Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/E015255/1
QTLs and candidate genes for behaviour in natural populations
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor M Ritchie, University of St Andrews, Biology
- Grant held at:
- University of St Andrews, Biology
- Science Area:
- Earth
- Overall Classification:
- Earth
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Population Genetics/Evolution
- Behavioural Ecology
- Abstract:
- Variation in mating behaviour is responsible for sexual selection, gene flow and speciation in natural populations, but is amongst the most difficult traits to study at a genetic level. Numerous genes influencing behaviour have been identified in organisms such as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster but there are very few studies of how important allelic variation at these genes is to variation in natural populations. We will take advantage of new techniques in genome information, genetic scoring and statistical approaches to detecting genes in natural populations to examine the genomic location of genes influencing variation in ecologically important behavioural traits in the Arctic fly species Drosophila montana. We will examine genes identified in the laboratory as influencing these traits in D melanogaster as well as random background genes. We will produce semi-natural populations of D montana from two different natural populations (from Finland and Canada) and test whether allelic variation in genes is co-inherited with male song and female song preferences. The results will identify genes influencing these traits in natural populations and tell us if these genes are conserved between populations and between different species. The results are important because they allow us to determine whether the function of genes is conserved across species, which has important implications for our understanding of gene function and behaviour, which are very poorly studied in natural populations.
- Period of Award:
- 1 Mar 2008 - 28 Feb 2011
- Value:
- £360,231 Lead Split Award
Authorised funds only
- NERC Reference:
- NE/E015255/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Standard Grant (FEC)
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Standard Grant
This grant award has a total value of £360,231
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| DI - Other Costs | Indirect - Indirect Costs | DA - Investigators | DA - Estate Costs | DI - Equipment | DI - Staff | DA - Other Directly Allocated | DI - T&S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £35,906 | £107,128 | £27,592 | £22,901 | £11,415 | £83,500 | £62,953 | £8,836 |
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