Dissertation Research: Phylogeny of Tettigoniidae (Orthoptera): Evolution of Katydid Defenses and Ears

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Katydids are a well-recognized family of insects, yet surprisingly little is known about the historical relationships between the 6500 known species. Also, little is known about the evolution of their unique morphological features such as the sound reception organs on their front legs (commonly referred to as ears) and the origins of their defenses against predation: leaf-like wings, bright warning coloration, and camouflage. This project will result in the first phylogenetic analysis of katydids and provide the groundwork for understanding the development of their unique ears and methods of camouflage.DNA data generated during this project will be used to develop two formal lab exercises for undergraduate students. During the duration of funding, these exercises will provide over 1,000 undergraduate students with hands-on training in how to align DNA sequences, reconstruct phylogenetic trees, map characters on topologies, and how to use phylogenetics to answer fundamental questions in science. This research will also provide minority undergraduate students with direct mentorship on specific projects. These students will generate data for a subset of the project, analyze results, present their findings at national meetings, and be senior author on a publication coming from this work.