Differential expression and functional analysis of genes controlling metamorphosis and early neurogenesis of a model lower animal, the coral Acropora. This study will analyse, at a molecular level, the response of coral larvae to stimuli inducing settlement from the plankton and the process of establishment of a sessile, calcified colony. The knowledge gained will facilitate induction of settlement on demand in the most effective way. We will characterise known candidate genes which may be invo ....Differential expression and functional analysis of genes controlling metamorphosis and early neurogenesis of a model lower animal, the coral Acropora. This study will analyse, at a molecular level, the response of coral larvae to stimuli inducing settlement from the plankton and the process of establishment of a sessile, calcified colony. The knowledge gained will facilitate induction of settlement on demand in the most effective way. We will characterise known candidate genes which may be involved in settlement, and reveal a more complete picture using subtractive hybridisation. Studies of the nervous system and the changes that it undergoes at metamorphosis will promote understanding of the control of metamorphosis, and insights into how more complex nervous systems may have evolved.Read moreRead less
Metapopulation and habitat quality: towards an integrated approach to the conservation of an endangered grassland lizard. Our research will provide the basis upon which the grassland earless dragon can be removed from its endangered status and provide a template for the future science based management of other endangered species. Australia will gain through this project by reducing its risk of losing yet another species through inappropriate management.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100443
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,000.00
Summary
Landscape genomics to make an endangered community resilient. This project aims to use landscape genomic techniques to assess how key species of the critically endangered Box-Gum Grassy Woodland community migrate and adapt under changing environmental conditions. Changing climate and land use threaten ecological communities, and alter environments at alarming rates. When species are pushed beyond their environmental tolerances, they will migrate, adapt or face local extinction. This alteration o ....Landscape genomics to make an endangered community resilient. This project aims to use landscape genomic techniques to assess how key species of the critically endangered Box-Gum Grassy Woodland community migrate and adapt under changing environmental conditions. Changing climate and land use threaten ecological communities, and alter environments at alarming rates. When species are pushed beyond their environmental tolerances, they will migrate, adapt or face local extinction. This alteration of the community structure affects the stability and function of the ecosystem. Expected outcomes include efficient use of limited conservation resources, ensuring the long term persistence of the endangered community.Read moreRead less
The evolution and conservation consequences of promiscuity in plants pollinated by vertebrates. Pollen dispersal between plants, predominantly by insects and wind, is characteristically restricted to nearest neighbours. Recent molecular analysis of paternity for a Banksia pollinated by nectar-feeding birds showed atypical pollen dispersal, with high multiple paternity, wide outcrossing and local panmixis. With much of the Australian flora also bird-pollinated, our initial results have potentiall ....The evolution and conservation consequences of promiscuity in plants pollinated by vertebrates. Pollen dispersal between plants, predominantly by insects and wind, is characteristically restricted to nearest neighbours. Recent molecular analysis of paternity for a Banksia pollinated by nectar-feeding birds showed atypical pollen dispersal, with high multiple paternity, wide outcrossing and local panmixis. With much of the Australian flora also bird-pollinated, our initial results have potentially wide and novel significance. This project proposes to test the generality of our observations for other vertebrate-pollinated species, and to test the conservation and evolutionary consequences of reduced pollen dispersal caused by habitat fragmentation and declining pollinators for a pollination paradigm facilitating promiscuity.Read moreRead less