Functional neurogenetics of latitudinal adaptation to photoperiod in voles

In this project we will describe evolutionary adaptation to latitude use recent molecular knowledge of the neurobiological mechanism underlying photoperiodism. The genes and brain regions involved in photoperiodic induction of gonadal development have recently been described in detail and can now be applied to understand functional adaptation in timing of reproduction. Voles can be the appropriate project species, since they are one of the most abundant and ecologically relevant mammalian herbivores. The project will address a key question in biology: what are the mechanisms of evolutionary adaptation to environmental variation.