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This project will explore how environmental factors influence reproductive incompatibilities in broadcast spawning invertebrates.
- Summary of the project
- Eligibility criteria
- Readings
- Contact the research team leader
- How to apply
- Scholarships
Summary of the project
This project will seek to understand how the fertilization environment influences sperm egg interactions in broadcast spawning marine invertebrates. A central focus of the project will be to understand how egg chemoattractants (sperm-attracting chemicals released by eggs) function to attract sperm from different males, and how environmental factors (e.g. temperature, pH) influence these processes. Within this central goal, there is scope for you to explore your specific interests (e.g. adaptation to environmental change, patterns of sexual selection across contexts, etc.). You will learn and utilise skills in quantitative and molecular genetics to understand how patterns of gamete choice can change according to local conditions.
Eligibility criteria
General UWA PhD entrance requirements can be found on the Future Students website.
The successful candidate will have a strong grounding in evolutionary biology, and some familiarity with quantitative, ecological and molecular genetics.
Requirements specific to the project include:
Readings
- Kekalainen J, Evans JP (2017). Female-induced remote regulation of sperm physiology may provide opportunities for gamete-level mate choice. Evolution 71(2): 238-248.
- Oliver M, Evans JP (2014). Chemically moderated gamete preference predict offspring fitness in a broadcast spawning invertebrate. Proc R Soc Lond B 281: 20140148.
- Lymbery RA, Kennington WJ, Evans JP (2017). Egg chemoattractants moderate intraspecific sperm competition. Evolution Letters 1: 317-327.
Contact the research team leader
Once you have ensured that you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to discuss a proposal, contact the research team leader to identify a potential supervisor.
- Research team leader: Associate Professor Jon Evans
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- My research interests lie in the fields of evolutionary biology and behavioural ecology although my background is in marine biology. I am particularly interested in the evolution of reproductive traits, tactics and behaviour, and the interplay between successive (pre- and postcopulatory) episodes of sexual selection. My funding typically comes from the ARC’s Discovery grants scheme.
How to apply
After you have discussed your project with the research team leader you should be in a position to proceed to step two of the UWA application process: 'Lodge an application'.
Different procedures apply to domestic and international students.
Scholarships
Domestic students
All domestic students may apply for Research Training Program and University Postgraduate Awards (UPA) scholarships.
The Australian Government's Endeavour Awards and Scholarships are available to Australian applicants for study in participating countries and regions.
International students
A range of scholarships are available from international organisations and governments. The full list, organised by country, is available on the Future Students website.
In addition, all international students may apply for International Research Training Program scholarships.
The Australian Government's Endeavour Awards and Scholarships are available to international applicants from participating countries and regions.
Indigenous students
Indigenous students are encouraged to apply for Indigenous Postgraduate Research Supplementary Scholarships.
Forrest Foundation scholarships
All international and Australian students who wish to study towards the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at The University of Western Australia may apply for Forrest Scholarships.
University information
CRICOS Code: 00126G
