Population ecology of Salpa thompsoni based on molecular indicators

这项拟议的研究针对的是盐碱地的分子遗传学，盐碱地是南极水域浮游动物中一种日益重要的成员，其优势似乎与气候变暖和海冰消失有关。具体地说，这项研究将检查基因表达的全基因组模式、目标基因表达水平，以及复杂的生活史和种群动态背后的种群遗传多样性和结构模式。P.I.S的假设是：(1)对转录组的深入分析将揭示所选择的一组差异表达基因与SALP的关键生活史阶段和事件(例如个体发育成熟、有性繁殖、衰老)之间的显著关联；以及(2)该物种将在南大洋不同区域的种群之间表现出不同水平的克隆多样性和显著的遗传分化。更广泛的影响包括培训两名研究生；将本科生纳入研究和正式培训讲习班；与康涅狄格州海洋赠款合作为高中教师举办暑期讲习班；通过在海洋浮游动物普查主页上张贴帖子进行公众宣传。

The proposed research targets the molecular genetics of salps, an increasingly important member of the zooplankton in Antarctic waters who's dominance appears to be related to climate warming and sea ice loss. Specifically the research will examine genome-wide patterns of gene expression, target gene expression levels, and patterns of population genetic diversity and structure underlying the complex life history and population dynamics of S. thompsoni. The P.I.s hypothesize that (1) deep analysis of the Salpa thompsoni transcriptome will reveal significant associations among selected set of differentially expressed genes and critical life history stages and events (e.g., ontogenetic maturation, sexual reproduction, senescence) of the salp; and 2) the species will show variable levels of clonal diversity and significant genetic differentiation among populations in different regions of the Southern Ocean. Broader impacts include training of two graduate students; inclusion of undergraduates in research, and in a formal training workshop; development of a summer workshop for high school teachers in collaboration with Connecticut Sea Grant; and public outreach via postings on the Census of Marine Zooplankton homepage.