The major objectives of this proposal are as follows: 1) construct a phylogeny of the bivalve superfamily Pterioidea including the commericially important pearl oysters; 2) the integration of the phylogeny with paleontological evidence to test hypotheses of origin and diversification patterns of the group; 3) to provide instight into the nature and possible causes of morphological trends, particularly evolution of the bivalve ligament and adaptive aspects of shell shape; and 4) to evalute the association of pterioideans with their coral sponge and mangrove substrata in an historical context.
The intellectual merit of the proposed study and it broader impacts on science and society worldwide stem from: 1) contributions to our understanding of thw world's diversity of bivalve mollusks; 2) scientific instight into the genral processes of morphological evolution in the Bivalvia; 3) enhancing knowledge of interspecific relationships in different ecological settings; 4) direct application to conservation of wild populations and management of commercial stocks; and 5) dissemination of educational materials.
