How does embryonic physiology shape the divergence of brain development? . Unlike placental mammals (humans, mice, dogs etc) marsupials give birth to very immature young that finalise development in the pouch. Despite this remarkable distinction in the major mammalian lineages, very little is known about how differing reproductive environments impact development and evolution. This project aims to explore how developing inside or outside a uterus impacts brain development in placental vs marsupi ....How does embryonic physiology shape the divergence of brain development? . Unlike placental mammals (humans, mice, dogs etc) marsupials give birth to very immature young that finalise development in the pouch. Despite this remarkable distinction in the major mammalian lineages, very little is known about how differing reproductive environments impact development and evolution. This project aims to explore how developing inside or outside a uterus impacts brain development in placental vs marsupial mammals. Expected outcomes include expanding theories of how different body systems are connected in development and evolution, understanding what aspects of marsupial development might be especially sensitive to variations in environment brought about by climate change and enhancing Australia’s research capabilities.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100501
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$423,232.00
Summary
Serpent sensory innovation in the evolutionary transition from land to sea. This project aims to investigate the mechanisms underlying sensory adaptation, which underpins the behavioural capacity of animals to adapt to environmental change. This research will harness innovative phenotypic imaging and genomic sequencing, to study the coordinated changes among sensory systems in a range of ecologically diverse snakes. Expected outcomes include a large database of 3D digital anatomical models from ....Serpent sensory innovation in the evolutionary transition from land to sea. This project aims to investigate the mechanisms underlying sensory adaptation, which underpins the behavioural capacity of animals to adapt to environmental change. This research will harness innovative phenotypic imaging and genomic sequencing, to study the coordinated changes among sensory systems in a range of ecologically diverse snakes. Expected outcomes include a large database of 3D digital anatomical models from Australian and international museum collections, and new knowledge on the genetic processes influencing sensory receptor evolution in vertebrates. The should provide significant benefits for conservation by using sensory adaptability as a framework for estimating potential extinction risk for vulnerable species.Read moreRead less