To explore the origins of species diversity in Neotropical fishes, this project will study the taxonomy, systematics, behavior, physiology and geographical distribution of a diverse genus of weakly electric knife-fishes, Gymnotus. Species of Gymnotus use stereotyped species-specific electric organ discharges (EODs) to communicate. These electric signals provide a unique window on the mechanisms of species recognition and speciation. This project will produce a thorough taxonomic revision of the genus, compile libraries of recorded electric signals, and describe up to 30 new species from South and Central America. To resolve evolutionary relationships, morphological data and gene sequences will be utilized to compile phylogenetic trees. These will be used to evaluate the role of geography and communication signals in generating species diversity.
The data and analyses arising from this interdisciplinary project will become a textbook case of how animals diversify at the continental scale - extending the conceptual, taxonomic and geographical completeness of previous studies of speciation. Project resources will be used to train undergraduate and graduate students from diverse disciplines (life sciences, computer sciences, engineering and mathematics) and to foster scholarly relationships between scientists in the USA, Canada, and eight South and Central American nations. By clarifying patterns of species diversity in threatened tropical environments, this study will also contribute valuable data for conservation science and policy.
