Evolutionary responses, eco-morphological variation, and rapid adaptation in butterflies flying at high elevation
Public support
Provider
Czech Science Foundation
Programme
Standard projects
Call for proposals
SGA0202600001
Main participants
Biologické centrum AV ČR, v. v. i.
Contest type
VS - Public tender
Contract ID
26-22878S
Alternative language
Project name in Czech
Evolutionary responses, eco-morphological variation, and rapid adaptation in butterflies flying at high elevation
Annotation in Czech
High-elevation environments (>3,000 m) impose strong selective pressures on insects, yet the ecological, evolutionary, and genomic mechanisms shaping adaptation remain poorly understood. We will investigate parallel responses to elevation in Pierina butterflies (Pieridae) by integrating macroecology, adaptive flight evolution, and comparative and population genomics. Phylogenetic comparative analyses will assess the role of niche evolution in diversification, while semi-field experiments and morphometric data will evaluate functional adaptations in flight behavior at extreme elevations. Using genome sequencing, we will test for recurrent genetic adaptation to high elevation at the phylogenetic scale and population-level genomic differentiation along two Andean elevational gradients. By linking micro- and macroevolutionary processes, this study will determine whether high-elevation adaptation follows convergent ecological and genetic paths or diverse evolutionary solutions, advancing our understanding of montane biodiversity and eco-evolutionary responses to environmental change.
Scientific branches
R&D category
ZV - Basic research
OECD FORD - main branch
10602 - Biology (theoretical, mathematical, thermal, cryobiology, biological rhythm), Evolutionary biology
OECD FORD - secondary branch
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OECD FORD - another secondary branch
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CEP - equivalent branches <br>(according to the <a href="http://www.vyzkum.cz/storage/att/E6EF7938F0E854BAE520AC119FB22E8D/Prevodnik_oboru_Frascati.pdf">converter</a>)
EA - Morphology and cytology
Solution timeline
Realization period - beginning
Jan 1, 2026
Realization period - end
Dec 31, 2028
Project status
Z - Beginning multi-year project
Latest support payment
—
Data delivery to CEP
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data delivery code
CEP26-GA0-GA-R
Data delivery date
Apr 30, 2026
Finance
Total approved costs
8,239 thou. CZK
Public financial support
8,239 thou. CZK
Other public sources
0 thou. CZK
Non public and foreign sources
0 thou. CZK