DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Linking ecological divergence and reproductive isolation: the role of chromosomal fusions

观察到许多亲缘关系密切的物种在染色体数目和形态上存在差异，这导致了染色体重排（融合、分裂、倒位等）可能导致生殖隔离（无法杂交）的想法。最近的证据已将某些类型的染色体重排（倒位）与生殖隔离的发展联系起来。然而，其他类型的常见重排，如染色体融合，尚未以这种方式进行研究。提出的研究将确定染色体融合对Lucania属两种鳉鱼生殖分离发展的重要性。这将使用三个阶段的设计来完成。首先，一种育种设计将创造出拥有不同融合染色体的杂种。其次，将测量这些动物在生殖隔离方面的几个重要特征。第三，将对这些动物进行基因分型，以确定它们是否拥有融合染色体。这将允许检测生殖隔离和融合染色体之间的任何关系。这是第一个研究，以经验检验染色体融合对生殖隔离的影响之间的两个最近分化的物种。该项目将通过开发新的分子标记以及创建两个连锁图谱来影响卢卡尼亚社区。本科生的参与将继续是一个优先事项，并将涉及动手行为和分子经验。此外，残疾学生将被邀请进行相关的研究项目。

The observation that many closely related species differ in chromosome number and morphology has lead to the idea that chromosomal rearrangements (fusions, fissions, inversions, etc) may be contribute to reproductive isolation (the inability to interbreed). Recent evidence has linked certain types of chromosomal rearrangements (inversions) and the development of reproductive isolation. However, other types of common rearrangements, such as chromosomal fusions, have yet to be investigated in this capacity. The proposed studies will determine the importance of a chromosomal fusion to the development of reproductive isolation between two killifish in the genus Lucania. This will be accomplished using a three stage design. First a breeding design will create hybrids that vary in their possession of the fused chromosome. Second, these animals will be measured for several traits important in reproductive isolation. Third, the animals will be genotyped to determine if they possess the fused chromosome. This will allow for the detection of any relationship between reproductive isolation and the fused chromosome.This is one of the first studies to empirically examine the effects of a chromosomal fusion on reproductive isolation between two recently diverged species. This project will impact the Lucania community through the development of new molecular markers as well as the creation of two linkage maps. Participation of undergraduates will continue to be a priority and will involve hands on behavioral and molecular experience. In addition, a student with disability will be invited to perform a related research project.