NERC-funded PhD studentship University College London
NERC-funded PhD studentship (available from Sept. 2008) – Biodiversity and
speciation in African white-eyes (Aves: Zosterops)
Department of Biology, University College London. Supervisors: Drs Julia Day
(UCL) and Robert Prys-Jones (CASE partner, Natural History Museum)
A prevalence of cryptic species in the tropics has recently been documented
using DNA taxonomy (e.g. Hebert 2004). The genus Zosterops (white-eyes) is a
species-rich lineage of birds, with high dispersal capabilities.
Traditionally, species diagnosis has been based on colour and song, yet
these birds have subtle plumage variation and as such are particularly
cryptic. The African species complex is no exception, with recent mtDNA data
(Warren et al. 2006) highlighting discordance between traditional taxonomy
based on morphology and conclusions based on genetics. It currently remains
unclear to what extent the numerous species and subspecies in mainland
Africa are genetically distinct and how they are related to one another. The
focus of this project will be to assess the overall biodiversity of mainland
African Zosterops using a multigene phylogeny. The biogeographic history and
diversification of this lineage will be examined through phylogenetic
inference, with a strong focus on East African species, in order to test the
influence of climate with regards to speciation (e.g. Kozack & Wiens 2007).
References: Kozak KH & Wiens JJ 2007. Proc. R. Soc. B. 274: 2995-3003;
Hebert PND et al. 2004. PNAS: 101 14812-14817; Warren BH et al. 2006. Mol.
Ecol. 15: 3769-3786.
Enquiries and applications (including covering letter, CV & contact details
of two referees) to: Dr Julia Day: email: j.day@ucl.ac.uk. Ideally
applicants will have a post-graduate qualification and will have a good
understanding of molecular biology and phylogenetics.
Applicants need to meet residency criteria of UK Research Councils. Closing
date March 19th 2008.
Dr Julia J. Day
Department of Biology
University College London
Darwin Building
Gower Street
London WC1E 6BT
Tel: 0044 (0)20 7679 2660 – internal ext. 32660
Fax: +44 (0)20 7679 7096
Email j.day@ucl.ac.uk
Tags: funded, London, NERC, PhD, scholarships, Studentship, UK, University College
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