IRCEB: The Genetics of Host Plant Specialization and Speciation for Rhagoletis Flies: QTL Mapping of Fruit Recognition and Diapause Traits

进化生物学中最普遍的问题之一是；物种形成是如何发生的。为了解决这个问题，dr。Feder， Roelofs和Berlocher将在一个非常相似的宿主物种中研究行为成分的遗传结构和对季节性的生活史反应，这是一种绦虫果蝇。本属的物种长期以来一直是研究物种形成的一个极好的模型，这项工作建立在这个坚实的基础上。在一个精心策划的项目中，这些研究人员将利用分子遗传学和化学生态学的工具来研究这个问题。利用两个具有不同目标性状的干涉性寄主小种，将绘制出负责寄主植物选择行为成分的基因位置，包括对植物产生的挥发性化学物质的反应。决定生命周期中不活跃的越冬阶段何时结束的基因也将被绘制出来。众所周知，这些特征对于维持自然中宿主种族的分离性是非常重要的。这项工作的结果将为物种形成的机制提供重要的见解。此外，该项目将支持本科生和研究生的研究经验。最后，绦虫果蝇是重要的农业害虫，因此对这一群体的物种形成的基本了解，虽然具有普遍的科学意义，但也可能与害虫防治有关。

One of the most pervasive questions in evolutionary biology is; how does speciation takes place. To address this question, Drs. Feder, Roelofs and Berlocher will be examining the genetic architecture for both the behavioral components and the life history responses to seasonality in a complex of very similar host races in the genus Rhagoletis, tephritid fruit flies. Species in this genus have long been an excellent model for the study of speciation and this work builds on this solid basis. In a well-orchestrated project, these investigators will bring the tools of molecular genetics and chemical ecology to bear on this problem. Using two interfertile host races which vary in the traits of interest, the locations for genes responsible for behavioral components of host plant selection, including the responses to plant produced volatile chemicals, will be mapped. Genes for determining when the inactive, over wintering phase of the life cycle ends will be mapped as well. These traits are known to be of important in maintaining the separateness of the host races in nature.Results of this work will provide important insights regarding the mechanism of speciation. In addition, the project will support research experiences for undergraduate and graduate students. Finally, tephritid fruit flies are important agricultural pests so that the basic understanding regarding speciation in this group, while of general scientific interest, may also have relevance for pest control.