Collaborative Research: Adaptive Radiation of a Gall Midge-Fungus Mutualism in a Multitrophic Context

近年来，进化生物学的一个重大进展是认识到地球上令人难以置信的生命多样性的起源在很大程度上取决于生物体之间的相互作用。 然而，我们对所谓的“多样化生态”知之甚少。该项目旨在了解由苍蝇，其宿主植物，共生真菌及其寄生敌人组成的复杂生态系统中的适应性多样化过程。DNA分析沿着行为分析和生态实验将用于确定这种初期适应性辐射所涉及的过程。这项工作的桥梁适应性多样化和生态相互作用的进化研究之间的一个重要鸿沟，特别是通过提供深入了解昆虫专业化的决定因素，昆虫种群的敌人的影响，以及共生相互作用的多样化的作用。重要的是，重点物种与重要的农业害虫有关，对其相互作用和多样化的研究将有利于应用和基础科学领域。这项研究将促进赖特州立大学和范德比尔特大学实验室之间的合作。它将培养四名研究生，至少四名本科生，并为其他学生提供科学研究培训。

One of the major advances in evolutionary biology in recent years is the recognition that the origins of the incredible diversity of life on earth lie largely in the interactions organisms have with each other. Yet, we know remarkably little about what might be described as "the ecology of diversification". This project seeks to understand the process of adaptive diversification in a complex ecological system consisting of a fly, its host-plant, a symbiotic fungus, and its parasitic enemies. DNA analyses along with behavioral assays and ecological experiments will be used to determine the processes that are involved in this incipient adaptive radiation. This work bridges a crucial divide between evolutionary studies of adaptive diversification and ecological interactions, in particular by providing insight into the determinants of insect specialization, the influence of enemies on insect populations, and role of symbiotic interactions in diversification. Importantly, the focal species are related to important agricultural pests and research into their interactions and diversification will benefit both applied and basic scientific fields. This study will foster collaboration between laboratories at Wright State and Vanderbilt Universities. It will train four graduate students, at least four undergraduates, and provide additional students with training in scientific research.