DISSERTATION RESEARCH: The Molecular Basis for Convergent Adaptations: Floral Color Evolution in Columbines.

趋同进化为适应过程提供了一个独特的窗口。复制适应的范围可以从形态相似到平行的分子变化。分子水平上的收敛可能通过结构或调节变化发生，并可能受到多效性效应的限制。这项拟议的研究探讨了鹰蛾授粉的多重收敛花色适应的分子基础。花青素生物合成途径的分子融合程度将结合生物化学、DNA测序和基因表达分析来确定。这项研究将确定适应这一进化的基本过程中分子收敛和进化约束的程度，这项研究将直接影响我们对新适应如何产生的理解。在全球气候变化的时代，生物将面临前所未有的环境变化速度。它们适应这些新环境的能力对维持生物多样性至关重要。对适应的进化限制可能在一定程度上决定许多动植物物种的命运。更好地了解适应的分子基础可能有助于预测那些濒临灭绝的物种，并有助于指导保护优先事项，以避免因全球变暖而灭绝。

Convergent evolution provides a unique window into the process of adaptation. Replicated adaptations can range from morphological similarity to parallel molecular changes. Convergence at the molecular level may occur through either structural or regulatory changes and may be constrained by pleiotropic effects. The proposed research investigates the molecular basis for multiple convergent floral color adaptations to hawkmoth pollination. The degree of molecular convergence in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway will be determined using a combination of biochemistry, DNA sequencing and gene expression analysis. This study will determine the extent of molecular convergence and evolutionary constraint during adaptation, a fundamental process of evolution.This study will have a direct impact on our understanding of how new adaptations arise. In a time of global climate change, organisms will be faced with unprecedented rates of environmental change. Their ability to adapt to these new environments will be of utmost importance in maintaining biodiversity. Evolutionary constraints on adaptations could partly determine the fate of many plant and animal species. A better understanding of the molecular basis for adaptations may help predict those species that are in peril of extinction and help guide conservation priorities to avoid extinctions due to global warming.