Physiological Genetic Basis of Metamorphic Timing in a Urodele

Colorado State University, Fort Collins CO

Investigators

Abstract

The majority of organisms experience life in two distinct habitats as a result of undergoing a metamorphosis during ontogeny. The timing of metamorphosis is an ecologically important event because there are costs and benefits associated with the relative duration of the larval verses adult phase. Although much is known about the ecological and evolutionary significance of metamorphic timing, very little is known about the underlying mechanisms that contribute to variation in metamorphic timing. The proposed project would characterize the physiological genetic basis of variation in metamorphic timing using a model urodele system. The salamanders to be used are crosses and back-crosses of Ambystoma that differ in whether they undergo metamorphosis. These crosses, made with prior NSF support, required years to develop. This is a small award to maintain the salamander colony for a year, while the proposal for the research project is revised and resubmitted.