RUI: A Test for Convergence Between An Insect-Fungus Interaction and Coevolved Systems of Pollinating Seed Parasites and Angiosperms

这个项目研究了产卵的恐蝇与其幼虫赖以为生的子囊菌真菌宿主之间的相互作用。初步数据表明，蝇类为真菌提供孢子传播服务，两者之间的关系是互惠互利的，可能是共同进化的。该项目调查了这一系统与紧密共同进化的植物-传粉者共生关系之间的相似性。生态学家普遍认为，相互作用在生态系统功能中非常重要，但相对于其他生物相互作用，它们的研究不足，理解不足。%%%这项研究很重要，因为它将描述一种潜在的新的、广泛的互惠关系，并让我们更好地了解导致互惠关系起源的条件。本研究结果对生态系统健康与功能的研究具有一定的应用价值。* * *

9318271 Bultman This project investigates the interactions between ovipositing Phorbia flies and the ascomycete fungal host on which their larvae feed. Preliminary data suggest that the fly provides spore dispersal service to the fungus and that the relationship between the two organisms is mutualistic and possibly coevolved. The project investigates the similarities between this system and tightly coevolved plant-pollinator mutualisms. %%% There is general agreement among ecologists that mutualisms are very important in ecosystem function, but that they are understudied and poorly understood relative to other biotic interactions. This research is important in that it will describe a potentially new and widespread mutualistic relationship, and give us better insight into the conditions that lead to the origins of mutualisms. The results of this research may be of application in studies of the health and function of ecosystems. ***