Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF GENTOO POPULATIONS  (GOSGEN)

Outline
The main aim of the study is to reach a better understanding of the evolutionary history and genetic diversity of Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua). The main colonies of gentoo are on the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Kerguelen Islands; smaller populations are found on Macquarie Island, Heard Islands, South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Gentoo seems more tolerant to humans and more resistant to stress during handling than other brush-tailed penguins (adelies and chinstraps). The key problems to be solved are the problems of the analysis of genetic variability and genetic structure of populations, the level of genetic diversity, the problems of adaptation to Antarctic environment and ecological impact on genetic structure of populations. We are planning to investigate populations of gentoo from the most southern to the most northern with several intermediate groups. Birds will be weighted, measured and blood samples will be collected. The analysis of progeny number per nest will be carried out also; this parameter for tourist-visited and non-visited populations will give some figures on tourism impact on gentoo reproduction. The main objectives of this project are: 1. To evaluate the level of phenotypic and genotypic variability. 2. To study the genetic structure of penguins' populations. 3. To estimate genetic and phenetic differences between populations and between the two subspecies (P. p. ellsworthii and P. p. papua). Besides of that, we are intended also: 1. To measure possible genotype-phenotype correlation. 2. To investigate the genotype-dependent level of environmental impact on instability of genome and instability of individual development. 3. To evaluate the impact of tourism on breeding success by comparing visited and non-visited populations.The average levels of heterozygosity, polymorphism and the number of alleles per locus will be calculated as parameters of genetic variability. The data on frequencies of alleles and genotypes will be obtained for each studied population. It will help to ascertain the genetic structure of populations and calculate genetic distances among populations. The following populations may be studied: Islands: Petermann, Wiencke, Livingston, Signy, Falklands, South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands. We intend to collect data from tourist-visited and non-visited nestings. Existing data suggest the little or non significant effect of disturbing gentoo populations by tourist groups on breeding performance. Nevertheless, the human impact on population may cause changing its gene pool. .

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
COSGEN addresses the IPY themes 1-4: 1) COSGEN devoted to study of current state of gentoo population across natural habitat. 2) Analysis of gene pool in subsequent generations of the same populations will give new ideas about prediction of possible changes under selection and its changes following the climate and/or food resources changes in polar regions.3) Analysis of genotypes distributions in different ecosystems will help to find the links of Antarctic ecosystem. 4) New frontiers will be opened in studies of correlation of genotypes with morphology and genome instability, which may shed light on mechanisms of gentoo adaptation.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The project currently involves contributors from Ukraine, Switzerland and Bulgaria. These countries are involved in international project INTAS 0517 (2001-2005). We called also for scientist from Argentina, Brazil, United Kingdom and USA with propositions to develop these ideas further and hope for their positive decisions.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The proposed study will include populations from the whole natural habitat of gentoo, along the latitudinal gradient reach from Peterman Island to Falklands. The following populations may be studied: Islands Petermann, Wiencke, Livingston, Falklands, South Georgia.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 11/05 – 03/06      11/06 – 03/07      11/07 – 03/08

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The main logistic support is required for delivering scientists (2-3 persons) for places of gentoo populations. The support (in emergency) is expected from the nearest stations (Vernadsky near the Petermann Island, Port Lockroy near the Wiencke Island, etc.). No specific logistical requirements have to be met for this project.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The data obtained under this project will let to set up a database of gentoo gene pool and variability along its area. This database will include an information on genotype, phenotype and genome instability of all individual bird and will be available for data management after the IPY.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

The required logistics will be secured with existing Antarctic Stations, research vessels, tourist vessels shared with regular tourist ship cruise.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The project is subject to assessment by Ukrainian Antarctic Center and by INTAS. It has been endorsed at Ukraine IPY Initiative Group. We prepare request for endorsement of national IPY committees from possible collaborators in Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, UK and US and are expecting response during January-February 2005.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
yes
The project is the logical extension of the International INTAS project and is the component of National programmes of Antarctic studies. At the same time the new approaches and extension of studied area on the whole natural habitat will help to investigate new frontiers of polar ecosystems.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be organized as a part of existing programmes and is expected to be self-managed. An international steering committee of PIs will be established for this project for coordination of efforts. National efforts will be coordinated by the respective PI of the country and discussed with the international management group. Joint activities will be proposed in order to maximize networking. The organization of workshops for the different aspects as well as links between themes will be promoted. Field activities and logistics will be coordinated between participating scientists and national logistic departments

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The next activities are planned under the project.1 – using the obtained data in the education at the universities2 – involving into the project young scientists and students3 – publications of popular papers in the newspapers and popular scientific literature4 – meetings with school pupils and teachers5 – development of websites

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Metadata from previous research activity are available for submitting to SCAR GIS databases. Detailed data on gene pool of gentoo populations and individual features of birds from different populations will be sending to international SCAR database as they will become available.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The project now is funding in parts through National Antarctic programmes and INTAS grant INTAS-2001-0517. We expect to have the further stable funding from National sources and from International funding agencies

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
The project consists of investigations that participating country carries out in Antarctica. The key scientific questions in evolutionary biology of Gentoo penguins will be addressed through an interdisciplinary approach by the development and refinement of hypotheses, field data collection, application of new molecular methods, data analysis and hypothesis testing.The key problems to be solved are analysis of genetic variability and genetic structure of populations, the level of genetic diversity, problems of adaptation to Antarctic environment, the problem of the changing of genetic structure of populations under ecological impact. The project is rather interdisciplinary; the total synergistic effect of simultaneous study of different indicators is expected to be more than the sum of the separate studies.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Volodymyr Bezrukov
Department of General and Molecular Genetics, National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv
64, Volodymyrska St., Kyiv,
1033
Ukraine

Tel: 38-44-2523995
Mobile: 8-067-5042413
Fax: 38-44-2662276
Email:

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Other Information