DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Linking ecological divergence and reproductive isolation: the role of chromosomal fusions

观察到许多密切相关的物种在染色体数目和形态上存在差异，这导致了染色体重排（融合，分裂，倒位等）可能有助于生殖隔离（无法杂交）的想法。 最近的证据表明，某些类型的染色体重排（倒位）与生殖隔离的发展有关。 然而，其他类型的常见重排，如染色体融合，尚未在这方面进行研究。 拟议的研究将确定的重要性，染色体融合的发展之间的生殖隔离属Lucania的两个？ 这将使用三阶段设计来完成。 首先，育种设计将创造出不同的杂交种，它们拥有融合的染色体。 其次，将测量这些动物在生殖隔离中的几个重要特征。 第三，将对动物进行基因分型，以确定它们是否具有融合染色体。 这将允许检测生殖隔离和融合染色体之间的任何关系。这是第一个研究经验性地检查染色体融合对两个最近分化的物种之间生殖隔离的影响。 该项目将通过开发新的分子标记以及创建两个连锁图谱来影响Lucania社区。 本科生的参与将继续是一个优先事项，并将涉及动手的行为和分子的经验。此外，一名残疾学生将被邀请进行相关的研究项目。

The observation that many closely related species differ in chromosome number and morphology has lead to the idea that chromosomal rearrangements (fusions, fissions, inversions, etc) may be contribute to reproductive isolation (the inability to interbreed). Recent evidence has linked certain types of chromosomal rearrangements (inversions) and the development of reproductive isolation. However, other types of common rearrangements, such as chromosomal fusions, have yet to be investigated in this capacity. The proposed studies will determine the importance of a chromosomal fusion to the development of reproductive isolation between two killifish in the genus Lucania. This will be accomplished using a three stage design. First a breeding design will create hybrids that vary in their possession of the fused chromosome. Second, these animals will be measured for several traits important in reproductive isolation. Third, the animals will be genotyped to determine if they possess the fused chromosome. This will allow for the detection of any relationship between reproductive isolation and the fused chromosome.This is one of the first studies to empirically examine the effects of a chromosomal fusion on reproductive isolation between two recently diverged species. This project will impact the Lucania community through the development of new molecular markers as well as the creation of two linkage maps. Participation of undergraduates will continue to be a priority and will involve hands on behavioral and molecular experience. In addition, a student with disability will be invited to perform a related research project.