About the Project
Macroevolution occurs over time spans of millions of years. Two approaches can be taken in identifying and understanding macroevolutionary patterns and processes - empirical and theoretical. For example, the mode and tempo of evolutionary change can be investigated using phylogenies of living and extinct species, and through computer simulations replicating evolution in digital organisms/species [1,2]. These contrasting approaches are complementary, but each has limitations: empirical data contain biases (fossilisation, for example), whilst by necessity simulations are highly simplified. Used together, these limitations can be overcome. This project will use both empirical data and simulations to identify widespread patterns, and explore the dynamics of origination, diversification and extinction of clades in light of rates of evolution and possible drivers. Compilation of combined morphological and molecular phylogenetic datasets from across the tree of life will enable a meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between (rates of) phenotypic and genotypic evolution. By combining data from distantly-related groups we can test for general patterns in relative rates of change at the origin of species, clades and anatomical novelties, and shifts at major environmental transitions and extinctions. All these are topics that can then be studied further within an in silico system. REvoSim is a custom-written software package developed by members of the supervisory team. It is capable of simulating evolution for large populations (>1 million) of individuals over long time periods (>5 million iterations). While simplified, it incorporates key aspects of biological evolution, including breeding, spatial species-structure, and a changing environment. It will allow widespread patterns to be better understood, and the underlying mechanisms to be experimentally investigated.
This interdisciplinary project will study both fossil and extant organisms across the tree of life, with a complementary simulation approach. It has the potential to provide new insights into both the patterns and the mechanisms of macroevolution. It represents a unique opportunity for applicants interested in both computational techniques and evolution in deep time, and will allow the student to achieve training in a wide range of analytical techniques, including phylogenetics, software engineering, and data analysis in R; these skills will lend themselves to multiple future career paths.
http://www.russellgarwood.co.uk/
https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/researchers/robert-sansom(8330da4e-4673-49bf-ac23-e1bb824b7680)/publications.html
http://github.com/palaeoware/
Entry Requirements:
Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, at least an upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
UK applicants interested in this project should make direct contact with the Principal Supervisor to arrange to discuss the project further as soon as possible. International applicants (including EU nationals) must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English Language) as outlined before contacting potential supervisors to express an interest in their project. Eligibility can be checked via the University Country Specific information page (https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/country-specific-information/).
If your country is not listed you must contact the Doctoral Academy Admissions Team providing a detailed CV (to include academic qualifications – stating degree classification(s) and dates awarded) and relevant transcripts.
Following the review of your qualifications and with support from potential supervisor(s), you will be informed whether you can submit a formal online application.
To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form - full details on how to apply can be found on the BBSRC DTP website www.manchester.ac.uk/bbsrcdtpstudentships
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/
Funding Notes
Funding will cover UK tuition fees/stipend only. The University of Manchester aims to support the most outstanding applicants from outside the UK. We are able to offer a limited number of scholarships that will enable full studentships to be awarded to international applicants. These full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality candidates, due to the competitive nature of this scheme.
References
[1] Garwood, R.J., Spencer, A.R.T. & Sutton, M.D. 2019. REvoSim: Organism-level simulation of macro- and microevolution. Palaeontology 62(3):339-355. doi:10.1111/pala.12420
[2] Landis, M.J. and Schraiber, J.G., 2017. Pulsed evolution shaped modern vertebrate body sizes. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 114(50), pp.13224-13229.