Theoretical and Empirical Studies of a Conditional Strategy: Environmentally Cued Pupal Color in Swallowtail Butterflies

Depauw University, Greencastle IN

Investigators

Abstract

0223089 Hazel Certain environmental signals and cues, such as background color and day length, are capable of altering the appearance (phenotype) of the pupae of swallowtail butterflies. The ability to respond to environmental signals is known as a conditional strategy. This research proposal offers a means to investigate the underlying biochemical and genetic mechanisms responsible for this conditional strategy. The research team will use methods from chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, mathematics, computer science and population genetics. Some of these methods include protein isolation, DNA sequencing, immunology and histology, computational biology and theoretical population genetics. Conditional strategies are now regarded as an important but poorly understood mechanism for adapting to changing environments. Such traits are especially common in important pest species, such as insects, and may be a key factor in the ability of insects to survive and reproduce in changing climates and agricultural conditions. Therefore the research will provide important insights into fundamental biological processes of potential economic importance. In addition, the proposed research is highly interdisciplinary, and will introduce several dozen undergraduate science majors to state-of-the-art research methods in the context of modern biological theory.