Evolution and Diversity of Antarctic Rhizarian Protists

该研究项目将继续在多基因分子和超微结构水平上对早期进化（单室）有孔虫进行分类上的确定研究，以便对这些生态重要生物产生更强大和详细的系统发育。研究将扩展到包括神秘的Gromia属的成员，以更好地确定它们的生态意义和在原生生物超群Rhizara中的位置。这些结构和分子数据将用于完成20多个根瘤菌新种的分类描述。本研究将为今后根瘤菌原生生物的生态学研究提供快速分子筛选方法，并揭示导致其多样化的驱动力。一系列的教育活动将针对当地和全国的受众，包括开发动手、基于标准、创新的科学课堂活动。此外，一部描绘南极根茎原生生物生物学和进化研究的艺术/科学纪录片短片将成为首都地区艺术教育中心主办的研讨会的基础。

This research project will continue studies of a taxonomically definitive group of early evolving (single-chambered) Foraminifera at both multi-gene molecular and ultrastructural levels of analysis, in order to generate more robust and detailed phylogenies of these ecologically-important organisms. Studies will be extended to include members of the enigmatic genus Gromia, to better define their ecological significance and placement within the protistan supergroup Rhizara. Together, these structural and molecular data will be used to complete taxonomic descriptions of over 20 new rhizarian species. The research will develop rapid molecular screening methods for future ecological studies of rhizarian protists, and uncover the driving forces that led to their diversification. A range of educational activities will target local and national audiences, and include development of hands-on, standards-based, innovative science classroom activities. In addition, a short art/science documentary film depicting research on the biology and evolution of Antarctic rhizarian protists will form the basis of a workshop hosted by the Capital Region Center for Arts in Education.