PhenoDim · Phenomics and evolution of sexual dimorphism and female colour polymorphism in damselflies
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2021-09-01 → 2023-08-31
- EU contribution
- €191,852
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Phenomics and evolution of sexual dimorphism and female colour polymorphism in damselflies
What is the problem/issue being addressed? Historically, the study of color polymorphisms has helped to improve our understanding of phenotypic diversification in nature. Polymorphisms are typically expected to be maintained within local populations by evolutionary processes, such as natural selection - differential survival of different genetic variants. Yet there are only a few studies that have quantified multiple axes of correlated phenotypic variation in addition to color, which limits our current understanding of the emergence and evolutionary maintenance of genetic color polymorphisms. Why is it important for society? Studying color variations in nature is essential because it helps us understand how different traits evolve and are preserved in populations. This knowledge isn't just for scientists; it has real-world importance. It aids in our efforts to protect and preserve biodiversity in the face of environmental challenges like climate change. It also offers insights into broader concepts of evolution, which can be useful in fields like medicine and agriculture. In simple terms, examining why animals or plants have different colors helps us grasp how life adapts to its environment and can be a valuable tool for addressing various important issues in our world. What are the overall objectives? The specific objectives of this project are to investigate the emergence and evolutionary maintenance of genetic color polymorphisms in nature. By quantifying multiple axes of correlated phenotypic variation, including color, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that preserve these traits within local populations. This research will contribute to a deeper understanding of how different color variations are perpetuated in the natural world, enriching our knowledge of evolution and providing insights with potential applications in fields such as biodiversity conservation and ecology.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
During over 100 years of ecological and evolutionary research, the study of colour polymorphisms has helped to improve our understanding of phenotypic diversification in nature. Polymorphisms are typically expected to be maintained within local populations by evolutionary processes, such as negative frequency-dependent selection. Yet there are only few studies that have quantified multiple axes of correlated phenotypic variation in addition to colour, which limits our current understanding of the emergence and evolutionary maintenance of genetic colour polymorphisms, for example, via correlational selection, linkage or pleiotropic effects. To address this long standing issue, I here propose a series of research projects that use computer-driven high throughput phenotyping to conduct comprehensive phenotypic analyses (phenomics) of a sexual dimorphism and female-limited colour polymorphisms in damselflies (Odonata; Zygoptera). The overarching goal of these projects is to investigate if and how much female damselfly colour morphs that mimic male colouration to increase their fitness (androchrome females) also vary in other, potentially correlated phenotypic traits, such as morphology, behavior and development. First, I will analyze an existing image data set of evolutionary time series data of Swedish damselfly populations, using a combination of classic computer vision and deep learning algorithms to quantify axes of phenotypic variation that have not yet been investigated. Second, I will conduct a mesocosm experiment using individuals from the same local Swedish damselfly populations to investigate whether androchrome females show alternative developmental trajectories. Third, I will conduct in-depth phenotyping of an existing image dataset of different damselfly species to investigate the prevalence of androchromatism and male mimicry in other traits across a large damselfly phylogeny.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- LUNDS UNIVERSITET · LundCoordinatorSweden
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union