The ancient symbiosis of crayfish and temnocephalan flatworms in Australian freshwaters investigated using molecules, morphology and biogeography [ 2002-06-03 - 2005-12-31 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Dr David Blair (Chief Investigator) ,  Dr Lester Cannon (Chief Investigator) ,  Dr Susan Lawler (Chief Investigator) ,  Tim Littlewood (Partner Investigator)

Brief description The ancient symbiosis of crayfish and temnocephalan flatworms in Australian freshwaters investigated using molecules, morphology and biogeography. Freshwater parastacid crayfish are widespread and diverse in Australia's freshwaters. Associated with them (living on external surfaces) since their origins on Gondwana are very many species of temnocephalan flatworms. We will elucidate the molecular, morphological and biogeographic history of this association which appears to be ancient and specific. The study will shed light on Australia's biological links with New Zealand and South America. It will also use the association between crayfish and temnocephalans as a model to investigate general features of symbioses, including molecular and morphological evolutionary responses and phenomena such as host-switching and cospeciation.

Funding Amount $140,000

Funding Scheme Discovery Projects

View this grant in the ARC Data Portal