Co-divergence or opportunism: the evolution of trematode parasitism in the sea. This proposal is for fundamental research into how a major group of parasites (trematodes) has evolved in interaction with its hosts. The work is mainly the kind of 'basic science' that underpins other science without having intended immediate community benefit. However, the work depends strongly on the important task of developing better knowledge of trematodes in Australian native animals. Some of these parasite ....Co-divergence or opportunism: the evolution of trematode parasitism in the sea. This proposal is for fundamental research into how a major group of parasites (trematodes) has evolved in interaction with its hosts. The work is mainly the kind of 'basic science' that underpins other science without having intended immediate community benefit. However, the work depends strongly on the important task of developing better knowledge of trematodes in Australian native animals. Some of these parasites are pathogens of bivalves (scallops, giant clams and oysters) but almost nothing is known about them here. Another benefit of the study is in the training of several postgraduate students who will be able to contribute to the further study and management of parasites in Australia.Read moreRead less
Does mate choice play a role in the fertilization ecology of free-spawners? Botanists have long recognised the consequences of differential compatibility between mates for breeding programs and agriculture. In important aquaculture species such as abalone and sea-urchins, similar variation in mate compatibility has been observed but current theory struggles to explain this variation and its consequences. I have identified a new explanation for this variation and will test this explanation using ....Does mate choice play a role in the fertilization ecology of free-spawners? Botanists have long recognised the consequences of differential compatibility between mates for breeding programs and agriculture. In important aquaculture species such as abalone and sea-urchins, similar variation in mate compatibility has been observed but current theory struggles to explain this variation and its consequences. I have identified a new explanation for this variation and will test this explanation using a marine invertebrate that is a model system for study around the world. A positive result offers promise of explaining how females 'select' mates in free-spawning species and explaining the consequence of this mate selection.Read moreRead less