See the Volvocales Information Project, VIP,  for more information on the Volvocales. Some of the advantages of using the Volvocales are described here.

We use the Volvocales as a model system to study the evolution of multicellularity and the evolution of sex. We are using hydrodynamics to understand the viability component of fitness, which depends a lot on flagellar activity, during the evolutionary transition to multicellularity in this lineage. We are also interested in the role of oxidative stress and DNA damage in the evolution of sex in the Volvocales. We also are using them as a model system to study cooperation and the evolutionary origin of altruistic genes and behaviors as described here.

[Hydrodynamics of Volvocales] [Sex in Volvocales] [Cooperation in Volvocales]

Picture courtesy of A. Nedelcu and VIP. Species and approximate colony diameter in microns: A) Gonium pectorale 20, B) Eudorina elegans 50, C) Pleodorina californica 100, D) Volvox carteri 500.