Descrizione del progetto
Decifrare il mantenimento della diversità nell’apparenza all’interno della selezione naturale
La capacità di un organismo di sopravvivere e riprodursi si basa a livello genetico sui nuovi alleli (le forme varianti dei geni) di una popolazione. La variazione genetica consente alla selezione naturale di aumentare o diminuire la frequenza di alleli già presenti all’interno della popolazione e permette generalmente di avere una maggiore variazione fenotipica. Attraverso un caso di studio sui nudibranchi, il progetto MOVAC, finanziato dall’UE, esaminerà il modo in cui viene mantenuta la variazione degli schemi di colore nelle specie che mostrano una colorazione ammonitrice anti-predatore. L’obiettivo del progetto consiste nel rafforzare la conoscenza sull’ecologia chimica di questi importanti molluschi marini privi di guscio e nello sviluppare modelli teorici applicabili a una vasta gamma di processi ecologici ed evolutivi.
Obiettivo
The research programme outlined in this proposal addresses a key question in evolutionary biology: how diversity in appearance is maintained under natural selection. In particular, I will investigate how colour pattern variation is maintained in species that exhibit warning coloration. This in an especially intriguing area of research because theory predicts that warning signals should look the same in colour and pattern so that they are more easily recognized and avoided by predators. I will investigate this topic using a charismatic polymorphic species of nudibranch mollusc that is common to the coasts of the United Kingdom. Nudibranchs are shell-less marine molluscs with an astounding array of colours and patterns, which they use to either hide from predators (camouflage) or to deter predators by warning them of nasty chemical defenses (warning signals). Nudibranchs are popular spectacles to divers and underwater photographers, yet the anti-predator coloration of this taxon is relatively under-explored. Therefore nudibranchs offer an especially exciting avenue for future research. In addition, research into the chemical defences of nudibranchs has led to the discovery of novel compounds with medicinal value, and the proposed research will contribute to our knowledge of the chemical ecology of these important species. The results of this research project will be used to inform and shape future theoretical models, which will be applicable to a range of ecological and evolutionary processes. The programme will draw attention to a fascinating and unique species, generating international interest and bringing new insight into Europe's coastal ecosystems.
Campo scientifico
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
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Meccanismo di finanziamento
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinatore
EX4 4QJ Exeter
Regno Unito