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2012 Annual Science Report

Montana State University Reporting  |  SEP 2011 – AUG 2012

Viral Ecology and Evolution

Project Summary

This project is aimed at probing the occurrence and evolution of archaeal viruses in the extreme environments in the thermal areas in Yellowstone National Park. Viruses are the most abundant life-like entities on the planet and are likely a major reservoir of genetic diversity for all life on the planet and these studies are aimed at providing insights into the role of viruses in the evolution of early life on Earth.

4 Institutions
3 Teams
0 Publications
0 Field Sites
Field Sites
  • PROJECT INVESTIGATORS:
    Mark Young Mark Young
    Project Investigator
  • PROJECT MEMBERS:
    Nikki Dellas
    Postdoc

    Jamie Snyder
    Postdoc

    Ben Bolduc
    Doctoral Student

  • RELATED OBJECTIVES:
    Objective 5.1
    Environment-dependent, molecular evolution in microorganisms

    Objective 5.2
    Co-evolution of microbial communities

    Objective 5.3
    Biochemical adaptation to extreme environments

    Objective 6.1
    Effects of environmental changes on microbial ecosystems

    Objective 6.2
    Adaptation and evolution of life beyond Earth