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Content archived on 2024-05-27

Evolutionary neuroethology of a lepidopteran species

Objective

Insects possess a highly developed sense of smell and live, as far as they are concerned, in a world dominated by odors. The evolution of olfactory preference is at the very basis of the enormous niche differentiation and adaptive radiation in insects. Paradoxically, the proximate mechanisms underlying the evolution of olfactory preference are elusive. I propose to take up this issue using the simple olfactory subcircuitry of moth pheromone communication. Here I propose to study the evolutionary neuroethology of the European corn borer. Despite the pest status, the species has a polymorphism of pheromone preference. Two strains exist which produce and respond to opposite ratios of the two pheromone components. I recently discovered that this saltatory shift in pheromone preference is located in the antenna. Most likely this single gene mediated shift in preference is caused by a swap of pheromone receptors in sensory neurons. The swap reverses the preference for the ratio of the two pheromone components, and supports the coexistence of two strains. Using a multidisciplinary approach involving molecular biology, physiology and immunocytochemistry, I will elucidate the mechanisms that underles this swap. The research will unveil mechanisms underpinning evolution of pheromone preference. These are at the very basis of adaptive radiation, race formation and biodiversity.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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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.

Call for proposal

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FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF
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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.

MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF)

Coordinator

MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV
EU contribution
€ 168 969,00
Address
HOFGARTENSTRASSE 8
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany

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Region
Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Research Organisations
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Total cost

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.

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