BioProject

The evolutionary history of the narwhal, Monodon monoceros, is not well characterized. More...

The evolutionary history of the narwhal, Monodon monoceros, is not well characterized. Investigative informatic groups will study three areas of interest to better understand its extraordinary tusk and unique expression, the evolution of this Arctic restrictive species, and its population over time, and the narwhal’s ability to adapt to a changing Arctic. First, will be an examination of phylogenetics to better understand how exactly this whale evolved. Genomic studies will reveal information to help construct the history over time for this species and its adaptation to past glaciation and fluctuations in temperature and sea levels. Second, will be an analysis of the narwhal’s extraordinary tusk, and how it evolved with such a unique and counterintuitive expression. Comparative genomics using odontocetes, and other tusked animals will be examined as well as comparative studies of mobile elements. Third, will be a study of narwhal health through the use of proteomics to help identify candidate diagnostic and prognostic protein markers of disease and or stress. These molecular signatures will generate hypotheses for future studies as well as improve our fundamental understanding of how human interactions are affecting narwhal health. PSMC analysis, and SNP arrays and polymorphism detection will provide additional information about genetic modifications related to health and adaptation. Less...