DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Phylogeny of the Marine Bristle Worm Family Eunicidae (Eunicida, Polychaeta, Annelida) Using Molecular, Morphological and Developmental Data

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This dissertation will establish the phylogeny of Eunicidae, test the monophyly ofthe family and its genera, and analyze ontogenetic and along-the-body variation offeatures. We will use multiple sources of evidence - molecules, morphology anddevelopment - to produce more informative hypotheses of primary homology andconsequently a more robust phylogeny. This will allow us to revise Eunicidae and itsgenera and to test the phylogenetic content of traditional polychaete morphologicalcharacters. It will also offer a background for future phylogenetic studies of annelidsconcerned with similar issues of homology of highly modified, variable or seriallyrepeated structures.We request funding for Ms. Silva to conduct developmental studies using specificstaining and confocal microscopy at the Smithsonian's Fort Pierce lab, and to travel toDr. Ken Halancych's lab (Auburn University) in order to learn molecular techniquesspecific to annelids. This funding will allow us to expand the project from one that usestraditional anatomical characters and molecular markers to a more robust studyincorporating ontogeny and new genetic characters.Broader impacts: This study will train a graduate student in developmental andmolecular genetics of annelids, and strengthen ties between labs at George WashingtonUniversity, Smithsonian Institution, and Auburn University.