DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Divergent selection and the evolution of reproductive isolation across the genus Cakile (Brassicaceae)

论文研究：Cakile 属（十字花科）的发散选择和生殖隔离的进化

• 批准号: 1011329
• 负责人: Kathleen Donohue
• 金额: $ 1.41万
• 依托单位: Duke University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2010
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2010-05-01 至 2013-04-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1011329&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: DISSERTATION; RESEARCH; Divergent; selection; evolution

Species are defined by their inability to reproduce successfully with other species. Darwin originally argued that new species arose as a consequence of distinct populations adapting to different environments. Despite the widespread acknowledgment that natural selection plays a role in the formation of new species, the question of whether adaptation to different versus similar environments accelerates the evolution of reproductive isolation remains controversial. This study addresses the role of divergent adaptation in speciation by characterizing the degree to which reproductive isolation correlates with adaptive divergence across the genus Cakile, a coastal dune plant that spans a range of environmental variation and geographical isolation throughout Eastern North America, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. In addition to addressing long-standing questions concerning the role of the environment and local adaptation in speciation, this research is relevant to conservation initiatives, since Cakile is endemic to the threatened coastal habitat. The project will share information with local and national conservation groups in the Gulf Coast and Caribbean region. The project also has an international component. Undergraduate students will acquire training in experimental design and analysis. Each student will be given the opportunity to develop a component of the project independently. In addition, minority high school students will be recruited to participate in the research during the summers.

物种的定义是它们无法与其他物种成功繁殖。达尔文最初认为，新物种的出现是不同种群适应不同环境的结果。尽管人们普遍承认自然选择在新物种的形成中发挥着重要作用，但适应不同环境与相似环境是否会加速生殖隔离的进化这一问题仍然存在争议。这项研究通过描述 Cakile 属的生殖隔离与适应性分化的相关程度来探讨物种形成中的趋异适应的作用，Cakile 是一种沿海沙丘植物，跨越了北美东部、加勒比海和加勒比地区的一系列环境变化和地理隔离。地中海。除了解决有关环境和当地适应在物种形成中的作用的长期问题外，这项研究还与保护举措相关，因为卡基尔是受威胁的沿海栖息地的特有种。 该项目将与墨西哥湾沿岸和加勒比地区的当地和国家保护组织共享信息。该项目还具有国际成分。本科生将接受实验设计和分析方面的培训。 每个学生都有机会独立开发项目的一个组成部分。此外，还将招募少数族裔高中生在暑假期间参与这项研究。