Project Description
Supervisors
Dr Lewis Spurgin, UEA (BIO)
Professor Matthew Gage, UEA (BIO)
Dr James Gilroy, UEA (ENV)
This studentship will address the question of whether small populations can be “genetically rescued”. The student will carry out replicated and controlled genetic rescue experiments to determine the extent and conditions under which immigration improves population performance in the wild. Results from the proposed experiments will be used to form conservation recommendations.
The problem
We are in the midst of an extinction crisis, and urgently require an effective toolbox of conservation actions to save endangered species. One such action is “genetic rescue” – the movement of individuals into small, inbred populations with the aim of increasing genetic diversity and preventing extinction. Genetic rescue is generally viewed as a necessary and effective conservation measure – however, in certain circumstances genetic rescue may not be effective, and could even increase the likelihood of extinction. Indeed, a recent review highlighted that “further research is needed to address remaining uncertainties and to increase confidence in this promising strategy” (Bell et al. 2019). This studentship will address these uncertainties, by performing an in-depth experimental investigation into genetic rescue.
Project aims
You will use carefully designed experiments with the model beetle Tribolium castaneum to determine when and why genetic rescue is an effective conservation tool. Laboratory experiments provide exciting possibilities for directly manipulating levels of inbreeding, population size and gene flow, thereby quantifying the effects of these key parameters in a controlled and replicated manner. You will generate “endangered” experimental populations, and use rescue experiments to determine the extent to which genetic rescue depends on i) who the rescuer is, ii) how much immigration is required, and iii) for how long genetic rescue persists. You will have the opportunity to exploit established links with conservation organisations to use their findings to inform policy and management.
Training
In addition to broad-spectrum training, the student will be trained in eco-evolutionary theory, experimental evolution, genetics, and conservation science.
About you
You will have a good degree in ecology, biology or a related subject. You will have a passion for research, conservation and the natural world.