Supervisors: Hannah Rowland, Christian Paetz, MPI for Chemical Ecology
Background: The
evolution of warning colour patterns in prey that have chemical
defences is an important area of research in evolutionary biology (1). Variability in the colour patterns and chemical profiles of prey is frequently documented (2, 3).
In comparison to variability in prey signals, variability in the
predators that respond to these signals has less often been considered
and, where it has, not directly quantified (4, 5). The
evolutionary dynamics of warning colour patterns will depend on the
extent of (genetic) variation both in prey and in their predators (6-8).
Where predators are capable of circumventing the chemical defences of
prey, this often involves the evolution of elaborate mechanisms for
avoiding(9), tolerating (10), or resistance to the toxic effects of the defence (11).
Project Description: This
aim of this project is to understand the molecular and physiological
mechanisms that underpin avian predator’s ability to feed on chemically
defended prey. You will conduct feeding studies to determine the effect
of chemical defences (positive or negative) on predator behaviour and
physiology. You will use transcription profiling to detect up-regulated
genes associated with defence consumption, and also investigate the fate
of chemical defences after ingestion in order to identify potential
detoxification mechanisms and to detect possible metabolites. There is
the potential to move toward In vitro enzyme/receptor assays.
Candidate profile: We
are searching for a highly motivated student with a scientific, and
curiosity-driven attitude and a strong interest in interdisciplinary
research combining molecular biology, chemistry, and ecology. Excellent
communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English is
required. A background in biochemistry and/or molecular biology is
preferable. Experience with one of more method of transcriptomics/cell
culture/ HPLC or liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry
(LCMS-MS) would be desirable, but not absolutely necessary (training
will be given).
References
- J. Mappes, N. Marples, J. A. Endler, The complex business of survival by aposematism. Trends Ecol. Evol. 20, 598-603 (2005).
- M. P. Speed, G. D. Ruxton, J. Mappes, T. N. Sherratt, Why are defensive toxins so variable? An evolutionary perspective. Biological Reviews 87, 874-884 (2012).
- K. Summers, M. P. Speed, J. D. Blount, A. M. M. Stuckert, Are aposematic signals honest? A review. Journal of Evolutionary Biology, n/a-n/a (2015).
- O. Nokelainen, J. Valkonen, C. Lindstedt, J. Mappes, Changes in predator community structure shifts the efficacy of two warning signals in Arctiid moths. J. Anim. Ecol. 83, 598-605 (2014).
- J. K. Valkonen et al., Variation in predator species abundance can cause variable selection pressure on warning signaling prey. Ecology and Evolution 2, 1971-1976 (2012).
- J. A. Endler, J. Mappes, Predator mixes and the conspicuousness of aposematic signals. American Naturalist 163, 532-547 (2004).
- H. M. Rowland, A. J. T. Fulford, G. D. Ruxton, Predator learning differences affect the survival of chemically defended prey. Animal Behaviour 124, 65-74 (2017).
- C. G. Halpin, J. Skelhorn, C. Rowe, The Relationship between Sympatric Defended Species Depends upon Predators' Discriminatory Behaviour. PLoS ONE 7, e44895 (2012).
- L. S. Fink, L. P. Brower, Birds Can Overcome the Cardenolide Defense of Monarch Butterflies in Mexico. Nature 291, 67-70 (1981).
- N. M. Marples, P. M. Brakefield, R. J. Cowie, Differences between the 7-spot and 2-spot ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) in their toxic effects on a bird predator. Ecological Entomology 14, 79 (1989).
- S. Mohammadi, A. H. Savitzky, J. Lohr, S. Dobler, Toad toxin-resistant snake (Thamnophis elegans) expresses high levels of mutant Na+/K+-ATPase mRNA in cardiac muscle. Gene 614, 21-25 (2017).