Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of rapid host adaptation in the aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi

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The basic evolutionary question addressed by the proposed research is how parasites rapid adaptations to a single host species can evolve in parasitic species. We aim to use the parasitoid wasp Aphidius ervi as a model to understand the molecular mechanisms conferring specialization. In particular, we are interested what role phenotypic plasticity and genetic selection play during this process and whether these two mechanisms interact. For this, we will conduct artificial evolution experiments, where parasites will be forced to either use the same host over at least twenty generations or switch hosts regularly.