Phylogenetic Systematics of Orthoptera (Insecta): Evolution of Male Genitalia and Study of Nuclear Mitochondrial Pseudogenes

杨百翰大学的一组昆虫学家将研究直翅目昆虫的进化关系，直翅目昆虫包括蚱蜢、蟋蟀和蝈蝈。他们将生成168个物种的DNA序列，以解决三个基本问题：直翅目的主要类群是如何相互关联的？雄性生殖系统是骨科分类中最重要的特征之一，它是如何进化的？在直翅目动物中，线粒体基因的无功能拷贝是如何进化的？调查人员将进行国际实地研究，收集标本，然后使用先进的分析软件和高分辨率数字成像技术分析数据。该项目的研究结果不仅将促进我们对直脚动物多样性的认识，而且为研究雄性生殖系统和线粒体DNA的进化提供了一个很好的模型系统。该项目的全面范围将促进国内和国际合作。在三年资助期内，每年举办为期六周的夏季讲习班，向三名太平洋岛屿裔本科生提供现代系统分析和科学交流方法方面的培训。此外，还将培养一名博士后研究员和两名本科生，全面参与该项目的各个方面。

A team of entomologists at Brigham Young University will investigate the evolutionary relationships within Orthoptera, an insect group that contains grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids. They will generate DNA sequences from 168 species to address three fundamental questions: How are the major groups of Orthoptera related to each other? How has the male reproductive system, one of the most important characters in orthopteran classification, evolved? How do non-functional copies of mitochondrial genes evolve in Orthoptera? Investigators will conduct international field studies to collect specimens and then analyze the data using advanced analytic software and high-resolution digital imaging technology. The results from this project will not only advance our understanding of orthopteran diversity, but also provide an excellent model system to study the evolution of the male reproductive system and mitochondrial DNA. The comprehensive scope of this project will facilitate domestic and international collaborations. A six-week summer workshop for each of the three years of funding will provide training in modern methods of systematic analysis and scientific communication to three undergraduates of Pacific Island descent. Additionally, one postdoctoral researcher and two undergraduates will be trained by thoroughly being involved in all aspects of this project.