Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/B/S/2000/00144
Male-killing Wolbachia: the causes of high prevalence and consequences for the host.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Dr MEN Majerus, University of Cambridge, Genetics
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor G Hurst, University of Liverpool, Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour
- Grant held at:
- University of Cambridge, Genetics
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Population Genetics/Evolution
- Abstract:
- Wolbachia is a genus of inherited bacteria that manipulate the reproduction of their hosts in ways that may be important in driving host evolution, and could be used in the control of insect vectored disease. We propose to investigate one Wolbachia phenotype, male-killing, in acraeine butterflies. The focus of our studies will be populations of two species where over 95% of females are infected with male-killing Wolbachia. We will address three questions: 1. Why do the bacteria reach such high prevalences? Two hypotheses that could account for the extreme prevalences will be tested. 2. Does the shortage of males reduce female fecundity. Cage and field studies will test whether female reproduction is limited by shortage of males. 3. Effects on sexual selection. Do males alter their sperm allocation strategy according to the population sex ratio, or do they choose uninfected females?
- NERC Reference:
- NER/B/S/2000/00144
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Small Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Small Grants
This grant award has a total value of £24,025
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| £15,920 | £4,505 | £3,600 |
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