Award details

(A) Early animal and protozoan evolution invertebrate functional morphology and biomimetics

Reference	JE514380
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Thomas Cavalier-Smith
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Dr Jeyaraney Kathirithamby, Professor Andrew Parker, Dr David Shotton, Professor Fritz Vollrath
Institution	University of Oxford
Department	Zoology
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	102,220
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	31/07/2001
End date	31/01/2002
Duration	6 months

Abstract

Four major research areas in the department involve ultrastructural analysis using transmission electron microscopy for which a replacement modern instrument is essential. Some of us are studying biopolymers in arthropods, specifically spider silk, in order to understand their structure and function, which are potential models for applications of liquid crystals in polymer manufacture and the new field of nanofabrication. Others are investigating the adaptation of beetle cuticle to extreme hot and cold environments, the biomechanics of hooks in nature, and the ultrastructure of unusual reflectors and antireflectors in animals. Another major study involves the evolution of body plans, both in multicellular animals and in single celled protozoa with special reference to understanding the Cambrian and late Proterozoic explosions in biodiversity and the origin of novel structures such as eyes and limbs. Finally, a program on insect developmental biology in conjunction with a major genome project will provide insights into animal structural evolution, especially the evolutionary modification of insect wings and eyes, and develop the basic biology of a bizarre group of parasitic insects that are particularly relevant to biological pest control.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	Joint Equipment Initiative 2000 (JE5) [2000]
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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