The Genetics of Speciation in Heliconius Butterflies

现代进化生物学研究的一个主要目标是确定限制物种间繁殖的性状的遗传基础。该项目将剖析限制蝴蝶属Heliconius中密切相关物种之间交配的性状的遗传基础，Heliconius是一组以引人注目，警告彩色翅膀图案和广泛模仿而闻名的新热带蝴蝶。 利用高分辨率遗传图谱、基因表达分析和视觉解剖学研究的结合，该项目将确定负责翅膀颜色和颜色偏好适应性分歧的特定基因，描述其发育行为，性或行为隔离在推动物种形成过程的早期阶段起着至关重要的作用，但很少有了解年轻物种不同的择偶偏好和偏好线索的遗传基础。这个项目将提供一个详细的遗传和适应性的分歧，在最近的适应性辐射驱动物种形成的副作用机制的基础检查。 这些分析的结果将对我们理解物种形成过程产生深远的影响，特别是在破坏性自然选择如何驱动物种分化方面。 此外，这项研究将在教育、代表性不足群体的参与和成果的传播方面产生各种更广泛的影响。

A major goal of modern research in evolutionary biology is to identify the genetic basis of traits that limit reproduction between species. This project will dissect the genetic basis of traits that limit mating between closely related species in the butterfly genus Heliconius, a group of neotropical butterflies famous for striking, warning colored wing patterns and extensive mimicry. Using a combination of high-resolution genetic mapping, analyses of gene expression, and studies of visual anatomy, this project will identify the specific genes responsible for adaptive divergence in wing color and color preference, characterize their developmental actions, and elucidate the interactions between trait and preference evolution.Sexual or behavioral isolation plays a critical role in driving the early stages of the speciation process yet little is known about the genetic basis of divergent mate preferences and preference cues in young species. This project will provide a detailed examination of the genetic and mechanistic basis of adaptive divergence that has the side-effect of driving speciation in a recent adaptive radiation. The results of these analyses will have profound impacts on our understanding of the speciation process, particularly in terms of how disruptive natural selection can drive divergence of species. In addition, this research will have a variety of broader impacts related to education, the participation of underrepresented groups, and the dissemination of results.