1
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Groot K, Brereton JE, King CE, Rose P. A preliminary global investigation into potential impacts on successful captive breeding for two species of Rhyticeros hornbill. Zoo Biol 2024; 43:405-415. [PMID: 38874018 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Asian hornbills have limited ex situ breeding success, yet these species are some of the most threatened of birds, in need of managed breeding programs. To optimize breeding and increase the sustainability of such populations, it is necessary to assess and improve their husbandry and welfare. Evidence to improve reproduction can be gathered through global husbandry surveys. A survey was sent out to all European Association of Zoos and Aquaria and Association of Zoos and Aquarium holders of the wreathed hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus) and Papuan hornbill (R. plicatus) to determine predictors for ex situ breeding success. This research found that pairs that have spent more years together (p = .016) and that adding additional proteins to the diet (p = .006) are two significant predictors of breeding success for wreathed- and Papuan hornbill pairs. This paper found a general trend that successful hornbill pairs prefer nest boxes that are situated outside (p = .054). The behaviors of calling to each other and sitting in close proximity showed a general trend and were observed more frequently in successful pairs and, therefore, could be good indicators of bonded pairs. We recommend that ex situ institutions allow their hornbill pairs time to form strong bonds, and that pair compatibility is monitored regularly to ensure that such interactions are positive and not consistently negative. An increase in the percentage of dietary proteins, prior and during the breeding season appears to stimulate pairs to breed. If the management and husbandry alterations presented in this study are implemented, the sustainability of Rhyticeros hornbill populations may be enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kees Groot
- University Centre Sparsholt, Sparsholt College Hampshire, Winchester, UK
| | - James E Brereton
- University Centre Sparsholt, Sparsholt College Hampshire, Winchester, UK
| | | | - Paul Rose
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- WWT, Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire, UK
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2
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Kahnt B, Theodorou P, Grimm-Seyfarth A, Onstein RE. When lizards try out a more plant-based lifestyle: The macroevolution of mutualistic lizard-plant-interactions (Squamata: Sauria/Lacertilia). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2023:107839. [PMID: 37290582 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Pollination and seed dispersal of plants by animals are key mutualistic processes for the conservation of plant diversity and ecosystem functioning. Although different animals frequently act as pollinators or seed dispersers, some species can provide both functions, so-called 'double mutualists', suggesting that the evolution of pollination and seed dispersal may be linked. Here, we assess the macroevolution of mutualistic behaviours in lizards (Lacertilia) by applying comparative methods to a phylogeny comprising 2,838 species. We found that both flower visitation (potential pollination) (recorded in 64 species [2.3% of total] across 9 families) and seed dispersal (recorded in 382 species [13,5% of total] across 26 families) have evolved repeatedly in Lacertilia. Furthermore, we found that seed dispersal activity pre-dated flower visitation and that the evolution of seed dispersal activity and flower visitation was correlated, illustrating a potential evolutionary mechanism behind the emergence of double mutualisms. Finally, we provide evidence that lineages with flower visitation or seed dispersal activity have higher diversification rates than lineages lacking these behaviours. Our study illustrates the repeated innovation of (double) mutualisms across Lacertilia and we argue that island settings may provide the ecological conditions under which (double) mutualisms persist over macroevolutionary timescales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Kahnt
- General Zoology, Institute of Biology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstrasse 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Panagiotis Theodorou
- General Zoology, Institute of Biology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstrasse 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Annegret Grimm-Seyfarth
- Department of Conservation Biology and Social-Ecological Systems, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Renske E Onstein
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstrasse 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg, 2 2333CR Leiden, the Netherlands
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3
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Chou PA, Bain A, Chantarasuwan B, Tzeng HY. Parasitism Features of a Fig Wasp of Genus Apocrypta (Pteromalidae: Pteromalinae) Associated with a Host Belonging to Ficus Subgenus Ficus. INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14050437. [PMID: 37233065 DOI: 10.3390/insects14050437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Non-pollinating fig wasps (NPFWs), particularly long-ovipositored Sycoryctina wasps, exhibit a high species specificity and exert complex ecological effects on the obligate mutualism between the plant genus Ficus and pollinating fig wasps. Apocrypta is a genus of NPFWs that mostly interacts with the Ficus species under the subgenus Sycomorus, and the symbiosis case between Apocrypta and F. pedunculosa var. mearnsii, a Ficus species under subgenus Ficus, is unique. As fig's internal environments and the wasp communities are distinct between the two subgenera, we addressed the following two questions: (1) Are the parasitism features of the Apocrypta wasp associated with F. pedunculosa var. mearnsii different from those of other congeneric species? (2) Is this Apocrypta species an efficient wasp that lives in its unique host? Our observation revealed that this wasp is an endoparasitic idiobiont parasitoid, as most congeneric species are, but developed a relatively long ovipositor. Furthermore, the relationships of the parasitism rate versus the pollinator number, the fig wall, and the sex ratio of the pollinator, respectively, showed that it possessed a higher parasitism ability than that of other congeners. However, its parasitism rate was low, and thus it was not an efficient wasp in its habitat. This difference between parasitism ability and parasitism rate might be a consequence of its oviposition strategy and the severe habitat conditions. These findings may also provide insights into the mechanism to maintain the interaction between the fig tree and the fig wasp community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-An Chou
- Department of Forestry, National Chung Hsing University, No. 145 Xingda Rd., Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
| | - Anthony Bain
- Department of Biological Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, No. 70 Lien-Hai Rd., Kaohsiung City 80424, Taiwan
| | | | - Hsy-Yu Tzeng
- Department of Forestry, National Chung Hsing University, No. 145 Xingda Rd., Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
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4
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Wang AY, Peng YQ, Cook JM, Yang DR, Zhang DY, Liao WJ. Host insect specificity and interspecific competition drive parasitoid diversification in a plant-insect community. Ecology 2023:e4062. [PMID: 37186391 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Ecological interactions among plants, insect herbivores and parasitoids are pervasive in nature and play important roles in community assembling, but the codiversification of tri-trophic interactions has received less attention. Here we compare pairwise codiversification patterns between a set of 22 fig species, their herbivorous pollinating and galling wasps, and their parasitoids. The parasitoid phylogeny showed significant congruence and more cospeciation events with host insects phylogeny than with host plants. These results suggest that parasitoid phylogeny and speciation is more closely related to their host insects than to their host plants. The pollinating wasps hosted more parasitoid species than gallers and indicated a more intense interspecific competition among parasitoids associated with pollinators. Closer matching and fewer evolutionary host shifts were found between parasitoids and galler hosts than between parasitoids and pollinator hosts. These results suggest that interspecific competition among parasitoids, rather than resource availability of host wasps, is the main driver of the codiversification pattern in this community. Therefore, our study highlights the important role of interspecific competition among high trophic level insects in plant-insect tri-trophic community assembling. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology & Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Qiong Peng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - James M Cook
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Da-Rong Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Da-Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology & Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Wan-Jin Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology & Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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5
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Aung KMM, Chen HH, Segar ST, Miao BG, Peng YQ, Liu C. Changes in temperature alter competitive interactions and overall structure of fig wasp communities. J Anim Ecol 2022; 91:1303-1315. [PMID: 35420162 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Organisms exist within ecological networks, connected through interactions such as parasitism, predation and mutualism which can modify their abundance and distribution within habitat patches. Differential species responses make it hard to predict the influence of climate change at the community scale. Understanding the interplay between climate and biotic interactions can improve our predictions of how ecosystems will respond to current global warming. We aim to understand how climate affects the multi-trophic biotic interactions as well as the community structure using the enclosed communities of wasps associated with figs as study system. To examine the presence and strength of multi-trophic species interactions, we first characterized the multi-trophic community of fig wasps associated with Ficus racemosa and then applied hierarchical joint species distribution models, fitted to community monitoring data. We further evaluated the effect of climate on individual species trends as well as inter-specific interactions. We found that the competitive balance shifted to favour non-pollinating galling wasps and disadvantage the dominant pollinator in sub-optimal conditions. Further, sub-optimal conditions for galling wasps facilitated the occurrence of their specialized parasitoid, as changes cascaded across trophic levels and led to alternative community structures. Our results highlight the role of how species interactions can be modified across multiple trophic levels in a fig wasp community according to climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khin Me Me Aung
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, 666303, China.,Center of Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla 666303, China
| | - Huan-Huan Chen
- College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, 655011, China.,Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province Universities of Qujing Natural History and Early Vertebrate Evolution
| | - Simon T Segar
- Agriculture and Environment Department, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB, UK
| | - Bai-Ge Miao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, 666303, China.,Center of Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla 666303, China
| | - Yan-Qiong Peng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, 666303, China.,Center of Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla 666303, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
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6
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Xu X, Wang BS, Yu H. Intraspecies Genomic Divergence of a Fig Wasp Species Is Due to Geographical Barrier and Adaptation. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.764828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how intraspecies divergence results in speciation has great importance for our knowledge of evolutionary biology. Here we applied population genomics approaches to a fig wasp species (Valisia javana complex sp 1) to reveal its intraspecies differentiation and the underlying evolutionary dynamics. With re-sequencing data, we prove the Hainan Island population (DA) of sp1 genetically differ from the continental ones, then reveal the differed divergence pattern. DA has reduced SNP diversity but a higher proportion of population-specific structural variations (SVs), implying a restricted gene exchange. Based on SNPs, 32 differentiated islands containing 204 genes were detected, along with 1,532 population-specific SVs of DA overlapping 4,141 genes. The gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis performed on differentiated islands linked to three significant GO terms on a basic metabolism process, with most of the genes failing to enrich. In contrast, population-specific SVs contributed more to the adaptation than the SNPs by linking to 59 terms that are crucial for wasp speciation, such as host reorganization and development regulation. In addition, the generalized dissimilarity modeling confirms the importance of environment difference on the genetic divergence within sp1. Hence, we assume the genetic divergence between DA and the continent due to not only the strait as a geographic barrier, but also adaptation. We reconstruct the demographic history within sp1. DA shares a similar population history with the nearby continental population, suggesting an incomplete divergence. Summarily, our results reveal how geographic barriers and adaptation both influence the genetic divergence at population-level, thereby increasing our knowledge on the potential speciation of non-model organisms.
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7
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Borges RM. Interactions Between Figs and Gall-Inducing Fig Wasps: Adaptations, Constraints, and Unanswered Questions. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.685542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The ancient interaction between figs (Ficus, Moraceae) and their pollinating fig wasps is an unusual example of a mutualism between plants and gall-inducing insects. This review intends to offer fresh perspectives into the relationship between figs and the diversity of gall-inducing sycophiles which inhabit their enclosed globular inflorescences that function as microcosms. Besides gall-inducing pollinators, fig inflorescences are also inhabited by other gall-inducing wasps. This review evaluates the state of current knowledge on gall-induction by fig wasps and exposes the many lacunae in this area. This review makes connections between fig and gall-inducing wasp traits, and suggests relatively unexplored research avenues. This manuscript calls for an integrated approach that incorporates such diverse fields as life-history theory, plant mate choice, wasp sexual selection and local mate competition, plant embryology as well as seed and fruit dispersal. It calls for collaboration between researchers such as plant developmental biologists, insect physiologists, chemical ecologists and sensory biologists to jointly solve the many valuable questions that can be addressed in community ecology, co-evolution and species interaction biology using the fig inflorescence microcosm, that is inhabited by gall-inducing mutualistic and parasitic wasps, as a model system.
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8
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Van Goor J, Piatscheck F, Houston DD, Nason JD. Differential effects of nematode infection on pollinating and non-pollinating fig wasps: Can shared antagonism provide net benefits to a mutualism? J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:1764-1775. [PMID: 33934356 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Species pairs that form mutualistic associations are also components of broader organismal community networks. These interaction networks have shaped the evolution of individual mutualisms through interspecific interactions ranging from secondarily mutualistic to intensely antagonistic. Our understanding of this complex context remains limited because characterizing the impacts of species interacting with focal mutualists is often difficult. How is the fitness of mutualists impacted by the co-occurring interactive network of community associates? We investigated this context using a model interaction network comprised of a fig and fig wasp mutualist, eight non-pollinating fig wasp (NPFW) antagonists/commensals and a nematode previously believed to be associated only with the pollinator wasp mutualist. Through repeated sampling and field observations, we characterized the ecological roles of these mutualist-associated organisms to identify key antagonists. We then investigated how potential nematode infection of NPFWs could impact wasp survival across key life stages and, in turn, inferred how this influences the fitness of the fig-pollinator mutualists. Unexpectedly, we found all Ficus petiolaris-associated NPFWs to be the targets for nematode infection, with infection levels sometimes exceeding that of pollinators. Experimental data collected for the most abundant NPFW species suggest that nematode infection significantly reduces their longevity. Further, comparisons of nematode loads for emerging and successfully arriving NPFWs suggest that infection severely limits their dispersal ability. Through these observations, we conclude that this infection could impact NPFWs more severely than either mutualistic partner, suggesting a novel role of density-dependent facultative mutualism between figs, pollinator wasps and the nematode. This antagonist-mediated suppression of other network antagonists may present an ecologically common mechanism through which antagonists can present net benefits for mutualists' fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Van Goor
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Finn Piatscheck
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Derek D Houston
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Western Colorado University, Gunnison, CO, USA
| | - John D Nason
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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9
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Zhou Y, Huang D, Xin Z, Xiao J. Evolution of Oxidative Phosphorylation (OXPHOS) Genes Reflecting the Evolutionary and Life Histories of Fig Wasps (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea). Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11111353. [PMID: 33203150 PMCID: PMC7697784 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fig wasps are a peculiar group of insects which, for millions of years, have inhabited the enclosed syconia of fig trees. Considering the relatively closed and dark environment of fig syconia, we hypothesize that the fig wasps’ oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway, which is the main oxygen consumption and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production system, may have adaptively evolved. In this study, we manually annotated the OXPHOS genes of 11 species of fig wasps, and compared the evolutionary patterns of OXPHOS genes for six pollinators and five non-pollinators. Thirteen mitochondrial protein-coding genes and 30 nuclear-coding single-copy orthologous genes were used to analyze the amino acid substitution rate and natural selection. The results showed high amino acid substitution rates of both mitochondrial and nuclear OXPHOS genes in fig wasps, implying the co-evolution of mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Our results further revealed that the OXPHOS-related genes evolved significantly faster in pollinators than in non-pollinators, and five genes had significant positive selection signals in the pollinator lineage, indicating that OXPHOS genes play an important role in the adaptation of pollinators. This study can help us understand the relationship between gene evolution and environmental adaptation.
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10
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An early gall-inducing parasitic wasp adversely affects the fitness of its host Ficus tree but not the pollinator. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14941. [PMID: 32913204 PMCID: PMC7484790 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71738-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The fig tree-fig pollinator mutualism is one of the most tightly knit symbiotic systems. The research on the ecology of non-pollinators which exploit the mutualism without providing services to the host is very limited and conclusions about the role they play in the maintenance of this mutualism are full of contradictions. The non-pollinating fig wasps species are highly diverse in their feeding habit and ecological function, which may result in different consequences on the mutualism. Sycophaga testacea is an early-ovipositing galler hosted by Ficus racemosa, which is a potencial competitor to the pollinators as they use the same female flowers in the fig as their ovipositing sites. In this study, we investigate the effect of S. testacea on the production of both pollinator and fig tree with a field control experiment. Seed production is decreased significantly when the figs were parasitized, while the offspring production of the pollinator is not significantly affected, which indicates that this galler species has a harmful effect on the fitness of its host fig tree but not the pollinator. The overall development ratio of the galls is decreased significantly when the figs were parasitized, and we found that the intrinsic low development ratio of S. testacea is responsible for the decrease in the overall development ratio.
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11
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Ledin AE, Styrsky JD, Styrsky JN. Friend or Foe? Orb-Weaver Spiders Inhabiting Ant-Acacias Capture Both Herbivorous Insects and Acacia Ant Alates. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2020; 20:16. [PMID: 32797187 PMCID: PMC7428184 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The orb-weaver spiders Eustala oblonga (Chickering) and Eustala illicita (O. Picard-Cambridge) (Araneae: Araneidae) inhabit the ant-defended acacias Vachellia melanocerus (Beurling) and Vachellia collinsii (Safford) (Fabales: Fabaceae), respectively, in Panama. These spiders do not capture patrolling Pseudomyrmex ants but exploit their plant-protection services to escape predation. What effect the spiders have on the ant-acacia mutualisms is unknown. They may provide an additional layer of plant defense by capturing flying herbivorous insects in their webs. Alternatively, the spiders may disrupt the ant-acacia mutualisms by capturing alate acacia ants during nuptial flights. We evaluated these two hypotheses by sampling insects flying through acacia foliage and by identifying prey remains in webs. The proportions of insects captured on sticky card traps and in webs varied with taxonomic order and ecological role. Herbivorous insects greatly outnumbered other groups captured on sticky cards and were captured in spiders' webs in both acacia species but made up a minority of prey remains in webs. Instead, insect predators and parasitoids made up the majority of prey remains and were comprised primarily by alate ant mutualists of the host acacias. These results provide indirect support for both hypotheses and suggest that the spiders potentially both benefit and harm their host ant-acacia mutualisms. The net effect of spider exploitation, however, is unclear and is likely based on both the effectiveness of plant protection from herbivory provided by the spiders relative to that provided by acacia ants, as well as the overall proportion of the ant reproductive caste the spiders actually capture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Ledin
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Lynchburg, VA
| | - John D Styrsky
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Lynchburg, VA
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12
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Moderate parasitoidism on pollinators contributes to population oscillations and increases species diversity in the fig-fig wasp community. THEOR ECOL-NETH 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12080-019-00448-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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13
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Zhang XW, Chen C, Wang RW, Kjellberg F. The cost of parasitism: High larval developmental mortality following attacks by a parasitoid fig wasp on a fig pollinating wasp. ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2020.103570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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14
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Abstract
Abstract
Fig tree–fig wasp mutualisms are diverse and underpin much biodiversity. The wasps (Agaonidae) are the sole pollinators of the trees (Ficus). Figs are enclosed inflorescences, each of which contains many small flowers. Female wasps (foundresses) enter receptive figs to spread pollen and to lay their eggs individually into fig flowers. As they oviposit, wasps also inject chemicals that transform individual flower ovaries into galls that will feed and house wasp offspring. For fig tree–fig wasp mutualisms to persist, the trees must set seed; therefore, the wasps have both to pollinate and to fail to gall all flower ovaries. However, wasps that avoid pollination costs and/or gall all flowers are predicted to outcompete more cooperative conspecifics, resulting in destabilisation of the mutualism. Here, I review the literature on why wasps pollinate by focusing on how trees reduce investment to unpollinated figs, resulting in ‘sanctions’ to wasps that fail to pollinate via reduced production of offspring. I also review the mechanisms that prevent wasps from galling all flowers, mainly those in monoecious Ficus, that also result in wasps predominantly galling longer flowers whilst leaving shorter flowers to become seeds. I make suggestions for future work and conclude by reaffirming why multiple processes promote stability in fig tree–fig wasp mutualisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek W Dunn
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xian, China
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15
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Souto‐Vilarós D, Houadria M, Michalek J, Sisol M, Isua B, Kuyaiva T, Weiblen GD, Novotny V, Segar ST. Contrasting patterns of fig wasp communities along Mt. Wilhelm, Papua New Guinea. Biotropica 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Souto‐Vilarós
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences Institute of Entomology South Bohemia Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science University of South Bohemia South Bohemia Czech Republic
- Department of Ecology Faculty of Science Charles University Prague Czech Republic
| | - Mickal Houadria
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences Institute of Entomology South Bohemia Czech Republic
| | - Jan Michalek
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences Institute of Entomology South Bohemia Czech Republic
| | - Mentap Sisol
- New Guinea Binatang Research Centre Madang Papua New Guinea
| | - Brus Isua
- New Guinea Binatang Research Centre Madang Papua New Guinea
| | - Thomas Kuyaiva
- New Guinea Binatang Research Centre Madang Papua New Guinea
| | - George D. Weiblen
- Institute on the Environment University of Minnesota Saint Paul MN USA
| | - Vojtech Novotny
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences Institute of Entomology South Bohemia Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science University of South Bohemia South Bohemia Czech Republic
| | - Simon T. Segar
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences Institute of Entomology South Bohemia Czech Republic
- Department of Crop and Environment Sciences Harper Adams University New Port UK
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Wang A, Peng Y, Harder LD, Huang J, Yang D, Zhang D, Liao W. The nature of interspecific interactions and co-diversification patterns, as illustrated by the fig microcosm. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 224:1304-1315. [PMID: 31494940 PMCID: PMC6856861 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between mutualists, competitors, and antagonists have contrasting ecological effects that, sustained over generations, can influence micro- and macroevolution. Dissimilar benefits and costs for these interactions should cause contrasting co-diversification patterns between interacting clades, with prevalent co-speciation by mutualists, association loss by competitors, and host switching by antagonists. We assessed these expectations for a local assemblage of 26 fig species (Moraceae: Ficus), 26 species of mutualistic (pollinating), and 33 species of parasitic (galling) wasps (Chalcidoidea). Using newly acquired gene sequences, we inferred the phylogenies for all three clades. We then compared the three possible pairs of phylogenies to assess phylogenetic congruence and the relative frequencies of co-speciation, association duplication, switching, and loss. The paired phylogenies of pollinators with their mutualists and competitors were significantly congruent, unlike that of figs and their parasites. The distributions of macroevolutionary events largely agreed with expectations for mutualists and antagonists. By contrast, that for competitors involved relatively frequent association switching, as expected, but also unexpectedly frequent co-speciation. The latter result likely reflects the heterogeneous nature of competition among fig wasps. These results illustrate the influence of different interspecific interactions on co-diversification, while also revealing its dependence on specific characteristics of those interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai‐Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource EcologyMinistry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological EngineeringBeijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yan‐Qiong Peng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest EcologyXishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
| | - Lawrence D. Harder
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Calgary2500 University Drive NWCalgaryABCanada
| | - Jian‐Feng Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest EcologyXishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
| | - Da‐Rong Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest EcologyXishuangbanna Tropical Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
| | - Da‐Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource EcologyMinistry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological EngineeringBeijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Wan‐Jin Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource EcologyMinistry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological EngineeringBeijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
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Wang R, Chen XY, Chen Y, Wang G, Dunn DW, Quinnell RJ, Compton SG. Loss of top-down biotic interactions changes the relative benefits for obligate mutualists. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20182501. [PMID: 30963835 PMCID: PMC6408880 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The collapse of mutualisms owing to anthropogenic changes is contributing to losses of biodiversity. Top predators can regulate biotic interactions between species at lower trophic levels and may contribute to the stability of such mutualisms, but they are particularly likely to be lost after disturbance of communities. We focused on the mutualism between the fig tree Ficus microcarpa and its host-specific pollinator fig wasp and compared the benefits accrued by the mutualists in natural and translocated areas of distribution. Parasitoids of the pollinator were rare or absent outside the natural range of the mutualists, where the relative benefits the mutualists gained from their interaction were changed significantly away from the plant's natural range owing to reduced seed production rather than increased numbers of pollinator offspring. Furthermore, in the absence of the negative effects of its parasitoids, we detected an oviposition range expansion by the pollinator, with the use of a wider range of ovules that could otherwise have generated seeds. Loss of top-down control has therefore resulted in a change in the balance of reciprocal benefits that underpins this obligate mutualism, emphasizing the value of maintaining food web complexity in the Anthropocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Wang
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Tiantong Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yong Chen
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Tiantong Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, Shanghai 200241, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Second Zhongshang North Road 1515, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Chen
- Ecological Security and Protection Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Mianyang Normal University, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan Province 666303, People's Republic of China
| | - Derek W. Dunn
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, People's Republic of China
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Elias LG, Silva DB, Silva R, Peng YQ, Yang DR, Lopes NP, Pereira RAS. A comparative venomic fingerprinting approach reveals that galling and non-galling fig wasp species have different venom profiles. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207051. [PMID: 30408087 PMCID: PMC6224076 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The galling habit represents a complex type of interaction between insects and plants, ranging from antagonism to mutualism. The obligate pollination mutualism between Ficus and fig wasps relies strongly on the induction of galls in Ficus flowers, where wasps' offspring develop. Even though gall induction plays an important role in many insect-plant interactions, the mechanisms that trigger gall formation are still not completely known. Using a fingerprinting approach, we show here that venom protein profiles from galling fig wasps differ from the venom profiles of non-galling species, suggesting the secretion plays different roles according to the type of interaction it is involved in. Each studied cleptoparasitic species had a distinct venom profile, suggesting that cleptoparasitism in fig wasps covers a vast diversity of molecular interactions. Fig wasp venoms are mainly composed of peptides. No low molecular weight compounds were detected by UPLC-DAD-MS, suggesting that such compounds (e.g., IAA and cytokinines) are not involved in gall induction. The differences in venom composition observed between galling and non-galling fig wasp species bring new perspectives to the study of gall induction processes and the role of insect secretions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa G. Elias
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Denise B. Silva
- Laboratório de Produtos Naturais e Espectrometria de Massas (LaPNEM), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos (NPPNS), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Silva
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos (NPPNS), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yan-Qiong Peng
- Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan, China
| | - Da-Rong Yang
- Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan, China
| | - Norberto P. Lopes
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos (NPPNS), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A. S. Pereira
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Woodruff GC, Phillips PC. Field studies reveal a close relative of C. elegans thrives in the fresh figs of Ficus septica and disperses on its Ceratosolen pollinating wasps. BMC Ecol 2018; 18:26. [PMID: 30129423 PMCID: PMC6102938 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-018-0182-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biotic interactions are ubiquitous and require information from ecology, evolutionary biology, and functional genetics in order to be understood. However, study systems that are amenable to investigations across such disparate fields are rare. Figs and fig wasps are a classic system for ecology and evolutionary biology with poor functional genetics; Caenorhabditis elegans is a classic system for functional genetics with poor ecology. In order to help bridge these disciplines, here we describe the natural history of a close relative of C. elegans, Caenorhabditis inopinata, that is associated with the fig Ficus septica and its pollinating Ceratosolen wasps. RESULTS To understand the natural context of fig-associated Caenorhabditis, fresh F. septica figs from four Okinawan islands were sampled, dissected, and observed under microscopy. C. inopinata was found in all islands where F. septica figs were found. C.i nopinata was routinely found in the fig interior and almost never observed on the outside surface. C. inopinata was only found in pollinated figs, and C. inopinata was more likely to be observed in figs with more foundress pollinating wasps. Actively reproducing C. inopinata dominated early phase figs, whereas late phase figs with emerging wasp progeny harbored C. inopinata dauer larvae. Additionally, C. inopinata was observed dismounting from Ceratosolen pollinating wasps that were placed on agar plates. C. inopinata was not found on non-pollinating, parasitic Philotrypesis wasps. Finally, C. inopinata was only observed in F. septica figs among five Okinawan Ficus species sampled. CONCLUSION These are the first detailed field observations of C. inopinata, and they suggest a natural history where this species proliferates in early phase F. septica figs and disperses from late phase figs on Ceratosolen pollinating fig wasps. While consistent with other examples of nematode diversification in the fig microcosm, the fig and wasp host specificity of C. inopinata is highly divergent from the life histories of its close relatives and frames hypotheses for future investigations. This natural co-occurrence of the fig/fig wasp and C. inopinata study systems sets the stage for an integrated research program that can help to explain the evolution of interspecific interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin C Woodruff
- Forest Pathology Laboratory, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Japan.
- Department of Biology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
| | - Patrick C Phillips
- Department of Biology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
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Marinho CR, Pereira RAS, Peng YQ, Teixeira SP. Laticifer distribution in fig inflorescence and its potential role in the fig-fig wasp mutualism. ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Host–parasitoid development and survival strategies in a non-pollinating fig wasp community. ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Piatscheck F, Van Goor J, Houston DD, Nason JD. Ecological factors associated with pre-dispersal predation of fig seeds and wasps by fig-specialist lepidopteran larvae. ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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23
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Elias LG, Lino-Neto J, Pereira RAS. Oogenesis and ovarian morphology in pollinating and non-pollinating fig wasps: evidence from adult and immature stages. INVERTEBR REPROD DEV 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/07924259.2018.1469549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - José Lino-Neto
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, Brazil
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Abstract
Symbiosis is a process that can generate evolutionary novelties and can extend the phenotypic niche space of organisms. Symbionts can act together with their hosts to co-construct host organs, within which symbionts are housed. Once established within hosts, symbionts can also influence various aspects of host phenotype, such as resource acquisition, protection from predation by acquisition of toxicity, as well as behaviour. Once symbiosis is established, its fidelity between generations must be ensured. Hosts evolve various mechanisms to screen unwanted symbionts and to facilitate faithful transmission of mutualistic partners between generations. Microbes are the most important symbionts that have influenced plant and animal phenotypes; multicellular organisms engage in developmental symbioses with microbes at many stages in ontogeny. The co-construction of niches may result in composite organisms that are physically nested within each other. While it has been advocated that these composite organisms need new evolutionary theories and perspectives to describe their properties and evolutionary trajectories, it appears that standard evolutionary theories are adequate to explore selection pressures on their composite or individual traits. Recent advances in our understanding of composite organisms open up many important questions regarding the stability and transmission of these units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee M Borges
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560 012, India.
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Yadav P, Borges RM. The insect ovipositor as a volatile sensor within a closed microcosm. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 220:1554-1557. [PMID: 28468812 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.152777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
We show that the insect ovipositor is an olfactory organ that responds to volatiles and CO2 in gaseous form. We demonstrate this phenomenon in parasitic wasps associated with Ficus racemosa where ovipositors, as slender as a human hair, drill through the syconium (enclosed inflorescences) and act as a guiding probe to locate highly specific egg-laying sites hidden inside. We hypothesize that olfaction will occur in the ovipositors of insects such as parasitic fig wasps where the hosts are concealed and volatile concentrations can build up locally. Relevant stimuli such as herbivore-induced fig volatiles and CO2 elicited electrophysiological responses from the ovipositors. Silver nitrate staining also revealed pores in ovipositor sensilla, indicating their olfactory nature. Insects could use volatile sensors on their ovipositors to evaluate ecologically relevant stimuli for oviposition. Further investigations on the sensory nature of ovipositors can provide designs for development of ovipositor-inspired micro-chemosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Yadav
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
| | - Renee M Borges
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
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History Matters: Oviposition Resource Acceptance in an Exploiter of a Nursery Pollination Mutualism. J Chem Ecol 2017; 44:18-28. [PMID: 29250744 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-017-0914-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In the fig-fig wasp nursery pollination system, parasitic wasps, such as gallers and parasitoids that oviposit from the exterior into the fig syconium (globular, enclosed inflorescence) are expected to use a variety of chemical cues for successful location of their hidden hosts. Behavioral assays were performed with freshly eclosed naive galler wasps. Syconia with different oviposition histories, i.e. with or without prior oviposition, were presented to wasps in no-choice assays and the time taken to the first oviposition attempt was recorded. The wasps exhibited a preference for syconia previously exposed to conspecifics for oviposition over unexposed syconia. Additionally, syconia exposed to oviposition by heterospecific wasps were also preferred for oviposition over unexposed syconia indicating that wasps recognise and respond to interspecific cues. Wasps also aggregated for oviposition on syconia previously exposed to oviposition by conspecifics. We investigated chemical cues that wasps may employ in accepting an oviposition resource by analyzing syconial volatile profiles, chemical footprints left by wasps on syconia, and syconial surface hydrocarbons. The volatile profile of a syconium is influenced by the identity of wasps developing within and may be used to identify suitable host syconia at long range whereas close range preference seems to exploit wasp footprints that alter syconium surface hydrocarbon profiles. These cues act as indicators of the oviposition history of the syconium, thereby helping wasps in their oviposition decisions.
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Venkateswaran V, Shrivastava A, Kumble ALK, Borges RM. Life-history strategy, resource dispersion and phylogenetic associations shape dispersal of a fig wasp community. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2017; 5:25. [PMID: 29225885 PMCID: PMC5718022 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-017-0117-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combined influence of life-history strategy and resource dispersion on dispersal evolution of a biological community, and by extension, on community assemblage, has received sparse attention. Highly specialized fig wasp communities are ideal for addressing this question since the life-history strategies that affect their pace of life and the dispersion of their oviposition resources vary. We compared dispersal capacities of the wasp community of a widespread tropical fig, Ficus racemosa, by measuring flight durations, somatic lipid content and resting metabolic rates. RESULTS Wasp species exhibiting greater flight durations had higher energy reserves and resting metabolic rates. "Fast"-paced species showed higher dispersal capacities reflecting requirements for rapid resource location within short adult lifespans. Longer-lived "slow"-paced species exhibited lower dispersal capacities. Most dispersal traits were negatively related with resource dispersion while their variances were positively related with this variable, suggesting that resource dispersion selects for dispersal capacity. Dispersal traits exhibited a phylogenetic signal. CONCLUSIONS Using a combination of phylogeny, trait functionality and community features, we explain how dispersal traits may have co-evolved with life-history strategies in fig wasps and influenced a predisposition for dispersal. We speculate how processes influencing dispersal trait expression of community members may affect resource occupancy and community assemblage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Venkateswaran
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012 India
| | - Amitabh Shrivastava
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012 India
| | - Anusha L. K. Kumble
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012 India
| | - Renee M. Borges
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012 India
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Fungus-Farming Termites Selectively Bury Weedy Fungi that Smell Different from Crop Fungi. J Chem Ecol 2017; 43:986-995. [DOI: 10.1007/s10886-017-0902-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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A fig tree in a concrete jungle: fine-scale population genetic structure of the cluster fig Ficus racemosa in an urban environment. Urban Ecosyst 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-017-0707-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Lanier KA, Petrov AS, Williams LD. The Central Symbiosis of Molecular Biology: Molecules in Mutualism. J Mol Evol 2017; 85:8-13. [PMID: 28785970 PMCID: PMC5579163 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-017-9804-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
As illustrated by the mitochondrion and the eukaryotic cell, little in biology makes sense except in light of mutualism. Mutualisms are persistent, intimate, and reciprocal exchanges; an organism proficient in obtaining certain benefits confers those on a partner, which reciprocates by conferring different benefits. Mutualisms (i) increase fitness, (ii) inspire robustness, (iii) are resilient and resistant to change, (iv) sponsor co-evolution, (v) foster innovation, and (vi) involve partners that are distantly related with contrasting yet complementary proficiencies. Previous to this work, mutualisms were understood to operate on levels of cells, organisms, ecosystems, and even societies and economies. Here, the concepts of mutualism are extended to molecules and are seen to apply to the relationship between RNA and protein. Polynucleotide and polypeptide are Molecules in Mutualism. RNA synthesizes protein in the ribosome and protein synthesizes RNA in polymerases. RNA and protein are codependent, and trade proficiencies. Protein has proficiency in folding into complex three-dimensional states, contributing enzymes, fibers, adhesives, pumps, pores, switches, and receptors. RNA has proficiency in direct molecular recognition, achieved by complementary base pairing interactions, which allow it to maintain, record, and transduce information. The large phylogenetic distance that characterizes partnerships in organismal mutualism has close analogy with large distance in chemical space between RNA and protein. The RNA backbone is anionic and self-repulsive and cannot form hydrophobic structural cores. The protein backbone is neutral and cohesive and commonly forms hydrophobic cores. Molecules in Mutualism extends beyond RNA and protein. A cell is a consortium of molecules in which nucleic acids, proteins, polysaccharides, phospholipids, and other molecules form a mutualism consortium that drives metabolism and replication. Analogies are found in systems such as stromatolites, which are large consortia of symbiotic organisms. It seems reasonable to suggest that 'polymers in mutualism relationships' is a useful and predictive definition of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A. Lanier
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0400 USA
| | - Anton S. Petrov
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0400 USA
| | - Loren Dean Williams
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0400 USA
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Geographic structuring into vicariant species-pairs in a wide-ranging, high-dispersal plant–insect mutualism: the case of Ficus racemosa and its pollinating wasps. Evol Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-016-9836-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Hossaert-McKey M, Proffit M, Soler CCL, Chen C, Bessière JM, Schatz B, Borges RM. How to be a dioecious fig: Chemical mimicry between sexes matters only when both sexes flower synchronously. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21236. [PMID: 26888579 PMCID: PMC4758059 DOI: 10.1038/srep21236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In nursery pollination mutualisms, which are usually obligate interactions, olfactory attraction of pollinators by floral volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is the main step in guaranteeing partner encounter. However, mechanisms ensuring the evolutionary stability of dioecious fig-pollinator mutualisms, in which female fig trees engage in pollination by deceit resulting in zero reproductive success of pollinators that visit them, are poorly understood. In dioecious figs, individuals of each sex should be selected to produce odours that their pollinating wasps cannot distinguish, especially since pollinators have usually only one choice of a nursery during their lifetime. To test the hypothesis of intersexual chemical mimicry, VOCs emitted by pollen-receptive figs of seven dioecious species were compared using headspace collection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. First, fig-flower scents varied significantly among species, allowing host-species recognition. Second, in species in which male and female figs are synchronous, intersexual VOC variation was not significant. However, in species where figs of both sexes flower asynchronously, intersexual variation of VOCs was detectable. Finally, with one exception, there was no sexual dimorphism in scent quantity. We show that there are two ways to use scent to be a dioecious fig based on differences in flowering synchrony between the sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Hossaert-McKey
- Centre d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive (CEFE), UMR 5175, CNRS—Université de Montpellier—Université Paul Valéry Montpellier—EPHE, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - M. Proffit
- Centre d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive (CEFE), UMR 5175, CNRS—Université de Montpellier—Université Paul Valéry Montpellier—EPHE, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - C. C. L. Soler
- Centre d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive (CEFE), UMR 5175, CNRS—Université de Montpellier—Université Paul Valéry Montpellier—EPHE, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - C. Chen
- Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG); National Chinese Academy of Sciences; Menglun, Yunnan China
| | - J.-M. Bessière
- Laboratoire de Chimie Appliquée, Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier, 8 rue de l’Ecole Normale, 34296 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - B. Schatz
- Centre d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive (CEFE), UMR 5175, CNRS—Université de Montpellier—Université Paul Valéry Montpellier—EPHE, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - R. M. Borges
- Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, India
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Borges RM. On the Air: Broadcasting and Reception of Volatile Messages in Brood-Site Pollination Mutualisms. SIGNALING AND COMMUNICATION IN PLANTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-33498-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Ranganathan Y, Bessière JM, Borges RM. A coat of many scents: Cuticular hydrocarbons in multitrophic interactions of fig wasps with ants. ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Plant reproductive traits mediate tritrophic feedback effects within an obligate brood-site pollination mutualism. Oecologia 2015; 179:797-809. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-015-3372-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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