Aphid polyphenisms: trans-generational developmental regulation through viviparity.
1Laboratory of Ecological Genetics, Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University Sapporo, Japan.
Aphids exhibit polyphenisms, allowing a single genotype to produce different phenotypes. Juvenile hormone regulates reproductive and wing development, with viviparity enabling maternal control over offspring development.
Area of Science:
- * Insect biology
- * Evolutionary biology
- * Developmental biology
Background:
- * Polyphenism, the development of multiple phenotypes from one genotype, is key to aphid evolutionary success.
- * Aphids display reproductive and wing polyphenisms, influencing reproduction and mobility.
- * Reproductive polyphenism shifts between asexual (viviparous parthenogenesis) and sexual reproduction based on photoperiod.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review the physiological mechanisms behind reproductive and wing polyphenisms in aphids.
- * To explore the role of juvenile hormone (JH) in regulating these polyphenisms.
- * To discuss the significance of viviparity in maternal regulation of aphid polyphenisms.
Main Methods:
- * Literature review of existing research on aphid polyphenisms.
- * Analysis of physiological mechanisms, particularly hormonal regulation.
- * Discussion of the evolutionary implications of viviparity and maternal control.
Main Results:
- * Juvenile hormone (JH) titers in mother aphids regulate morph determination (male, oviparous female, viviparous female).
- * JH is implicated in wing polyphenism (winged vs. wingless), though its role is debated.
- * Viviparity in Aphididae provides a basis for maternal transfer of environmental cues to embryos.
Conclusions:
- * Maternal regulation of polyphenisms is facilitated by viviparity, allowing environmental cue transmission.
- * Juvenile hormone is a key regulator in reproductive polyphenism and likely in wing polyphenism.
- * Further molecular biology research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of maternal control over aphid progeny development.
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