Insect Responses to Climate Change in Antarctica and Ecosystem Consequences

对南极地区末次盛冰期（约20000年前的末次盛冰期）的模型重建表明，所有低洼的沿海地区都被冰完全覆盖，从而消灭了所有的陆地生命。如果这是真的，这将意味着目前南极昆虫的地理分布是自LGM以来不同物种在相当离散的地点殖民的结果。这似乎极不可能，尤其是因为其中的两个物种，Belgica anapartica（南极半岛地区特有）和Eretmoptera murphyi（南极以南格鲁吉亚特有）是不会飞的。RNA测序数据进一步揭穿了最近/末次大冰期后的定殖，表明这两个物种之间的分离时间为4900万年[Allegrucci et al. 2012]。因此，栖息地避难所必须一直存在，因为南极洲从其他南半球大陆分裂至少28 MYA，我们假设，特有物种具有独特的适应各自的环境。调查这些物种的生理生态，和分子过程支撑他们的压力反应，提供了令人难以置信的强大的比较模型，用于探索它们的进化生物学和科普气候变化的能力[海沃德，2014; Kelly et al. 2014]。使用小气候建模，我们还可以评估每个物种将其分布扩展到南极地区其他地区的能力[Pertierra et al. 2019]。事实上，E. murphyi已经侵入了南极海洋的部分地区[Bartlett等人，2019年]，我们最近发现，这种物种对土壤氮水平有显着影响。反过来，这有潜在的重大影响，低营养适应植物和地衣社区，以及建立更高的“外来”植物的潜力。该项目将为UoB，BAS和USAP以及智利和法国的项目合作伙伴之间的现有NSF-NERC赠款（2020-2024）增加一个新的层面。该项目将调查：1。适应性使南极昆虫能够在这种极端环境中坚持数百万年。气候变化对其未来生存和分布的影响3。南极区域内入侵昆虫物种对生态系统的更广泛影响，特别是对土壤生态地球化学的影响。拟议的时间轴：第1年：进行初步的生态生理学和分子生物学培训，并对预先收集的样本进行初步评估。可能对美国、智利或法国的项目合作伙伴实验室进行研究访问（允许旅行限制）。与政策和行业项目利益相关者进行接触，例如，南极研究科学委员会（南极研委会）、国际南极旅游经营者协会（国际南极旅游组织）。第二年：预期的南极考察季节-收集新鲜样品返回英国，以及基于实地的生态学、生理学和地球化学实验。资助取决于BAS/NERC目前的申请程序，即“合作齿轮计划”，以支付南极旅行和实地服装费用。持续分析数据和编写/提交手稿。围绕项目组织公众了解科学活动。第3年：与项目伙伴合作，继续对南极和亚南极物种和土壤样本进行比较研究。国际会议和正在提交的手稿，以及影响活动/利益攸关方的参与。

Model reconstructions of the last glacial maximum (LGM ~20 000 years ago) in the Antarctic region suggest that all low-lying coastal areas were completely covered by ice - thus wiping out all terrestrial life. If true, this would mean the current biogeography of Antarctic insects is the result of different species colonising quite discrete locations since the LGM. This seems highly unlikely, not least because two of these species, Belgica antarctica (endemic to the Antarctic Peninsula region) and Eretmoptera murphyi (endemic to sub-Antarctic South Georgia) are flightless. Recent/post LGM colonisation is further debunked by RNA sequencing data, indicating 49 Myr separation between these two species [Allegrucci et al. 2012]. Thus, habitat refugia must have existed continuously since Antarctica split from the other Southern Hemisphere continents at least 28 MYA, and we hypothesize that endemic species possess unique adaptations to their respective environments.Investigating the ecophysiology of these species, and the molecular processes underpinning their stress responses, offers incredibly powerful comparative models for probing their evolutionary biology and abilities to cope with climate change [Hayward, 2014; Kelly et al. 2014]. Using microclimate modelling we can also assess each species' capacity to extend their distribution into other parts of the Antarctic region [Pertierra et al. 2019]. Indeed, E. murphyi is already invasive within parts of the maritime Antarctic [Bartlett et al., 2019] and we have recently identified that this species is having a significant impact on soil nitrogen levels. In turn, this has potentially significant implications for the low-nutrient adapted plant and lichen communities, as well as the establishment potential of higher 'alien' plants. This project will add a new dimension to an existing NSF-NERC grant (2020-2024) between UoB, BAS and USAP, as well as project partners in Chile and France. The project will investigate:1. Adaptations that have allowed Antarctic insects to persist in this extreme environment for millions of years.2. The implications of climate change on their future survival and distribution3. Broader ecosystem consequences of invasive insect species within the Antarctic region, specifically on soil biogeochemistry.Proposed timeline:Year 1: Undertake preliminary ecophysiology and molecular biology training and initial assessments with pre-collected samples. Possible research visit to project partner lab in USA, Chile or France (travel restrictions permitting).Initiate engagement with policy and industry project stakeholders, e.g., Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO). First UK Conference end of Yr 1Preparation of manuscripts for publication.Year 2: Anticipated Antarctic field season - collection of fresh samples for return to UK, as well as field-based ecology, physiology and biogeochemistry experiments. Funding is subject to current BAS/NERC procedure of application for 'Collaborative Gearing Scheme' to cover Antarctic travel and field clothing costs). Ongoing analysis of data and preparation/submission of manuscripts.Organise public understanding of science event based around project.Year 3: Continued comparative studies with Antarctic and sub-Antarctic species and soil samples in collaboration with project partners. International conference and ongoing submission of manuscripts, as well as impact activities/stakeholder engagement.