9405537 Vermeij PI will examine evolution and function of labral spines in gastropods, Oligocene to Recent, including experiments on modern gastropods and systematics of the studied groups. Many attributes of organisms are interpretable as adaptations that enhance an individual's competitive ability or defensive performance; under what conditions do such adaptations evolve and spread? This study will test the hypothesis that enemy-related adaptations of marine species mainly arose in lineages found in warm, productive waters. The work will contribute to an understanding of biological escalation and serve as an example of the integrated approach to answering fundamental questions in evolutionary biology, and of the macroeconomic perspective on the history of life.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Earth Sciences (EAR)
Application #
9405537
Program Officer
H. Richard Lane
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1994-09-01
Budget End
1998-08-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1994
Total Cost
$154,320
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Davis
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Davis
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
95618