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Biology

University of Massachusetts Amherst

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The Contributions Of Evolutionary Divergence And Phenotypic Plasticity To Geographic Variation In The Western Fence Lizard, Sceloporus Occidentalis, Christine R. Buckley, Duncan J. Irschick, Stephen C. Adolph Jan 2010

The Contributions Of Evolutionary Divergence And Phenotypic Plasticity To Geographic Variation In The Western Fence Lizard, Sceloporus Occidentalis, Christine R. Buckley, Duncan J. Irschick, Stephen C. Adolph

Biology Department Faculty Publication Series

Local genetic adaptation and phenotypic plasticity are two mechanisms that can have marked effects on the morphology, performance, and behaviour of animals, producing geographic variation among populations. However, few studies have examined how these mechanisms interact during ontogeny to shape organismal phenotypes. We incubated eggs of the western fence lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis, from four populations (representing two latitudes and altitudes) in either a warm or cool environment in the laboratory. We then raised the hatchlings under common laboratory conditions, measured morphological and performance traits until 5 weeks of age, and compared juvenile morphology with that of field-caught adults from …


Biotechnology And Industrial Development, Center For Economic Development Jan 1997

Biotechnology And Industrial Development, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

Biotechnology is defined by the industry as the commercial application of modern biology. It is a fairly young industry and it recently celebrated its 20th anniversary in 1996. There are over 13,000 biotech companies in the United States which employ over 100,000 people. The main focus of their research includes agricultural, environmental and medical applications. The agricultural sector research is directed towards food, food processing, animal and plant breeding applications. The areas in medical research include pharmaceuticals, gene therapy, medical instruments and medical software. Environmental applications deal with bioremediation, biopesticides and other alternatives to waste removal. The biotech industry is …