SGER: Evolution of Reproductive Mode in Arctic Sea Stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea: Asteriidae)

本研究拟对位于白令海的北极海星进行初步调查。pi正在提出一项探索性的分子系统发育研究，以解决有关棘皮动物幼虫形式的进化和对极地条件的适应的基本问题。该研究将利用北极海星繁殖模式的广泛数据库和收集急需海星物种的独特机会，调查白令海中部和南部育雏和非育雏海星的进化史。这项工作将包括利用美国海洋和海洋管理局Tiglax号船于1997年夏天在白令海进行的已经计划好的巡航，前往普里比洛夫群岛和阿留申群岛中部。由于这些机会具有时间敏感性，并且可能在十年内不会再次出现，因此pi选择在探索性研究小额赠款（SGER）计划的指导下提交有限范围的提案。

This study proposes to conduct a preliminary survey of arctic sea stars in the family Asteriidae located in the Bering Sea. The PIs are proposing an exploratory molecular phylogenetic study that addresses a fundamental question about the evolution of echinoderm larval forms and adaptation to polar conditions. The study will investigate the evolutionary history of brooding and non-brooding sea stars the central and southern Bering Sea by taking advantage of an extensive database on reproductive mode in Arctic sea stars and a unique opportunity to collect critically needed sea star species. The work will involve the use of an already planned cruise in the Bering Sea by the USFWS vessel Tiglax in the summer of 1997 to the Pribilof Islands and central Aleutian Islands. Because these opportunities are time sensitive and likely not to occur again for a decade, the PIs have chosen to submit a proposal of limited scope under the guidelines of the Small Grants for Exploratory Research (SGER) program.