deep-sea mining activities threaten deep-sea diversity even before its discovery. Squat lobsters are highly diverse at all levels and an ideal group to undertake a critical assessment of deep-sea diversity and evolution. For DEEPDIVERSE I propose to follow up a conceptual framework towards an evaluation of global species diversity of squat lobsters to assess the role of depth and deep-sea habitat in the diversification dynamics, supporting at the same time scientific research and conservation of deep-sea diversity. The action proposes 1) Beyond-taxonomy: a critical appraisal of squat lobster biodiversity combining extensive ecological, biological, morphological, and genetic traits, using 3D micro-computed tomography, barcoding with high-throughput sequencing, automatic species delimitation analyses, and formal species descriptions; 2) Phylogenomic reconstruction using target capture sequencing (UCEs) and integrating fossil taxa to set the base to understanding the evolutionary processes behind deep sea colonisation; 3) searching for diversification drivers to unveil factors shaping morphological evolution and potentially shifting diversification rates; and 4) Synthesis of the results towards the implementation of conservation actions comparing with other hyperdiverse taxa. This includes a comprehensive spatial data integration to guide the best available management options for global seafloor biodiversity. These actions will contribute to the efforts of the European Union Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, within the European Commission priority A European Green Deal, to tackle the outstanding Biodiversity crisis the World is currently facing.

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01

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Coordinator

MUSEUM NATIONAL D'HISTOIRE NATURELLE
Net EU contribution

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€ 211 754,88
Address
RUE CUVIER 57
75005 Paris
France

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Region
Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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