ebony underpins Batesian mimicry in melanic stoneflies DOI Creative Commons
Brodie J. Foster, Graham A. McCulloch, Yasmin Foster

et al.

Molecular Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 32(18), P. 4986 - 4998

Published: July 28, 2023

The evolution of Batesian mimicry - whereby harmless species avoid predation through their resemblance to harmful has long intrigued biologists. In rare cases, is linked intraspecific colour variation, in which only some individuals within a population resemble noxious 'model'. Here, we assess variation widespread New Zealand stonefly, wherein highly melanized Zelandoperla closely chemically defended aposematic Austroperla cyrene. We convergence the pattern these two species, compare relative palatability predators, and use genome-wide association mapping genetic basis this resemblance. Our analysis reveals that overlap significantly with space but are more palatable implying they indeed mimics. Analysis 194,773 SNPs an outlier locus (ebony) strongly differentiating melanic versus non-melanic Zelandoperla. Genotyping 338 specimens from single indicates ebony explains nearly 70% observed variance melanism. As well-documented role insect melanin biosynthesis, our findings indicate conserved function across deeply divergent hexapod lineages. Distributional records suggest link between occurrence forested ecosystems where model abundant, suggesting potential for adaptive shifts system underpinned by environmental change.

Language: Английский

Rapid adaptation in a fast‐changing world: Emerging insights from insect genomics DOI Creative Commons
Graham A. McCulloch, Jonathan M. Waters

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 29(4), P. 943 - 954

Published: Nov. 5, 2022

Many researchers have questioned the ability of biota to adapt rapid anthropogenic environmental shifts. Here, we synthesize emerging genomic evidence for insect evolution in response human pressure. These new data reveal diverse mechanisms (single locus, polygenic, structural shifts; introgression) underpinning adaptive responses a variety selective pressures. While effects some impacts (e.g. pollution; pesticides) been previously documented, here highlight startling evolutionary additional processes such as deforestation. recent findings indicate that assemblages can indeed respond dynamically major challenges. Our synthesis also emphasizes critical roles architecture, standing variation and gene flow maintaining future potential. Broadly, it is clear approaches are essential predicting, monitoring responding ongoing biodiversity shifts fast-changing world.

Language: Английский

Citations

48
Temperature seasonality drives taxonomic and functional homogenization of tropical butterflies DOI Creative Commons
Catherine M. Hulshof, James D. Ackerman,

Rosa A. Franqui

et al.

Diversity and Distributions, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 30(7)

Published: Jan. 26, 2024

Abstract Aim To better understand the potential impact of climate change on butterfly assemblages across a tropical island, we model for taxonomic and functional homogenization determine climate‐ trait‐mediated shifts in projected species distributions. Location Puerto Rico. Methods We used thousands museum records diurnal Lepidoptera to current (1970–2000) forecast future (2061–2080) distributions combined these test homogenization. then quantified climatic‐mediated effects forecasted composition and, specifically, whether temperature was primary driver, as predicted by temperature–size rule thermal melanism hypotheses. Finally, measured wing traits important thermoregulation (size colour) determined changes over time. Results Based ensemble outputs, richness turnover were vary island's complex topography. Our models an increase time, decrease – signature biotic Under scenarios, length brightness at higher elevations. One variable, seasonality, strongest driver both spatial distribution per cent time not only but also turnover. Main conclusions The generated here identify several priority regions research conservation efforts. work highlights role seasonality climatic variability diverse assemblages, suggesting that may be important, albeit overlooked, responses.

Language: Английский

Citations

4
Human-driven evolution of color in a stonefly mimic DOI
Steven Ni, Graham A. McCulloch, Gracie C. Kroos

et al.

Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 386(6720), P. 453 - 458

Published: Oct. 24, 2024

Rapid adaptation is thought to be critical for the survival of species under global change, but our understanding human-induced evolution in wild remains limited. We show that widespread deforestation has underpinned repeated color shifts insect populations. Specifically, loss forest led changes across lineages mimic warning coloration a toxic stonefly. Predation experiments suggest relative fitness phenotypes varies between forested and deforested habitats. Genomic analyses 1200 specimens selection at

Language: Английский

Citations

2
ebony underpins Batesian mimicry in melanic stoneflies DOI Creative Commons
Brodie J. Foster, Graham A. McCulloch, Yasmin Foster

et al.

Molecular Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 32(18), P. 4986 - 4998

Published: July 28, 2023

The evolution of Batesian mimicry - whereby harmless species avoid predation through their resemblance to harmful has long intrigued biologists. In rare cases, is linked intraspecific colour variation, in which only some individuals within a population resemble noxious 'model'. Here, we assess variation widespread New Zealand stonefly, wherein highly melanized Zelandoperla closely chemically defended aposematic Austroperla cyrene. We convergence the pattern these two species, compare relative palatability predators, and use genome-wide association mapping genetic basis this resemblance. Our analysis reveals that overlap significantly with space but are more palatable implying they indeed mimics. Analysis 194,773 SNPs an outlier locus (ebony) strongly differentiating melanic versus non-melanic Zelandoperla. Genotyping 338 specimens from single indicates ebony explains nearly 70% observed variance melanism. As well-documented role insect melanin biosynthesis, our findings indicate conserved function across deeply divergent hexapod lineages. Distributional records suggest link between occurrence forested ecosystems where model abundant, suggesting potential for adaptive shifts system underpinned by environmental change.

Language: Английский

Citations

4