Are natural clones specialists or generalists? Using a model system to test alternative hypotheses for the advantages of parthenogenesis

自然克隆是专家还是通才？

• 批准号: DP0450050
• 负责人: Prof Michael Kearney
• 金额: $ 21.19万
• 依托单位: The University of Melbourne
• 依托单位国家: 澳大利亚
• 项目类别: Discovery Projects
• 财政年份: 2004
• 资助国家: 澳大利亚
• 起止时间: 2004-02-12 至 2007-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://dataportal.arc.gov.au/RGS/Web/Grants/DP0450050
• 关键词: natural; clones; specialists; generalists; Using

Parthenogenetic organisms are all-female and reproduce clonally. Through discovering why these unusual organisms are sometimes successful we can better understand the significance of genetic diversity and sex. The Australian arid zone is a ?hot-spot? for parthenogenesis, with at least five independent examples including a native grasshopper and one of its host plants. I will apply modern molecular tools and ecophysiological techniques to test the hypothesis that parthenogenesis is favoured in this grasshopper because it allows the fixation of locally adapted clones. This research will provide a unique insight into the selective forces operating in the arid zone, Australia's largest ecosystem.

单性生殖生物是全雌性的，以克隆方式繁殖。通过发现为什么这些不寻常的生物有时会成功，我们可以更好地理解遗传多样性和性别的重要性。澳大利亚的干旱区是一个？热点？单性生殖，至少有五个独立的例子，包括一个本地蝗虫和它的宿主植物之一。我将应用现代分子工具和生理生态学技术来检验这一假设，即孤雌生殖有利于这种蝗虫，因为它允许固定的本地适应克隆。这项研究将提供一个独特的洞察力，在干旱区，澳大利亚最大的生态系统中运作的选择性力量。