Dissertation Research: Molecular Systematics of Orb-Web Weaving Spiders

[9321548] BUSS圆网蜘蛛编织的网可以看作是记录了一系列蜘蛛运动的丝线。因此，存留下来的蜘蛛网已经成为研究织网行为和特定模式遗传的经典系统。然而，关于所有织球动物是否属于一个谱系，或者是否有两个谱系表现出这种基本行为，其中每个谱系都有许多修改和损失，仍然存在争议。这个项目将使用DNA测序来解决以前仅仅基于形态和行为证据的圆网蜘蛛之间的关系。由此产生的基于分子的系统发育或关系模式可以用来测试关于网页设计的起源和多样化的假设。蜘蛛关系的知识可以通过这个项目来澄清。这些信息对保护生物多样性以及设计减少使用杀虫剂的害虫自然控制方案具有价值。＊＊＊

9321548 BUSS The webs woven by orb-web spiders can be viewed as silken lines that record a series of spider movements. Thus webs, which persist, have been a classic system for studies of behavior and the inheritance of particular patterns of web weaving. However, a controversy still exists about whether all the orb-weavers are related in a single lineage or whether there are two lineages exhibiting this basic behavior with numerous modifications and losses within each. This project will use DNA sequencing to address the relationships of orb-web spiders that have previously been based solely on morphological and behavioral evidence. The resulting molecular based phylogeny or pattern of relationships can then be used to test hypotheses concerning the origin and diversification of web design. %%% Knowledge of spider relationships may be clarified by this project. This information can be of value in conservation of biodiversity as well as in designing programs for natural control of pest insects with diminished use of pesticides. ***