
NSF Org: |
DEB Division Of Environmental Biology |
Recipient: |
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Initial Amendment Date: | February 10, 2017 |
Latest Amendment Date: | February 10, 2017 |
Award Number: | 1655635 |
Award Instrument: | Standard Grant |
Program Manager: |
Christopher Schneider
DEB Division Of Environmental Biology BIO Directorate for Biological Sciences |
Start Date: | May 15, 2017 |
End Date: | April 30, 2022 (Estimated) |
Total Intended Award Amount: | $383,130.00 |
Total Awarded Amount to Date: | $383,130.00 |
Funds Obligated to Date: |
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History of Investigator: |
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Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
300 TURNER ST NW BLACKSBURG VA US 24060-3359 (540)231-5281 |
Sponsor Congressional District: |
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Primary Place of Performance: |
Entomology, Price Hall, Rm 216A Blacksburg VA US 24061-0001 |
Primary Place of
Performance Congressional District: |
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Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
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Parent UEI: |
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NSF Program(s): | Advanc Revisionary Taxon & Sys |
Primary Program Source: |
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Program Reference Code(s): |
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Program Element Code(s): |
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Award Agency Code: | 4900 |
Fund Agency Code: | 4900 |
Assistance Listing Number(s): | 47.074 |
ABSTRACT
Our basic knowledge of the animals with which we share our planet is limited, with only an estimated 12% of Earth's species currently known to scientists. Biodiversity provides us with important goods and services like water filtration, medicines, decomposition, food, and fiber. Without a basic knowledge of biodiversity through taxonomy, which is the science of naming and describing species, realizing the benefits of biodiversity to humanity is impossible. Even in the United States, many species remain undiscovered. For example, millipedes fulfill an important role as decomposers in forests by breaking down decaying organic matter and recycling its nutrients for other organisms to use. However, they are among the least known of any animal group in the U.S. This project focuses on the millipede groups Apheloria and Nannaria, which are widespread in Appalachian hardwood forests. Twenty-six species are known from the U.S., however, over 70 species of Apheloria and Nannaria await scientific naming and there is even a new species of Nannaria within the remnant forests of the D.C. metro area. This highlights the deficiencies in our understanding of millipede diversity, and this project, through the use of multiple data types, will identify new species and obtain better understanding of the diversity and evolutionary history of these groups in the Appalachian Mountains.
Eastern deciduous forests are tremendous repositories of irreplaceable biodiversity, but habitat loss threatens it. Many Appalachian invertebrates, which compose the most diverse component of this fauna, are unknown to science. It is imperative to understand and describe the diversity of this ecosystem before it is lost. This research project will discover and describe millipede species diversity in the U.S. by accomplishing the following objectives: (1) overcome basic taxonomic deficiencies in U.S. millipede studies using a rapid, technology-driven, and accurate approach to taxonomic treatments of the genera Apheloria and Nannaria; (2) establish a phylogenetic systematic foundation for describing species and as an evolutionary context to investigate camouflage and color evolution in xystodesmid millipedes; and (3) foster an appreciation for organismal biology and natural history by engaging the regional public through in-person outreach programs and the global community through the internet. These thumb-sized millipedes are remaining vestiges of a natural detritivore guild that historically encompassed native earthworms throughout the eastern United States.
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH
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PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT
Disclaimer
This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.
Colorful millipedes in the genera Apheloria and Nannaria are widespread in Appalachian deciduous forests, but are among the least known alpha-taxonomically of all U.S. fauna. Over 50 species of Apheloria and Nannaria awaited description. We fulfilled a plan to accurately and expediently describe millipede biodiversity in the U.S.
These thumb-sized millipedes are remaining vestiges of a natural detritivore guild, which historically encompassed native earthworms that were extirpated throughout the eastern United States. Deciduous forests are tremendous carbon sinks and repositories of irreplaceable biodiversity, but deforestation imminently threaten their ecological integrity. It is imperative to understand and describe the biodiversity of this ecosystem before it is too late.
We described two genera and 62 species of millipedes in the U.S. through revisionary taxonomic treatments. We published 10 peer reviewed research articles (all free on the Internet and open access), including two large monographs, each with over 100 pages.
Our research established a stable classification system, provided revisionary syntheses of monophyletic groups, and described ecologically significant forest biodiversity.
Our taxonomic treatments are invaluable for conservation and management of regional ecosystems. Through education and outreach, we fostered an appreciation for organismal biology and natural history by engaging the regional public through in-person outreach programs and the global community through the Internet.
- https://www.npr.org/2022/04/20/1093577980/taylor-swift-was-the-inspiration-for-the- name-of-a-new-millipede-species
- https://vtx.vt.edu/articles/2021/03/CALS-ent-hokie-millipede.html
The project supported stipends for students and trained three graduate and five undergraduate students as independent scientists. The team of students and the PI traveled to Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Mozambique for field work with colleagues, and hosted a scientist from Colombia.
Last Modified: 09/12/2022
Modified by: Paul E Marek
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