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Mega-evolutionary dynamics of anurans

Project description

Mega-evolution in frogs and toads

Adaptive radiation is believed to be the main force behind phenotypic and taxonomic diversity. Rapid phenotypic evolution often ceases when new niches are occupied in a process described as mega-evolution. This can explain the diversification patterns of many but not all clades, and the early evolution of some lineages, such as that of frogs and toads (Anura), remains obscure. The EU-funded MEGAN project will test the mega-evolution hypothesis by determining how Anura larval characters are distributed in the anuran tree of life. The transformation series will be individualised from all larval phenotypic systems, and characteristics will be optimised and used to reconstruct the phylomorphospace and estimate evolutionary rates in all branches.

Objective

Adaptive radiation has been pointed out as the main force responsible for phenotypic and taxonomic diversity. Rapid phenotypic evolution and expansion in the morphospace tend to cease as new niches are occupied, and this early burst pattern has been called mega-evolution. The mega-evolution hypothesis explains the diversification patterns of many but not all clades, and the early evolution of some lineages, such as that of anurans, remains obscure. In MEGAN, I will test the mega-evolution hypothesis for anuran diversification based on larval morphology. This proposal comprises three work packages that reflect the main research objectives:1) To determine how larval characters are distributed in the anuran tree of life; 2) To reconstruct the phylomorphospace of anuran larvae; 3) To determine the rates of diversification of anurans based on larval characters. Taxonomic sampling is designed to cover the entire phylogenetic, phenotypic, and ecological diversity of anuran larvae. Transformation series will be individualized from all larval phenotypic systems and characters will be optimized in a time-calibrated; optimizations will be used to reconstruct the phylomorphospace and to estimate evolutionary rates in all branches. MEGAN is aligned with the Horizon 2020 FAIR data management and Open Science, and thus, both data and results will be publicly available. Moreover, I will disseminate and communicate the results of MEGAN in freely accessible medias and scientific events. With MEGAN, I intend to gain new skills that will substantially augment my qualification and enable me to reach a higher level in my career and to perform excellence-level research.

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Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2020

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Coordinator

LEIBNIZ-INSTITUT ZUR ANALYSE DES BIODIVERSITATSWANDELS
Net EU contribution
€ 174 806,40
Address
ADENAUERALLEE 160
53113 Bonn
Germany
Region
Nordrhein-Westfalen Köln Bonn, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost
€ 174 806,40