Adaptation of a Population of Fundulus heteroclitus to a Creosote-Contaminated Environment: Mechanisms, Genetic Consequences and Fitness Trade-Offs

Abstract : The specific objectives of this project are: (1) to identify the contaminant(s) to which the Atlantic Wood site population of Elizabeth River Fundulus has adapted; (2) to elucidate biochemical mechanisms of adaptation in this population of Fundulus; (3) to elucidate selected genetic aspects of adaptation in this population of Fundulus; (4) to develop useful markers for adaptation and genetic change associated with multi-generation exposures in an estuarine model (Fundulus); and (5) to elucidate "costs" of adaptation associated with multi-generation exposures, based upon studies of Elizabeth River Fundulus.