Evolution and Diversity of Antarctic Rhizarian Protists

这项研究项目将继续在多基因分子和超微结构分析水平上对早期进化的(单室)有孔虫进行分类确定的研究，以便对这些具有生态重要性的生物产生更有力和详细的系统发育。研究将扩大到包括神秘的格罗米亚属的成员，以更好地确定它们的生态意义和在原生生物超级群Rhizara中的位置。这些结构和分子数据将被用来完成对20多个新的根茎植物的分类描述。这项研究将为未来根状原生动物的生态学研究开发快速的分子筛选方法，并揭示导致它们多样化的驱动力。一系列教育活动将针对当地和国家受众，包括开发动手的、基于标准的创新科学课堂活动。此外，一部描述南极根状原生动物生物学和进化研究的艺术/科学纪录片将成为首都地区教育艺术中心主办的讲习班的基础。

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.