Speciation Genomics in an Obligate Fig Pollination Mutualism
Lead Research Organisation:
Harper Adams University
Department Name: Agriculture and Environment
Abstract
One of the best examples of co-diversification is that of figs (Ficus, Moraceae) and fig wasp pollinators (Agaonidae). Wasps act as pollen vectors for figs while the figs consist of the main food source & shelter for the wasp larvae.
Using existing genomic data & field experiments, the current project will address: i) the genomics of speciation in figs & pollinators and ii) the ecological & evolutionary determinants of host specificity.
Hypothesis 1: admixture occurs among members of a recently diverged species complex in line with predictions from morphological compatibility:
Study organisms: fig complex of the Papuasyce section (F. microdictya, F. umbrae, F. itoana)
Methods: analysis of RAD-seq data & draft (10X) genomes already collected & additional sampling
Aim: estimate the extent of geneflow & introgression among species; establish the functionality of genomic regions of high divergence
Hypothesis 2a: Wolbachia infections are predictably distributed among individual fig wasps when considering wasp phylogeny and morphology:
Study organisms: wasp pollinators & their symbiotic bacteria, Wolbachia
Methods: screen wasp samples already available for Wolbachia infections; measure morphology of critical wasp traits
Aim: clarify the importance of Wolbachia infections in the speciation of fig wasps and by extent, figs
Hypothesis 2b: Wolbachia infections are predictably distributed among the phylogeny of wasps within a completely sampled genus
Study organisms: Malvanthera figs & their pollinators (Pleistodontes)
Methods: analysis of Wolbachia strain distribution across Pleistodontes
Aim: clarifying the patterns of Wolbachia infections across an entire wasp genus
Hypothesis 3: fig wasps show high levels of local adaptation
Study organisms: Papuasyce figs & corresponding wasp pollinators
Methods: thermal tolerance & dispersal abilities experiments; host specificity/pollinator exchange experiments
Aim: establish the degree of wasp local adaptation to abiotic environment & host plant
Using existing genomic data & field experiments, the current project will address: i) the genomics of speciation in figs & pollinators and ii) the ecological & evolutionary determinants of host specificity.
Hypothesis 1: admixture occurs among members of a recently diverged species complex in line with predictions from morphological compatibility:
Study organisms: fig complex of the Papuasyce section (F. microdictya, F. umbrae, F. itoana)
Methods: analysis of RAD-seq data & draft (10X) genomes already collected & additional sampling
Aim: estimate the extent of geneflow & introgression among species; establish the functionality of genomic regions of high divergence
Hypothesis 2a: Wolbachia infections are predictably distributed among individual fig wasps when considering wasp phylogeny and morphology:
Study organisms: wasp pollinators & their symbiotic bacteria, Wolbachia
Methods: screen wasp samples already available for Wolbachia infections; measure morphology of critical wasp traits
Aim: clarify the importance of Wolbachia infections in the speciation of fig wasps and by extent, figs
Hypothesis 2b: Wolbachia infections are predictably distributed among the phylogeny of wasps within a completely sampled genus
Study organisms: Malvanthera figs & their pollinators (Pleistodontes)
Methods: analysis of Wolbachia strain distribution across Pleistodontes
Aim: clarifying the patterns of Wolbachia infections across an entire wasp genus
Hypothesis 3: fig wasps show high levels of local adaptation
Study organisms: Papuasyce figs & corresponding wasp pollinators
Methods: thermal tolerance & dispersal abilities experiments; host specificity/pollinator exchange experiments
Aim: establish the degree of wasp local adaptation to abiotic environment & host plant
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/T00746X/1 | 01/10/2020 | 30/09/2028 | |||
| 2432310 | Studentship | BB/T00746X/1 | 01/10/2020 | 30/09/2024 | Sotiria Boutsi |