Award details

A natural mutagenesis screen for speciation genes in cichlid fishes

ReferenceG20313
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor George Turner
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Professor Ole Seehausen
Institution University of Hull
DepartmentBiological Sciences
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 248,365
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 01/05/2004
End date 30/11/2007
Duration43 months

Abstract

The hundreds of cichlid fish species unique to Lakes Malawi and Victoria in Africa can be considered as a natural mutagenesis screen for genes responsible for the origin and maintenance of species. We will screen 8 inter-species crosses for major genes responsible for male courtship colour and female mate preference, and test for the significance of male traits by conducting an assay of female preferences (using microsatellite paternity determination) among F2 males of different colour. The results will provide unique insights into the genetic bases of mate preferences, for species isolation based on visual cues and on rapid speciation in cichlids and will represent a critical first step in the search for speciation genes in cichlids.

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Genes & Developmental Biology (GDB)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative X - not in an Initiative
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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