Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/B/S/2001/00843
Environmental modification of phenotypic plasticity: calcium availability, induced defences and fitness costs in gastropods.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor S Rundle, University of Plymouth, Sch of Earth Ocean and Environment
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor J Spicer, University of Plymouth, Sch of Eng, Comp and Math (SECaM)
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr R Coleman, University of Plymouth, Sch of Biomedical & Biological Sciences
- Grant held at:
- University of Plymouth, Sch of Earth Ocean and Environment
- Science Area:
- Freshwater
- Overall Classification:
- Freshwater
- ENRIs:
- Natural Resource Management
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Water Quality
- Environmental Physiology
- Population Genetics/Evolution
- Population Ecology
- Abstract:
- Inducible defences are of major evolutionary and ecological importance, but imply a cost to the individual. At present, however, we have no understanding of how environmental factors modify such plastic traits or what the cost implications of such modification might be. This study aims to address this important research caveat using gastropod shells, a defence that is altered by environmental (i.e. water chemistry) and predation chemical cues, as a model. Two, sequential experiments will be performed: the first will gauge when predation resistance in shells of Lymnaea peregra is significantly influenced by calcium availability; the second will investigate the importance of calcium availability in modifying increases in shell strength induced by predation cues and whether there are associated trade offs with behaviour and growth. Together, these studies will provide essential data on the relative importance of abiotic and biotic control of prey defences.
- NERC Reference:
- NER/B/S/2001/00843
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Small Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Small Grants
This grant award has a total value of £21,963
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| £13,443 | £1,629 | £707 | £6,183 |
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