Objective Comparative studies of inbreeding and evolution in non-model animal populations: a research proposal directed towards integrating ecological and evolutionary research on inbreeding. Specifically, my aim is to apply novel ecogenomics tools in the study of evolutionary consequences of inbreeding in non-model animal populations. At present, our understanding of inbreeding is dominated by studies of a small number of model organisms. I will undertake comparative studies on inbreeding effects in a genus of spiders containing independently evolved naturally inbreeding species as well as outcrossing sister species. The study of a naturally inbreeding animal species will provide unique insights to consequences of inbreeding for population genetic structure, genome-wide genetic diversity, and evolution of life history traits. Social spiders are not only unique because they naturally inbreed, but also by being cooperative and showing allomaternal brood care including self-sacrifice, and they evolve highly female-biased sex-ratios, a trait that is not well understood in diploid species. My research objectives are 1) to establish a robust phylogeny for comparative studies; 2) to quantify the effects of inbreeding on the genetic diversity within and between populations; 3) to estimate gene flow among inbred lineages to determine whether inbred lineages diversify but retain the potential for gene exchange, or undergo cryptic speciation; 4) to determine effects of inbreeding on gene expression; 5) to investigate the mechanism underlying the genetic sex determination system that cause female biased sex-ratios; and finally 6) to determine whether sex-ratio is under adaptive parental control in response to genetic relatedness and ecological constraints. Addressing these objectives will generate novel insights and expand current knowledge on the evolutionary ecology of inbreeding in wild animal populations. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiological morphologycomparative morphologyhumanitieshistory and archaeologyhistorynatural sciencesbiological sciencesevolutionary biologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyevolutionary ecology Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-LS8 - ERC Starting Grant - Evolutionary, population and environmental biology Call for proposal ERC-2011-StG_20101109 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution AARHUS UNIVERSITET EU contribution € 1 497 248,00 Address NORDRE RINGGADE 1 8000 Aarhus C Denmark See on map Region Danmark Midtjylland Østjylland Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Trine Bilde (Dr.) Administrative Contact Irene Hjortsberg (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all AARHUS UNIVERSITET Denmark EU contribution € 1 497 248,00 Address NORDRE RINGGADE 1 8000 Aarhus C See on map Region Danmark Midtjylland Østjylland Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Trine Bilde (Dr.) Administrative Contact Irene Hjortsberg (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data