Pollinator-mediated floral evolution during range expansions (2017)
The phylogeny of the flowering plants shows continual evolution of flower structures, colours and rewards over time. In contrast, field studies plant populations often show that natural selection on floral traits is weak and inconsistent under current conditions, suggesting little potential for evolution. This apparent contradiction between macro- and micro-evolutionary patterns is potentially explained by long periods of stasis interspersed by occasional periods when plants are exposed to new pollinators and rapid floral innovation is favoured. This thesis project will study how and to what extent rapid evolution of floral traits comes about. This question is relevant to understand plant evolution but also in the context of the current declines of many pollinators around the world, because it will assess how plants can cope with changed pollinator environments.
The project will use several plant species that have extended their ranges and are exposed to different pollinators in their new habitats. It will include a) a field component designed to compare the pollinators, phenotypes and natural selection estimates in native and invasive populations; b) a greenhouse component designed to establish the role of phenotypic plasticity in floral variation; and c) a molecular component designed to study the phylogeography of the focus plants to understand patterns of floral variation. The focal study plants will be Digitalis purpurea, Nicotiana glauca, and Fuchsia magellanica. There is variable amount of preliminary information for these species, so the student will benefit from ongoing collaborations but also help establish new study systems. Field work will involve trips to different parts of the world (UK, South America and Mediterranean Europe).
What you get
£14,582 per annum tax-free bursary and waiver of UK/EU fees each year for 3.5 years (£4203). Full-time study
Type of award
Postgraduate Research
Eligibility
This School funded position, which covers fees and a stipend at standard RCUK rates, is open to Home / EU applicants who should hold or expect to obtain a first, or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in relevant subject. Candidates for whom English is not their first language will require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in any section.
Deadline
31 January 2017 23:59How to apply
Please submit a formal application using our online application system athttp://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/pg/applying/, including a CV, statement of interest and names of two academic referees.
On the application system use Programme of Study - PhD Biology.
Please make sure you include the project title and supervisor's name with your statement of interest on the application form.
Sponsors
Please see the webpage for current projects and publications: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/lifesci/plant-evolutionary-ecology-lab/index
Contact us
For queries related to to the project, please contact Maria Clara Castellanos (m.c.castellanos@sussex.ac.uk)
For general queries regarding applications, please contact Alice Caryer (a.caryer@sussex.ac.uk)
Timetable
The deadline is January 31st 2017, after which shortlisting and interviews will take place
Availability
At level(s):
PG (research)
Application deadline:
31 January 2017 23:59 (GMT)
the deadline has now expired
Countries
The award is available to people from the following country: