The phylogeny of diving beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) and factors of species diversification

在几个动物类群中发现了高度多样化（物种多样性极高），但其起源尚不清楚。在这个项目中，研究人员将制作潜水甲虫（Dytiscidae， 4200种已知物种）的系统发育，并研究繁殖策略的进化起源与物种多样化之间的相关性。这个群体在水生系统中是重要的捕食者，也是水生和陆生食虫动物的食物。本研究将在系统发育的背景下研究雌性生殖道、精子和交配行为的共同进化，以发现它们之间的相关性及其对超多样化的贡献。了解性状对物种形成的不同影响，将有助于更好地理解非生态变化导致的物种辐射。该项目将对研究生和本科生进行物种起源和多样化、系统发育分析、共同进化和进化理论以及这些过程中涉及的因素的培训。该机构是一所少数族裔服务的大学，来自科学领域代表性不足群体的学生将获得STEM领域的培训。将根据这个项目编写一门课程，并将通过可公开访问的网站向研究人员、教育工作者和学生分发材料。

Hyperdiversification (extraordinarily high species diversity) is found in several animal groups, but its origins are not well understood. In this project, the investigators will produce a phylogeny of the diving beetles (Dytiscidae, 4200 known species) and investigate correlations between evolutionary origins of reproductive strategies and species diversification. The group is important as predators in aquatic systems and as food for both aquatic and terrestrial insectivores. The research will investigate coevolution of female reproductive tracts, sperm, and mating behaviors in a phylogenetic context to discover correlations and their contribution to hyperdiversification. Understanding the different impacts of traits on speciation should lead to a better understanding of species radiations that are not due to ecological changes.This project will train both graduate students and undergraduates in species origins and diversification, phylogenetic analysis, coevolution and evolutionary theory, and the factors involved in these processes. The institution is a minority serving university and students from underrepresented groups in science will gain training in STEM fields. A course will be developed based on this project and material will be disseminated through publicly accessible web sites for researchers, educators and students.