DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Phylogenetic patterns and processes of repeated morphological evolution in turtles

现代生物学是建立在查尔斯·达尔文、S的进化进化原理的基础上的。近亲物种在体型、体型和体型上有相似之处。然而，在某些情况下，远亲物种也有相似的特征。达尔文？S法则的这一例外令生物学家感到困惑，并提出了一个问题：进化在多大程度上是可重复和可预测的？这个项目将通过研究海龟重复进化的有趣模式来解决这个基本问题。一些远亲海龟物种具有类似的解剖结构变化，使它们在受到捕食者攻击时能够关闭外壳。该项目将使用前沿的分子生物学技术来确定这种模式是否需要控制这些物种骨组织胚胎发育的基因发生类似的变化。海龟对世界各地的社会都具有很高的文化和经济重要性。然而，它们是地球上最危险的动物之一。这个多学科项目将培训人数不足的本科生和研究生，以提高知识，并提高公众对海龟多样性和保护的认识。这一知识也可能有助于改善人类骨骼健康。研究材料将通过博物馆和在线数据库向公众开放。结果将向16岁至16岁儿童和公众广泛传播。

Modern biology was founded on Charles Darwin?s principle of ?descent with modification?. Closely related species share similarities in size, shape, and form of their body plans. However, in some cases, distantly related species also share similar traits. This exception to Darwin?s rule has puzzled biologists and raises the question: to what extent is evolution repeatable and predictable? This project will address this fundamental question by examining an interesting pattern of repeated evolution in turtles. Some distantly related turtle species feature similar anatomical modifications that allow them to close their shells when attacked by predators. The project will employ leading-edge molecular biology techniques to determine whether this pattern requires similar changes in genes that control embryonic development of bone tissues in these species. Turtles are of high cultural and economic importance to societies worldwide. Yet, they are one of the most imperiled animals on the planet. This multidisciplinary project will train underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students to improve knowledge and raise public awareness about turtle diversity and conservation. This knowledge may also contribute to improving human bone health. Research materials will be available to the public through museums and online databases. Results will be disseminated broadly to K-16 and public audiences.