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After the Ice: using a hybrid zone as a window into the genes underlying species formation

Objective

The process of species formation is responsible for the global distribution of biodiversity, from the generation of species in habitats as extreme as the arctic or deep-sea thermal vents, to the generations of crop varieties that are locally adapted to different water regimes. Yet, we still understand very little about which genes drive the formation of new species, and what the nature is of selection acting on these genes. Evolutionary genetic studies have traditionally used either experimental hybrids from species that rarely meet in nature, or hybrid zones in uncontrolled conditions, often leading to conflicting conclusions. Here, we integrate both approaches in a single biological system: two grasshopper subspecies that maintain ecomorphologic differentiation despite ongoing hybridization since the end of the last glaciation. First, we will use experimental hybrids to test which genes are associated with reproductive dysfunction. We then use a hybrid zone as a natural laboratory to test if those phenotypes and genes contribute for stable boundaries between the two species in nature. Finally, we use samples distributed over a time series, to test whether those genetic boundaries are stable over evolutionary time. Rooted sound in my background of field- and lab-based methods, this project brings together state of the art genomic methods championed by the Center for GeoGenetics (Denmark), and the multidisciplinary knowledge on this species accumulated by the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain). By moving from lab to nature and through time, this integrative framework will not only provide unique insights on the field of speciation, but will provide a transferable framework that is applicable to emergent challenges of the modern society, such as identifying genes associated with human diseases and genes underlying adaptation of crop to stringent environments.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2014

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Coordinator

KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 200 194,80
Address
NORREGADE 10
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark

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Region
Danmark Hovedstaden Byen København
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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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.

€ 200 194,80
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