| Grant number: | 00/04686-4 |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Projects - Thematic Grants |
| Start date: | March 01, 2001 |
| End date: | March 31, 2007 |
| Field of knowledge: | Biological Sciences - Zoology - Animal Behavior |
| Principal Investigator: | Pedro Gnaspini Netto |
| Grantee: | Pedro Gnaspini Netto |
| Host Institution: | Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil |
Abstract
Due to peculiar biotic and non-biotic characteristics of the subterranean environment, organisms which live in this environment may present typical features, expressed on morphology, ecology, physiology, activity rhythms, etc. The study of comparative biology focusing on taxonomic groups which include both epigean and hypogean species is the only way to map in phylogeny how these features arose. However, these studies frequently can not be done exactly due to the lack of taxonomic information. Thence, the present project broadly aims the detection and interpretation of possible modifications (morphological, physiological, behavioral, etc.) which may have occurred among cave arthropods. To reach this goal, some studies are primarily proposed, including proceeding with studies already started among the researchers, star new studies, and evaluate and porpose potential studies (mainly those related with post-doctorate projects). It should be stressed that collaborative studies including researchers from other institutions and universities, as already occur, should be strenghtened and possibly increased. Studies will focus mainly on beetles and arachnids (specially harvestmen). Already planned projects include: taxonomy of cholevine beetles; natural history of the troglobitic carabid beetles Schizogenius ocellatus and Coarazuphium cessaima; taxonomy, comparative physiology and reproductive biology of harcestmen of the genus Goniosoma; chemical and behavioral defenses of harvestmen; natural history of the pseudoscorpion Maxchernes iporangae, and of the bug Zelrus travassosi; and comparative reaction to light among epigean and hypogean crickets; potential studies include systematics of springtails and chrnobiology of cave arthopods. In addition, exploration activities and faunistic surveys may be done in less known geographic areas, when necessary. (AU)
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