Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/B/S/2003/00207
The evolution of female counter-adaptation and bed-bug reproductive ecology.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor MT Siva-Jothy, University of Sheffield, Animal and Plant Sciences
- Grant held at:
- University of Sheffield, Animal and Plant Sciences
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Environmental Physiology
- Population Genetics/Evolution
- Population Ecology
- Abstract:
- Despite the presence of a fully functional female reproductive tract, male bed bugs transfer sperm by piercing the female's abdomen (so wounding her) and inseminating into her body cavity. Recent work has shown that the female fights infection introduced during traumatic insemination with a unique organ, the spermalege. The project will collect key species in which the spermalege shows different degrees of anatomical sophistication and culture them in the UK. Parallel work on the common bed bug (which has a relatively primitive spermalege) will identify the nature of its immunological function. Comparison between the mechanistic and life-history outcomes of traumatic insemination between these three species will provide (a) the first empirical evidence for the nature of female counter adaptation to traumatic insemination and (b) the platform for studying immune function in the context of reproductive ecology.
- NERC Reference:
- NER/B/S/2003/00207
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Small Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Small Grants
This grant award has a total value of £27,024
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| £8,305 | £8,720 | £10,000 |
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