The evolution of generalism: why so many polyphagous fruit flies?

这个项目的目的是了解为什么导致蝇虫果实的苍蝇如此频繁地进化成多面手的觅食栖息地。昆虫食草动物占地球上真核物种的50%。几乎所有的都是寄主专家，只以一种或很少的植物为食。与之形成鲜明对比的是，40%的热带果蝇是多面手，它们在许多植物家族中觅食。这个项目旨在测试特定的假设，以解释细菌属中普遍存在的高频率现象。研究结果将极大地促进对通用性进化的理解，从而极大地推动食草动物理论的发展。由于Bactrocera也是全球重要的园艺害虫，该项目将为害虫管理提供科学依据。

This project aims to understand why flies that cause maggoty fruit have so frequently evolved the generalist feeding habitat. Insect herbivores make up 50 per cent of eukaryotic species on earth. Nearly all are host specialists, feeding on only one or very few plant species. In stark contrast, 40 per cent of tropical fruit flies are generalists, feeding across many plant families. This project aims to test specific hypotheses to explain the high frequency of generalism in Bactrocera. Outcomes will significantly advance understanding of the evolution of generalism, and so greatly advance herbivory theory. As Bactrocera are also globally significant horticultural pests, the project will provide under-pinning science for pest management.