Division of Environmental Biology

Population and Evolutionary Processes

Description

The Population and Evolutionary Processes Cluster focuses on population properties that lead to variation within and among populations. Approaches include empirical and theoretical studies of microevolution, organismal adaptation, geographical differentiation, natural hybridization and speciation, as well as processes that lead to macroevolutionary patterns of trait evolution. The Population and Evolutionary Processes Cluster funds research in the following areas.

Population Dynamics: Studies of the demography of age- and stage-structured populations and of changes in populations, using analytic, stochastic, or statistical approaches.

Evolutionary Ecology: Studies of single species from an ecological and evolutionary perspective including: life history and life cycle phenomena of terrestrial, freshwater, and wetland organisms; patterns of natural and sexual selection; causes and consequences of reproductive isolation; phylogeography; and single-lineage phyletic evolution. Please note that studies focusing on interactions among species should be directed to the Ecological Biology Cluster. 

Evolutionary Genetics: Studies of population and quantitative genetics; how micro- and macro-evolutionary processes, including epigenetics and development, explain the evolution of complex phenotypes.

Molecular Population Biology: Studies of the causes and consequences of variation, change, selection, and evolution of biochemical characteristics, RNA and DNA sequences, and mobile elements; how the properties of genes (number, arrangement, and pattern) and their interactions determine evolutionary processes; the evolution of genetic architecture; and evolutionary genomics.

Inter- and multi-disciplinary proposals that fall across traditional programmatic boundaries are welcomed and encouraged.  The Population and Evolutionary Processes cluster has a long history of co-reviewing such proposals with other NSF programs.  Studies focusing on organism-centered analyses of physiology, morphology, behavior, or development should be directed to programs in the Division of Integrative Biology and Neuroscience (IBN). Studies of the population ecology of marine organisms should be directed to the Biological Oceanography Program in the Division of Ocean Sciences.

Due Dates

Proposals must be submitted by the following date(s):

• Full Proposal Target Date(s):
  January 9, annually
  July 9, annually

Primary Program Contact

Mark W. Courtney
Program Director
Rm. 635 N
Phone: (703) 292-8481,
Fax: (703) 292-9064,
Email: mcourtne@nsf.gov

Eligibility Information

Standard eligibility criteria as defined in the Grant Proposal Guide apply to this program. There are no additional limitations.

Award Information

Estimated program budget, number of awards and average award size/duration are subject to the availability of funds.

Proposal Preparation Instructions

• Full proposals: Standard Preparation Guidelines
  • Standard GPG Guidelines apply.

Budgetary Information

This program adheres to the budget definition and preparation instructions described in the Grant Proposal Guide and has no additional requirements or limitations.

Cost Sharing is not required.

Proposal Review Information

• Merit Review Criteria: National Science Board approved criteria apply.

Award Administration Information

• Award Conditions: Standard NSF award conditions apply.
• Reporting Requirements: Standard NSF reporting requirements apply.

Related Information

Links:

• BIO Directorate Home Page
• DEB Division Home Page

Program Description Number: PD 04-1127