The evolution of dispersal on range edges. The rate at which an invasive species spreads, and the ability of a native species to adapt to environmental change, are both contingent on the dispersal ability of the species. Dispersal ability, however, evolves rapidly on the edge of a species' range. The rapid evolution of dispersal, therefore, determines the eventual range-limits of invasive species, as well as of native species responding to changing conditions. This research will provide tools ....The evolution of dispersal on range edges. The rate at which an invasive species spreads, and the ability of a native species to adapt to environmental change, are both contingent on the dispersal ability of the species. Dispersal ability, however, evolves rapidly on the edge of a species' range. The rapid evolution of dispersal, therefore, determines the eventual range-limits of invasive species, as well as of native species responding to changing conditions. This research will provide tools with which to predict the direction and rate of dispersal evolution on range-edges. The results of this work will, thus, massively facilitate management of invasive species and climate change.Read moreRead less
Evolutionary venomics: Venom system diversification in the animal kingdom. This proposal represents a tremendous opportunity for biodiscovery from the Australian toxic fauna. This will be achieved through the researcher's unique approach of investigating previously unmapped venom systems for divergent, bioactive proteins. An understanding of venomous animal protein evolution has practical implications for the treatment of envenomations - an enormous problem in Australia - as well as great pot ....Evolutionary venomics: Venom system diversification in the animal kingdom. This proposal represents a tremendous opportunity for biodiscovery from the Australian toxic fauna. This will be achieved through the researcher's unique approach of investigating previously unmapped venom systems for divergent, bioactive proteins. An understanding of venomous animal protein evolution has practical implications for the treatment of envenomations - an enormous problem in Australia - as well as great potential in drug discovery and other commercial applications. This project will provide Australian graduate and post-graduate students with finely tuned skills in cutting edge methodological techniques and a fluent understanding of molecular evolution, preparing them to be internationally competitive scientists.Read moreRead less
How does allocation to each sex evolve in hermaphrodites? New insight from the sea. Understanding the ability of hermaphroditic animals to adapt their sex allocation to suit environmental conditions will pave the way for integration between pure and applied research. Such understanding can provide stakeholders across a range of disciplines (natural resource management, aquaculture, conservation) with key information about genetic and environmental influences on the reproduction of many species o ....How does allocation to each sex evolve in hermaphrodites? New insight from the sea. Understanding the ability of hermaphroditic animals to adapt their sex allocation to suit environmental conditions will pave the way for integration between pure and applied research. Such understanding can provide stakeholders across a range of disciplines (natural resource management, aquaculture, conservation) with key information about genetic and environmental influences on the reproduction of many species of significant ecological, economic and social value with this mating system. This research will yield knowledge at the very forefront of evolutionary ecology, enhancing Australia's reputation for research excellence in this field, and further benefit Australian science through the training of young scientists.Read moreRead less