Could anyone propose a project topic on genetics or vertebrate biology for an undergrad?

Question

I a a zoology student in Ghana so if it could relate to something more African i'd love it

Answer 1

There have been some very interesting studies done in the past, on the fruit fly, which may be worth following up. The study demonstrated that the development of the wing, leg, etc of the fly, was not strictly "genetic", but was based rather on "geometries" of distribution of chemicals, which allowed for the development of the fly. There is a lot of work being done in the area of "optical biophysics" -- maybe you can find something initially through the internet that would spark your interest. I'm sorry -- I don't have references at my fingertips that I can give to you.
Or, in a different vein, you could study the genetics of the Royal Family, and how the inbreeding has affected the thinking of the offspring, such that they think that some of the African nations ought to be their colonies into perpetuity..... (lol)

Answer 2

Why not look at what the professors at your school are doing? Talk with them, I am sure that they have some ideas of what you could do.

I don't know if the regulations are the same in Ghana like they are here in the US but there are certain regulations that you have to follow when you deal with vertebrates. If you want to do something wih vertebrates you could always pick a specific vertebrate and study their behavior or biogeography.

I don't think that I helped too much but I hope that it gives you a start.

Answer 3

How approximately fish habit experiments. Get a tank with a definite variety of fish and make fashions from cardboard that ought to signify, predators, prey buddies and opposition to those fish. you should use some thing that resembles a large eye, a tentacle, a splotch of purple, some stripes, something which would be a stimulus of a few variety. record the reactions of your fish. Or, you may get a fish tank with a crayfish or countless crayfish in it. (they're miniature sparkling water lobster-like crustaceans which would be chanced on close to streams). construct them little Quonset huts out of things of tin cans and notice in the event that they're going to compete for territory. See what strategies they use to allure to different crayfish.

Answer 4

There is some really cool literature on altruistic behaviours in prairie dogs, vampire bats, and statistical mathematics to back this up.