DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Phylogenetic patterns and processes of repeated morphological evolution in turtles

论文研究：海龟重复形态进化的系统发育模式和过程

• 批准号: 1310874
• 负责人: Fredric Janzen
• 金额: $ 1.92万
• 依托单位: Iowa State University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2013
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2013-06-01 至 2015-05-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1310874&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: DISSERTATION; RESEARCH; Phylogenetic; patterns; processes

Modern biology was founded on Charles Darwin?s principle of ?descent with modification?. Closely related species share similarities in size, shape, and form of their body plans. However, in some cases, distantly related species also share similar traits. This exception to Darwin?s rule has puzzled biologists and raises the question: to what extent is evolution repeatable and predictable? This project will address this fundamental question by examining an interesting pattern of repeated evolution in turtles. Some distantly related turtle species feature similar anatomical modifications that allow them to close their shells when attacked by predators. The project will employ leading-edge molecular biology techniques to determine whether this pattern requires similar changes in genes that control embryonic development of bone tissues in these species. Turtles are of high cultural and economic importance to societies worldwide. Yet, they are one of the most imperiled animals on the planet. This multidisciplinary project will train underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students to improve knowledge and raise public awareness about turtle diversity and conservation. This knowledge may also contribute to improving human bone health. Research materials will be available to the public through museums and online databases. Results will be disseminated broadly to K-16 and public audiences.

现代生物学是建立在查尔斯达尔文？的原则？修改后的下降？密切相关的物种在大小、形状和身体计划的形式上有相似之处。然而，在某些情况下，远亲物种也具有相似的特征。达尔文的例外？这一规律使生物学家感到困惑，并提出了一个问题：进化在多大程度上是可重复和可预测的？这个项目将通过研究海龟重复进化的有趣模式来解决这个基本问题。一些亲缘关系较远的海龟物种具有类似的解剖结构变化，使它们能够在受到捕食者攻击时关闭外壳。该项目将采用前沿的分子生物学技术来确定这种模式是否需要控制这些物种骨组织胚胎发育的基因发生类似的变化。海龟对世界各地的社会具有很高的文化和经济重要性。然而，它们是地球上最危险的动物之一。这个多学科项目将培训代表性不足的本科生和研究生，以提高知识和提高公众对海龟多样性和保护的认识。这些知识也可能有助于改善人类骨骼健康。研究材料将通过博物馆和在线数据库向公众提供。结果将广泛传播给K-16和公众。