# Characterizing the drivers and dynamics of convergent genetic and phenotypic evolution

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Texas at Arlington (TX) · $908,895

## Abstract

One of the central goals of biology is to explain how and why species evolve. In this research, the researchers study waterfowl to understand how adaptations related to diet have contributed to the evolution of this group of birds. Many waterfowl have independently evolved similar characteristics to support specific feeding strategies (e.g., filter feeding, underwater diving, grazing). These repeated evolutionary changes provide an ideal opportunity to study how organisms evolve, to illuminate the function of specific traits, to understand how genomic change connects to trait change, and to test theory about how species respond to ecological change. This project also highlights the importance of museum collections for supporting research and provides a tailored educational opportunity for college students to learn about the many ways museum collections can support cutting-edge science and biotechnology.

This project combines analyses of body shape, genetics, and environmental conditions to understand how adaptive traits evolve and influence diversification over long evolutionary timescales. By studying species that independently evolved similar traits, the researchers will use statistical comparative methods to examine whether shifts into new feeding strategies allow lineages to expand into new ecological roles leading to the formation of new species; or whether dietary shifts lead to increased specialization making species more vulnerable to extinction under changing environmental conditions. This project will also determine if there are consistent patterns in how the skeleton adapts to support shifts in dietary ecology. Specifically, the researchers will combine evolutionary analyses with detailed measurements of bone shape variation to test if waterfowl species that adopt similar feeding strategies also evolve similar combinations of skeletal features. Since feeding behaviors often require multiple parts of the body to coordinate function, natural selection ma

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2545584
- **Awardee organization:** University of Texas at Arlington (TX)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** LMLUKUPJJ9N3
- **PI:** Janet C Buckner
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** —
- **Estimated total:** $908,895
- **Funds obligated:** $908,895
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 05/15/2026 → 04/30/2031

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2545584

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2545584, Characterizing the drivers and dynamics of convergent genetic and phenotypic evolution. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-15 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2545584. Licensed CC0.

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