Objetivo
Problems to be solved
Major threat to European landscapes is the ongoing fragmentation of habitats. This not only causes direct loss of populations but also imposes an increased risk of extinction on species living in the remaining fragments. In such situation dispersal ability becomes a critical factor as it allows exchange of individuals and genes among fragments, which is thought to partially counteract the negative effects of fragmentation. Moreover, dispersal is a prerequisite for recolonization of empty habitats and thus of utmost importance for the stability of metapopulations. As such, dispersal is a key factor in biodiversity conservation. For plant species living in a fragmented landscape, increased dispersal is thus likely to be advantageous and morphological characters that increase dispersal ability, such as larger fluff balls (pappus) in wind dispersed species, may be favoured by natural selection. However, if the process of habitat fragmentation continues, populations become increasingly isolated and can be regarded as islands in an otherwise uninhabitable area. In this situation, seeds with high dispersal ability are more likely to be wasted from the population and the next generations in the population will predominantly arise from seeds with low dispersal ability, resulting in selection for reduced dispersal potential. Consequently, this may cause the metapopulation to disintegrate into completely isolated populations, which increases the chance of inbreeding and genetic drift, and ultimately leads to extinction. Recent studies have indicated that this undesirable selection process may proceed relatively fast, and that changes in morphological characters of isolated populations already are observed within a few generations. However, we do not know to what extent this is taking place in Europe. Scientific objectives and approach The project investigates the dispersal capacity of several Compositae (Asteraceae) species, including Mycelis muralis, in European landscapes with different degrees and types of habitat fragmentation along a North-South gradient. It determines populations characteristics, amount of genetic variation, and heritable variation for seed dispersal characteristics in these populations, and tries to identify (major) genes involved in seed dispersal traits. These data are used in models describing the dynamics of metapopulations. Findings are implemented into 'simple' protocols and software for analysing the current state of endangered populations and for devising effective counter-measures. Expected impacts The results of this project will significantly contribute to understanding the dynamics of dispersal and metapopulations that are currently 'hot topics' in ecological research. In this project we determine the variation in seed dispersal traits in natural populations, in relation to the fragmentation of the habitat. Models will then predict under what circumstances dispersal-related traits are selected against. The implications of the results for nature managers and policy makers consist of improved technology to predict and manage natural areas.
Analysis of the distribution of variation in dispersal-related traits to degree of habitat fragmentation and population size of several species: Carduus nutans, Centaurea corymbosa, Centaurea maculosa, Cirsium dissectum, Crepis sancta, Crepis triasii, Inula conyzae, Leontodon taraxacoides, Mycelis muralis, Senecio inaequidens. - Analytical models (scientific paper) - Data sets describing phenotypic variation in dispersal- related traits in several species - Heritability estimates for dispersal-related characters in Mycelis muralis - Models of evolutionary processes (described in scientific papers) - A spatially explicit model incorporating heritable components of dispersal ability (described in manuscript and sent to Commission on CD) - QTL analysis of the dispersal-related characters in Cichorium - Set of 10 microsatellite markers of Mycelis muralis - Short glossy Brochure with objective, context and users of the project, work to be carried out, and expected deliverables was produced in 2001 - User requirement document (URD) - Website is on line since 2000 - Workshop 1 with end-users was held in Wageningen, the Netherlands, on 6 November 2000 - Workshop 2 with end-users was held in Wageningen, the Netherlands, on 8 September 2003.
Ámbito científico (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS clasifica los proyectos con EuroSciVoc, una taxonomía plurilingüe de ámbitos científicos, mediante un proceso semiautomático basado en técnicas de procesamiento del lenguaje natural. Véas: El vocabulario científico europeo..
CORDIS clasifica los proyectos con EuroSciVoc, una taxonomía plurilingüe de ámbitos científicos, mediante un proceso semiautomático basado en técnicas de procesamiento del lenguaje natural. Véas: El vocabulario científico europeo..
- ciencias naturales informática y ciencias de la información software
- ciencias naturales ciencias biológicas biología evolutiva
- ciencias naturales ciencias biológicas conservación de la biodiversidad
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Programa(s)
Programas de financiación plurianuales que definen las prioridades de la UE en materia de investigación e innovación.
Programas de financiación plurianuales que definen las prioridades de la UE en materia de investigación e innovación.
Tema(s)
Las convocatorias de propuestas se dividen en temas. Un tema define una materia o área específica para la que los solicitantes pueden presentar propuestas. La descripción de un tema comprende su alcance específico y la repercusión prevista del proyecto financiado.
Las convocatorias de propuestas se dividen en temas. Un tema define una materia o área específica para la que los solicitantes pueden presentar propuestas. La descripción de un tema comprende su alcance específico y la repercusión prevista del proyecto financiado.
Convocatoria de propuestas
Procedimiento para invitar a los solicitantes a presentar propuestas de proyectos con el objetivo de obtener financiación de la UE.
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Procedimiento para invitar a los solicitantes a presentar propuestas de proyectos con el objetivo de obtener financiación de la UE.
Régimen de financiación
Régimen de financiación (o «Tipo de acción») dentro de un programa con características comunes. Especifica: el alcance de lo que se financia; el porcentaje de reembolso; los criterios específicos de evaluación para optar a la financiación; y el uso de formas simplificadas de costes como los importes a tanto alzado.
Régimen de financiación (o «Tipo de acción») dentro de un programa con características comunes. Especifica: el alcance de lo que se financia; el porcentaje de reembolso; los criterios específicos de evaluación para optar a la financiación; y el uso de formas simplificadas de costes como los importes a tanto alzado.
Coordinador
WAGENINGEN
Países Bajos
Los costes totales en que ha incurrido esta organización para participar en el proyecto, incluidos los costes directos e indirectos. Este importe es un subconjunto del presupuesto total del proyecto.