Descrizione del progetto
Studiare l’evoluzione sociale nel regno animale
Lo stretto rapporto che intercorre tra i pesci delle barriere coralline e i loro anemoni o coralli ospitanti è fondamentale per gli ecosistemi di tali barriere. Il progetto SoEvoFish, finanziato dall’UE, intende esplorare le eventuali relazioni esistenti tra i pesci della barriera corallina che vivono in gruppi complessi. SoEvoFish concentrerà l’attenzione su due specie: il pesce pagliaccio orientale Amphiprion percula (f. Pomacentridae) e il ghiozzo del corallo Paragobiodon xanthosomus (f. Gobiidae). Entrambe le specie formano gruppi costituiti da una coppia riproduttiva e uno o vari subordinati che non si riproducono. I risultati del progetto spiegheranno l’evoluzione sociale di queste specie: selezione parentale, limitazioni ecologiche e sociali, oppure effetti sinergici.
Obiettivo
Complex societies where some individuals forego reproduction, pose an evolutionary conundrum. There have been numerous attempts over past decades to explain why individuals capable of reproduction would give up the chance to propagate their own genes. Yet, there remain debates about the relative importance of various factors in shaping social evolution. Additionally, a clear bias towards the study of terrestrial animals prevents us from viewing the whole picture. The overall objective of the proposed study is to build a more general framework for social evolution in animals, by conducting novel studies of two model coral reef fish systems. Specifically, we will conduct in situ investigations on two species: the clown anemonefish Amphiprion percula (f. Pomacentridae) and the coral goby Paragobiodon xanthosomus (f. Gobiidae). Both species are ideal models as they form groups consisting of a breeding pair and one or several non-breeding subordinates. We will test three hypotheses that explain the social evolution of these species: kin selection, whereby nonbreeders gain fitness benefit by helping close relatives reproduce; ecological and social constraints, whereby non-breeders stay in the group and do not contest for breeding positions because of poor alternative options both outside and inside the group; and synergistic effects, where group augmentation leads to large groups benefiting all members. The project will be conducted at Boston University (BU) and the University of Exeter (UoE), bringing together leading experts of social evolution in fish, Prof Pete Buston, and in mammals and insects, Prof Mike Cant. Thus, the project will promote a two-way transfer of knowledge, and enable us to form a more complete picture of social evolution in the animal kingdom. The proposed work will provide extensive training for the experienced researcher, Dr. Theresa Rueger, and enable her to build on her existing expertise to develop an independent career in research.
Campo scientifico
Parole chiave
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Meccanismo di finanziamento
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinatore
EX4 4QJ Exeter
Regno Unito