How sexually antagonistic genes and sexual selection influence the evolution of the Y chromosome. Sexually antagonistic genes are beneficial to members of one sex, but costly to the other. They are of significance both to the coevolution between the sexes and the evolution of the sex chromosomes. We will measure the sexually antagonistic effects of genes that make male guppies sexually attractive. We will then study how these genes, and the process of sexual selection that favours them influence ....How sexually antagonistic genes and sexual selection influence the evolution of the Y chromosome. Sexually antagonistic genes are beneficial to members of one sex, but costly to the other. They are of significance both to the coevolution between the sexes and the evolution of the sex chromosomes. We will measure the sexually antagonistic effects of genes that make male guppies sexually attractive. We will then study how these genes, and the process of sexual selection that favours them influence the process of recombination between the X and Y chromosomes.Read moreRead less
Why do good males die young? The relationship between ageing and sexual selection. A biological understanding of ageing is directly relevant to human welfare. We will use lab and field studies to explore the evolutionary genetics of ageing in an Australian cricket, with particular emphasis on how diet and the timing of reproduction influence the rate at which crickets deteriorate with age. We will also test whether biological differences between males and females generate genetic conflicts over ....Why do good males die young? The relationship between ageing and sexual selection. A biological understanding of ageing is directly relevant to human welfare. We will use lab and field studies to explore the evolutionary genetics of ageing in an Australian cricket, with particular emphasis on how diet and the timing of reproduction influence the rate at which crickets deteriorate with age. We will also test whether biological differences between males and females generate genetic conflicts over ageing rates. Our results will not only complement an evolutionary study of ageing, but may ultimately suggest interventions that may prolong human life or improve the quality of life in an ageing population.Read moreRead less
Identification of genetic polymorphisms of synaptically expressed genes that contribute to variation in normal brain function. This project focuses on understanding brain functions. Brain and mind disorders are by far the largest contributors to the burden of disability, far exceeding any other disorder. This research will contribute to knowledge through addressing the national research priority promoting and maintaining good health. The research outcomes will form the scientific knowledge base ....Identification of genetic polymorphisms of synaptically expressed genes that contribute to variation in normal brain function. This project focuses on understanding brain functions. Brain and mind disorders are by far the largest contributors to the burden of disability, far exceeding any other disorder. This research will contribute to knowledge through addressing the national research priority promoting and maintaining good health. The research outcomes will form the scientific knowledge base essential for the translation of the project into public benefit through their application in development of new testing paradigms for a range of brain and mind disorders. Read moreRead less
Linking the evolutionary and bioenergetic causes of sex differences in lifespan and ageing. The biological study of longevity and ageing has two important fronts: understanding how evolution shapes lifespan and ageing, and the mechanistic study of how genes, hormones, tissues and cells interact during ageing. Interventions to prolong longevity and improve quality of life depend on a vigorous and innovative research effort in both spheres. This project addresses why males and females have differe ....Linking the evolutionary and bioenergetic causes of sex differences in lifespan and ageing. The biological study of longevity and ageing has two important fronts: understanding how evolution shapes lifespan and ageing, and the mechanistic study of how genes, hormones, tissues and cells interact during ageing. Interventions to prolong longevity and improve quality of life depend on a vigorous and innovative research effort in both spheres. This project addresses why males and females have different lifespans and age differently in a way that bridges evolutionary and mechanistic study, and will build Australia's research capacity to study ageing at both levels. Because of the human interest in diet, sex, reproduction and ageing, we expect this research will be a showcase for public interest in science.Read moreRead less
Host plant choice by marine herbivores: ecological, genetic and historical constraints. Understanding the factors that determine plant choice by herbivores is crucial to predicting the ecological effects of herbivores on plants and herbivore adaptation to plants. This proposal aims to establish how evolution of host choice by a marine herbivore is constrained by ecological, genetic and historical factors. It will determine how the spatial arrangement of plants modifies host use, and whether evol ....Host plant choice by marine herbivores: ecological, genetic and historical constraints. Understanding the factors that determine plant choice by herbivores is crucial to predicting the ecological effects of herbivores on plants and herbivore adaptation to plants. This proposal aims to establish how evolution of host choice by a marine herbivore is constrained by ecological, genetic and historical factors. It will determine how the spatial arrangement of plants modifies host use, and whether evolutionary change by herbivores is constrained by genetic relationships among herbivore traits. The generality of important evolutionary hypotheses that predict plant choice by herbivores will be tested by extending such theory to new organisms and environments.Read moreRead less
The genetic basis of differentiation: Towards a predictive understanding of evolution in the wild. Given that Australia cannot escape the effects of, among others, climate change and habitat deterioration, the question of how this is going to impact Australia's unique flora and fauna is an important one. Since extinction is the final consequence of the inability to adapt with sufficient speed to changing environmental conditions, this raises the issue of how well we understand the processes unde ....The genetic basis of differentiation: Towards a predictive understanding of evolution in the wild. Given that Australia cannot escape the effects of, among others, climate change and habitat deterioration, the question of how this is going to impact Australia's unique flora and fauna is an important one. Since extinction is the final consequence of the inability to adapt with sufficient speed to changing environmental conditions, this raises the issue of how well we understand the processes underlying evolutionary adaptation. This project will provide insight into the process of population divergence and the role of genetics therein, and will enhance our understanding of the effects of environmental change, habitat fragmentation and population bottlenecks on population viability and Australia's biodiversity in general. Read moreRead less
Integrating sexual selection and the allocation of sex in the zebra finch: back to the outback. The Australian zebra finch has become the primary avian model species in evolutionary biology studies in Europe and North America as the focus of classic laboratory-based studies of sexual selection, and sex allocation. Surprisingly, these studies have focused on populations of birds maintained in an unnatural environment and in captivity for decades that have been through tens of generations of artif ....Integrating sexual selection and the allocation of sex in the zebra finch: back to the outback. The Australian zebra finch has become the primary avian model species in evolutionary biology studies in Europe and North America as the focus of classic laboratory-based studies of sexual selection, and sex allocation. Surprisingly, these studies have focused on populations of birds maintained in an unnatural environment and in captivity for decades that have been through tens of generations of artificial selection, the effects of which are unknown - not a trivial issue for students of evolution. Using experimental manipulations I will study these high profile research areas in wild populations, focusing international attention on this internationally recognised Australian species and raising the profile of Australian research. Read moreRead less
Discovering genes which modify human physical performance: a means of developing healthier life styles & novel athletic training programs. The aim of this multicentred study (University of Sydney, Australian National University, Australian Institute of Sport) is to find genes in the cardiac and musculoskeletal systems that are involved in modifying human physical performance. From this knowledge, it is proposed to develop novel physical training programs in our national sporting institutions ba ....Discovering genes which modify human physical performance: a means of developing healthier life styles & novel athletic training programs. The aim of this multicentred study (University of Sydney, Australian National University, Australian Institute of Sport) is to find genes in the cardiac and musculoskeletal systems that are involved in modifying human physical performance. From this knowledge, it is proposed to develop novel physical training programs in our national sporting institutions based on an individual's genetic information. In the broader community, knowledge of genes which contribute to the normal and healthy functioning of the cardiac and musculoskeletal systems will be invaluable in understanding and preventing breakdowns in these body systems.Read moreRead less
The importance of phenotypic plasticity in maintaining and introducing variation. This research is a synthesis of behaviour, natural and sexual selection, physiology, and natural and breeding ecology-important interactions that are rarely considered simultaneously in biology. It will contribute to our understanding of life-history decisions, and a long-neglected source of the variation that is the raw material for adaptation and for economically-important breeding programs . These results will h ....The importance of phenotypic plasticity in maintaining and introducing variation. This research is a synthesis of behaviour, natural and sexual selection, physiology, and natural and breeding ecology-important interactions that are rarely considered simultaneously in biology. It will contribute to our understanding of life-history decisions, and a long-neglected source of the variation that is the raw material for adaptation and for economically-important breeding programs . These results will have far-reaching implications for economically-important improvements to medicine, conservation, and crop and livestock production. This work will strengthen Australia's strong research profile in evolutionary genetics, physiology and ecology.Read moreRead less
Nanotechnology in nature: the evolutionary significance of iridescent ultraviolet colouration in butterflies. Nanostructural colour is a novel and interesting biological phenomenon that has potential application in textile and paint industries. This research has the potential to uncover knowledge relevant to future genetic manipulation and/or artificial synthesis of this trait for industry. Fundamental benefits will include a contribution to our understanding of evolution and biological diversit ....Nanotechnology in nature: the evolutionary significance of iridescent ultraviolet colouration in butterflies. Nanostructural colour is a novel and interesting biological phenomenon that has potential application in textile and paint industries. This research has the potential to uncover knowledge relevant to future genetic manipulation and/or artificial synthesis of this trait for industry. Fundamental benefits will include a contribution to our understanding of evolution and biological diversity, enhancement of Australia's research profile, and the cultivation of new scientific expertise. This proposal also promises to benefit the Australian scientific community through the establishment of collaborative links with universities in the USA and UK, and to increase mainstream awareness of Australia's stunning natural resources.Read moreRead less