PhD programme in Biodiversity and Evolution : Morphology, systematic and ecology of the reproduction in some Cnidaria, Annelida and Vertebrata
In Mediterranean Cnidaria gonochoric or hermaphroditic manifestations of sexuality are studied. In particular larval strategy and incidence of the self-fertilization, are correlated with population density in an hermaphroditic species. In annelids Aeolosomatidae population dynamics is studied with regard to reproductive activity and aging in diversified environmental conditions and in connection with the trophic characteristics of substrate. In fish species of northern Appennine freshwaters the main parameters of structure and dynamics of population are analyzed in connection with natural or artificial variations of environmental conditions. On the species of the genus Barbus, taxonomic and zoogeographic problems are analyzed. In the amphibians Anura of genera Bufo and Rana, taxonomy, population dynamics and larval sex differentiation are studied. Methods: demographic surveys and statistical elaboration for the definition of the parameters of structure and dynamics of population; hystological and ultrastructural techniques (light microscopy and transmission and scansion electron microscopy); genetic characterization of mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA (microsatellites). The problems of sex differentiation in amphibians are faced by means of analysis, during larval life and critical stages of gonadogenesis, of the expression of genes probably implied in the determination of sex in other vertebrates.
Research Group
Francesco Zaccanti (Full Professor)
Rosanna Falconi (Research Associate)
Enzo Boschieri (Technician)
Stefano Goffredo (Postdoc)
Giovanni Rossi (PhD student)
