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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NE/C520439/2

Environmental and genetic components of a major evolutionary transition: social plasticity in halictine bees.

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Professor JP Field, University of Sussex, Biology and Environmental Science
Co-Investigator:
Professor R Paxton, Martin Luther Univ of Halle-Wittenberg, Zoologie
Science Area:
Terrestrial
Overall Classification:
Terrestrial
ENRIs:
Biodiversity
Science Topics:
Population Genetics/Evolution
Behavioural Ecology
Abstract:
The evolution of sociality is one of the major transitions in evolutionary biology. The key testing ground for theories concerning the origin of helping have been primitively eusocial taxa, in which behaviour is highly plastic. Social phenotype varies within these species, both temporally and spatially, from non-social to fully eusocial. Differences in social phenotype are correlated with factors such as latitude, altitude and habitat features. Yet the extent to which differences are genetically based, or represent condition-sensitive phenotypic expression, is almost unknown. Our research will use a combination of large-scale manipulative field experiments and molecular genetic analyses: (1) To test whether inter-population variation in social phenotype represents genetic differentiation or is a phenotypic response to environmental conditions. (2) To investigate the transition between social phenotypes along an environmental gradient. (3) To quantify the degree of reproductive isolation between the two social forms at a transition zone between them. (4) To test whether social populations form a grouping distinct from non-social populations in an intraspecific phylogeny. The work will involve a collaboration between researchers at University College London and Queen's University Belfast, employing a postdoctoral researcher and a 75% time technician. The study system will be British populations of sweat bees.
Period of Award:
1 Sep 2007 - 31 Dec 2009
Value:
£111,845
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NE/C520439/2
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
Standard Grants Pre FEC
Grant Status:
Closed
Programme:
Standard Grant

This grant award has a total value of £111,845  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

Total - StaffTotal - T&STotal - Other CostsTotal - Indirect Costs
£52,110£19,354£16,410£23,970

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