Background
One of the animal kingdom’s most intriguing ‘replayed tapes’ is the evolution of viviparity. The transition from egg laying (oviparity) to the retention of offspring inside the reproductive tract (viviparity) has occurred more than 150 times independently. This transition usually requires complex physiological, developmental and behavioural changes: shifts to internal fertilization, smaller clutch/litter sizes, longer gestation periods, higher maternal investments and immunodepression, and remodelling of the reproductive tract to at least allow for embryonic gas exchange. We are beginning to understand how viviparity has evolved at a molecular level across vastly different systems, from fishes to squamates, to mammals, but critically, little is known about viviparity evolution in amphibians.
This project endeavours to uncover the genomic, transcriptomic and phylogenomic signatures and consequences of viviparity evolution in the charismatic anuran genus Nectophrynoides, endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. By comparing this amphibian system to other vertebrates, we wish to understand how functionally similar, complex traits can evolve under different ecological circumstances and evolutionary constraints.
Project Aims
The general objective of this project is therefore: to use multiple genomic approaches to understand the genomic and transcriptomic mechanisms that underlie the shift from oviparity to viviparity in anurans, and the implications this has had on their phylogeography and lineage diversification. To do so, we will:
- Sequence and assemble the genome of a Nectophrynoides species, the first genome of a viviparous anuran, and delve into what makes it different.
- Characterize the development and gene expression of Nectophrynoides embryos
- Resolve the phylogenomic and biogeographic relationships of the Nectophrynoides toads
Meet the Team
This project will rely on the experties of national and international collabroators:
- John V. Lyakurwa: Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
- Dr. Simon P. Loader: Principal Curator of Vertebrates, Natural History Museum (NHM).
- Dr. Sandra Goutte: Ass. Researcher at the New York University, Abu Dhabi.
- Prof. Kathryn R. Elmer: Professor at the University of Glasgow, UK.
- Dr. Jeffrey W. Streicher: Senior Curator in Charge of Amphibians and Reptiles, NHM, UK.
- Dr. Wilirk Ngalason: Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
- PD. Dr. Hendrik Müller: Curator of Zoology at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany.
Funding
This project is funded by the Spanish Ministry.