Jason Macrander

Advisor: M. Daly

I am interested in studying the evolution of sea anemone venoms. Sea anemones allow me to test hypotheses regarding the evolution of venom in genomic, ecological, and physiological aspects using comparative methods. I am interested in correlations between venom evolution and the presence of obligatory symbionts. The reduced reliance on prey capture due to symbionts may be reflected in relaxed selection on venom genes. Additionally, I am interested in gene family evolution, pseudogene formation, and synonymous mutations rates of diversifying selection in venoms among species known to have particularly potent venoms contrasted with closely related less potent generalists. I am also interested in the tempo and mode of gene family evolution for the different proteins which collectively make up sea anemone venom.