Evolution of Phenotype-Specific Genes in Social Insects

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Organisms can alter their physical form by varying the genes that they activate. However, the evolutionary forces that shape genes activated in different forms remain unclear. The objective of this research program is to gain a greater understanding of how natural selection affects genes that are differentially activated between forms. Goodisman and Yi will use social insects as models for investigating this question. They will use molecular genetic techniques to detect genes differentially activated between different social insect castes and sexes. They will then use evolutionary analyses to (1) test the effect of caste-specific gene activation on molecular evolution and (2) test the effect of differing mating system on the evolution of sex-specific genes. This research is of broad scientific importance because it advances our understanding of the evolution of genes that lead to the development of different organismal forms. Goodisman and Yi will uncover how genes that are expressed under distinct environmental conditions evolve. Their studies will also add to our knowledge of the evolution of sex differences. Finally, this research increases our understanding of the molecular basis underlying the success of social insects, which are among the most ecologically successful and economically important of animal species.