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蝴蝶属密切相关物种之间交配的特征的遗传基础，这是一群新热带蝴蝶，以醒目的、警告性的彩色翅膀图案和广泛的模仿而闻名。 通过结合高分辨率遗传图谱、基因表达分析和视觉解剖学研究，该项目将识别负责翅膀颜色和颜色偏好适应性分化的特定基因，描述其发育行为，并阐明性状和偏好进化之间的相互作用。性或行为隔离在驱动物种形成过程的早期阶段发挥着关键作用，但人们对年轻物种中不同的配偶偏好和偏好线索的遗传基础知之甚少。该项目将对适应性分歧的遗传和机制基础进行详细检查，适应性分歧具有在最近的适应性辐射中驱动物种形成的副作用。 这些分析的结果将对我们对物种形成过程的理解产生深远的影响，特别是在破坏性自然选择如何驱动物种分化方面。 此外，这项研究还将产生与教育、代表性不足群体的参与以及结果传播相关的各种更广泛的影响。

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.