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Niche differentiation among clones in asexual grass thrips
Casper J van der Kooi1, Karim Ghali1, David Amptmeijer1
1Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Journal of Evolutionary Biology
|October 20, 2018
Summary
Genetically diverse asexual thrips lineages show varied plant performance, indicating distinct ecological niches. This genetic variation may be maintained by plant-specific selection and diverse resources.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Ecology
- Genetics
Background:
- Asexual populations often contain multiple genetic lineages.
- The ecological implications of genetic diversity in asexuals are not well understood.
- Understanding niche differentiation is crucial for explaining biodiversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if genetically distinct clonal lineages of Aptinothrips grass thrips exhibit differential performance on various host plants.
- To determine if genetic diversity in asexual populations translates to ecological divergence.
Main Methods:
- Experimental assessment of reproductive output of different thrips clonal lineages.
- Testing performance across a range of plant species serving as natural hosts.
- Analysis of clone-by-plant species interaction effects.
Main Results:
- A significant clone-by-plant species interaction was observed for reproductive success.
- Specific thrips clonal lineages performed differently on different plant species.
- Evidence suggests disparate ecological niches among clonal lineages.
Conclusions:
- Genetic diversity in asexual Aptinothrips grass thrips is linked to ecological differentiation.
- Frequency-dependent selection and resource heterogeneity likely maintain local clonal diversity.
- Ecological niche divergence can drive the assembly of diverse clonal populations.
Keywords:
Poaceaeclonal diversityfrozen niche variationgeneral-purpose genotypeparthenogenesisreproductionMore Related Videos
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