Evolution and Development of Polyphenism

非技术摘要提案编号 9808641PI：Pfennig，David 这项研究将解决以下问题：为什么以及如何具有相同基因构成的个体有时会产生截然不同的形式？我们将使用铲足蟾蜍蝌蚪作为模型系统来研究该问题。铲足蟾蜍蝌蚪的不同寻常之处在于，任何特定个体都可以发育成两种不同的形态。在摄入神仙虾或其他蝌蚪后，典型的杂食性蝌蚪可能会改变其行为和发育，呈现出独特的肉食性形态，然后更快地变形成成年蟾蜍。该研究的具体目标是：（1）确定哪些发育和生理过程导致产生这两种形式，（2）确定变异是否有遗传基础，以及（3）确定在同一种群中维持这两种形式的环境因素。铲足蝌蚪是研究和教授其他人发育生物学和生态学的优秀模型动物。计划中的研究很重要，因为它将解决环境如何与生物体的基因在发育过程中相互作用以产生替代形式。此类研究将为发育过程以及发育在使生物体适应不断变化的环境中的作用提供重要的见解。

Non-Technical AbstractProposal No. 9808641PI: Pfennig, DavidThis research will address the question: Why and how do individuals with the same genetic constitution sometimes produce strikingly different forms? The problem will be investigated by using spadefoot toad tadpoles as a model system. Spadefoot toad tadpoles are unusual in that any given individual can develop into two different forms. Following ingestion of fairy shrimp or other tadpoles, typical omnivorous tadpoles may alter their behavior and development to assume a distinctive carnivorous form, which then metamorphoses into an adult toad more quickly. The specific goals of the research would be to: (1) determine what developmental and physiological processes cause these two forms to be produced, (2) determine if there is a genetic basis to the variation, and (3) identify the environmental factors that maintain the two forms within the same population.Spadefoot tadpoles are excellent model animals for studying and teaching others about developmental biology and ecology. The planned research is important in that it will address how the environment interacts with an organism's genes during development to produce alternative forms. Such research will provide critical insight into developmental processes and the role of development in enabling organisms to adapt to changing environments.