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

近年来进化生物学的主要进展之一是认识到地球上生命的惊人多样性的起源主要在于生物之间的相互作用。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、寄主植物、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、行为分析和生态实验将被用来确定与这种早期适应性辐射有关的过程。这项工作在适应性多样化和生态相互作用的进化研究之间架起了一座重要的桥梁，特别是通过深入了解昆虫专业化的决定因素、敌人对昆虫种群的影响以及共生相互作用在多样化中的作用。重要的是，焦点种与重要的农业害虫有关，研究它们的相互作用和多样化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方面的培训。

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.