Objective Chromosomal evolution is a major, yet under-explored, driver of biodiversity. Changes in chromosome number and morphology influence reproductive compatibility in sexually reproducing organisms. Despite this, links between chromosomal changes and phylogenetic and biogeographic diversification have rarely been investigated in animals. By using an unprecedented multidisciplinary and comparative approach CHROMREP will test for the influence of chromosome evolution on the generation of animal biodiversity, phylogeny and biogeography. Specifically, employing novel combinations of cutting-edge methods on comprehensively sampled data from eight Malagasy reptile evolutionary lineages, I will perform: (a) cytogenetic analyses to provide the first comprehensive karyological assessment of the study taxa, (b) DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses to produce novel molecular phylogenies of each group, (c) computational analyses with phylogenetic comparative methods and statistical biogeography to test for phylogenetic, biogeographic and ecological correlates of chromosomal evolution. Explaining chromosome evolution within endemic reptile radiations of Madagascar will be a major step towards understanding the ultimate causes of speciation and lineage diversification in vertebrates. CHROMREP will help to elucidate timings and mechanisms of the evolution of the extraordinary Malagasy biodiversity, statistically evaluating distinct scenarios. The combination of a world class reptile collection, outstanding laboratory facilities and the resident researchers’ scientific expertise make the NHM the perfect setting for CHROMREP. The realization of this project would establish me as an innovative leader in the field of evolutionary biology, critically enhancing my professional skill set and reinforcing my position in the international scientific community. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiological morphologycomparative morphologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesevolutionary biologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystemsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticschromosomesnatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesphysical geography Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2017 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2017 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Net EU contribution € 183 454,80 Address CROMWELL ROAD SW7 5BD London United Kingdom See on map Region London Inner London — West Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham Activity type Public bodies (excluding Research Organisations and Secondary or Higher Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 183 454,80
