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ExploDES: Exploration of the Diversity of European Solenogastres (Mollusca, Aplacophora)

Project description

Marine molluscs for better conservation

Global biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate, so accurate species identification is more important than ever. Without reliable names for species, conservation efforts and ecological studies are less effective. Traditional methods of identifying species often fall short, especially for poorly understood groups like Solenogastres, unique marine molluscs with significant ecological roles. These creatures remain largely unexplored, leaving gaps in our understanding of marine ecosystems. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ExploDES project seeks to fill this knowledge gap. By combining traditional and modern taxonomy, it aims to study Solenogastres’ diversity, distribution and evolution. Researchers are analysing museum specimens, collecting new samples and uncovering genetic differences. ExploDES will advance marine biodiversity research and inform conservation strategies.

Objective

"In the face of global biodiversity loss ExploDES “Exploration of the Diversity of European Solenogastres"" emerges as vital endeavor. The accurate association of scientific names with species is paramount for reliable reference in biology, impacting phylogenetic studies, conservation efforts, and ecological research. ExploDES tackles key challenges in modern taxonomy with focus on Solenogastres (Mollusca). These challenges include providing empirical rigor to species hypotheses and accelerating species description. Solenogastres are unique marine molluscs with significant evolutionary and ecological importance. However, they remain poorly understood. ExploDES aims to bridge this knowledge gap and seeks to revolutionize their study through an integrative approach. With particular emphasis on species with a putative broad distribution (including the Mediterranean Sea and the Northern European Atlantic) the project's research questions dig on comparing traditional morphology-based species hypotheses with modern integrative taxonomy-based ones, evaluating distribution patterns, and understanding diversity drivers. Objectives include, enhance existing data by analyzing museum specimens and sampling new ones, analyze genetic differences between lineages, and investigate morphological evolution. As a pioneering effort in Solenogaster research, ExploDES stands as a model for modern taxonomy. The impacts extend far beyond the project's duration, offering lasting benefits as is poised to make a transformative contribution to the field of molluscan studies and to enhance the research aim to understanding of early molluscan evolution. The project will also advance our insight of Euorpean marine biodiversity. Beyond its scientific contributions, ExploDES findings will inform marine conservation policies and may serve as an indicator of the impacts of climate change. Moreover, ExploDES has the potential to foster public awareness and appreciation of marine ecosystems."

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01

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Coordinator

MUSEUM NATIONAL D'HISTOIRE NATURELLE
Net EU contribution
€ 195 914,88
Address
RUE CUVIER 57
75005 Paris
France
Region
Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data