Regions: South Slave Region
Tags: biology, fish, genetics, stickleback
| Principal Investigator: | Shapiro, Michael D. (4) |
| Licence Number: | 14163 |
| Organization: | University of Utah |
| Licensed Year(s): |
2010
2008
2007
2005
2004
2002
2001
2000
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| Issued: | Jun 01, 2007 |
| Project Team: | Jaclyn Aldenhoven (Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Utah), Ashley Miller (Undergraduate Student, University of Utah), Matthew Miller (Undergraduate Student, University of Utah) |
Objective(s): To collect stickleback fish from Fox Holes Lakes for laboratory experimentation in order to determine the genes that control the number, shapes, and sizes of bones in the skeleton.
Project Description: The genetic and molecular basis of evolutionary change in animal form is of interest. The goal is to determine whether the same genes control similar skeletal changes in different populations and species. Stickleback fish are ideal subjects for this study because different populations show differences in skeletal structures. Variation in the pelvic spines may be the most striking of these differences: some populations have large pelvic spines, while others have none at all. In order to test whether these similar skeletal changes also have a similar genetic basis, the researchers intend to collect sticklebacks with reduced pelvic spines and crossing them in the laboratory with sticklebacks with complete spines. This procedure will allow identification of the genes responsible for skeletal differences. Fox Holes Lake (60°03'N, 112°27'W), where sampling will be undertaken, is unique because it is one of the few sites in the world containing ninespine and brook sticklebacks with complete reduction of the pelvic spines. The lake will be accessed by car. Minnow traps will be used to collect a maximum of 150 adult ninespine sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius) and 150 adult brook sticklebacks (Culaea inconstans). Traps typically will be set in the evening and retrieved the next morning. Live specimens will be transported to the University of Utah for laboratory analysis. Presentations of the research will be given to the community if requested. Annual reports will be submitted to the Aurora Research Institute. Fieldwork will be carried out from June 1-30, 2007.
