Dissertation Research: Phylogenetic Systematics and Evolutionary Ecology of Dioecious Figs and their Pollinators

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9801259 Donoghue Phylogenetic and comparative analyses will be used to examine the evolution of interactions between dioecious figs (Moraceae: Ficus subg. Ficus) and their pollinating fig wasps (Hymenoptera: Agaoninae). Paired collections of dioecious figs and fig wasps from the field were made by Weiblen during 1995-1997. Morphological and molecular data from these collections will be used in parallel phylogenetic analyses. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA from selected fig species and the 3' end of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) from fig wasps will be sequenced. The extensive fig wasp collections at the Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie, Leiden, The Netherlands, will be used to confirm the identities of selected pollinator species and to explore morphological characters. Scanning electron microscopy will document fig and fig wasp morphological characters used in phylogenetic and comparative analyses. Comparative studies are designed to evaluate coevolutionary hypotheses in a phylogenetic context, including parallel diversification and cases of reciprocal adaptations between interacting lineages.