Insect Responses to Climate Change in Antarctica and Ecosystem Consequences

对南极地区末次盛冰期（LGM ~2万年前）的模型重建表明，所有低洼的沿海地区都被冰完全覆盖，从而消灭了所有陆地生命。如果这是真的，这将意味着目前南极昆虫的生物地理是自LGM以来不同物种在相当分散的地点定居的结果。这似乎是极不可能的，尤其是因为其中两个物种，比利时南极洲（南极半岛地区特有的）和Eretmoptera murphyi（亚南极南乔治亚岛特有的）是不会飞的。最近/之后LGM定植被RNA测序数据进一步揭穿，表明这两个物种之间存在49 Myr的分离[Allegrucci et al. 2012]。因此，自南极洲从南半球其他大陆分裂至少28亿年前以来，栖息地避难所必须持续存在，并且我们假设特有物种对各自的环境具有独特的适应性。研究这些物种的生态生理学，以及支撑它们应激反应的分子过程，为探索它们的进化生物学和应对气候变化的能力提供了令人难以置信的强大比较模型[Hayward, 2014；Kelly et al. 2014]。利用小气候模型，我们还可以评估每个物种将其分布扩展到南极地区其他地区的能力[Pertierra等人，2019]。事实上，E. murphyi已经侵入了南极海洋的部分地区[Bartlett等人，2019]，我们最近发现，该物种对土壤氮水平有重大影响。反过来，这对适应低营养的植物和地衣群落以及高等“外来”植物的建立潜力具有潜在的重大意义。该项目将为大华大学、BAS和USAP以及智利和法国的项目合作伙伴之间现有的NSF-NERC资助（2020-2024）增加一个新的维度。该项目将调查：1；使南极昆虫在这种极端环境中生存了数百万年的适应性。气候变化对它们未来生存和分布的影响。入侵昆虫物种对南极地区更广泛的生态系统影响，特别是对土壤生物地球化学的影响。建议时间：第一年：进行初步的生态生理学和分子生物学培训，并对预先收集的样本进行初步评估。可能到美国、智利或法国的项目合作伙伴实验室进行研究访问（旅行限制允许）。启动与政策和行业项目利益相关者的接触，例如南极研究科学委员会（SCAR），国际南极旅游运营商协会（IAATO）。第一届英国会议，准备出版稿件。二年级：预期的南极野外季节-收集新鲜样本返回英国，以及野外生态学，生理学和生物地球化学实验。资金取决于目前BAS/NERC申请“协作传动计划”的程序，以支付南极旅行和实地服装费用)。正在进行的数据分析和编写/提交手稿。围绕项目组织公众了解科学活动。第三年：与项目伙伴合作，继续对南极和亚南极物种和土壤样本进行比较研究。国际会议和正在进行的手稿提交，以及影响活动/利益相关者参与。

Model reconstructions of the last glacial maximum (LGM ~20 000 years ago) in the Antarctic region suggest that all low-lying coastal areas were completely covered by ice - thus wiping out all terrestrial life. If true, this would mean the current biogeography of Antarctic insects is the result of different species colonising quite discrete locations since the LGM. This seems highly unlikely, not least because two of these species, Belgica antarctica (endemic to the Antarctic Peninsula region) and Eretmoptera murphyi (endemic to sub-Antarctic South Georgia) are flightless. Recent/post LGM colonisation is further debunked by RNA sequencing data, indicating 49 Myr separation between these two species [Allegrucci et al. 2012]. Thus, habitat refugia must have existed continuously since Antarctica split from the other Southern Hemisphere continents at least 28 MYA, and we hypothesize that endemic species possess unique adaptations to their respective environments.Investigating the ecophysiology of these species, and the molecular processes underpinning their stress responses, offers incredibly powerful comparative models for probing their evolutionary biology and abilities to cope with climate change [Hayward, 2014; Kelly et al. 2014]. Using microclimate modelling we can also assess each species' capacity to extend their distribution into other parts of the Antarctic region [Pertierra et al. 2019]. Indeed, E. murphyi is already invasive within parts of the maritime Antarctic [Bartlett et al., 2019] and we have recently identified that this species is having a significant impact on soil nitrogen levels. In turn, this has potentially significant implications for the low-nutrient adapted plant and lichen communities, as well as the establishment potential of higher 'alien' plants. This project will add a new dimension to an existing NSF-NERC grant (2020-2024) between UoB, BAS and USAP, as well as project partners in Chile and France. The project will investigate:1. Adaptations that have allowed Antarctic insects to persist in this extreme environment for millions of years.2. The implications of climate change on their future survival and distribution3. Broader ecosystem consequences of invasive insect species within the Antarctic region, specifically on soil biogeochemistry.Proposed timeline:Year 1: Undertake preliminary ecophysiology and molecular biology training and initial assessments with pre-collected samples. Possible research visit to project partner lab in USA, Chile or France (travel restrictions permitting).Initiate engagement with policy and industry project stakeholders, e.g., Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO). First UK Conference end of Yr 1Preparation of manuscripts for publication.Year 2: Anticipated Antarctic field season - collection of fresh samples for return to UK, as well as field-based ecology, physiology and biogeochemistry experiments. Funding is subject to current BAS/NERC procedure of application for 'Collaborative Gearing Scheme' to cover Antarctic travel and field clothing costs). Ongoing analysis of data and preparation/submission of manuscripts.Organise public understanding of science event based around project.Year 3: Continued comparative studies with Antarctic and sub-Antarctic species and soil samples in collaboration with project partners. International conference and ongoing submission of manuscripts, as well as impact activities/stakeholder engagement.