Microevolution of Pieris butterfly genes involved in host plant adaptation along a host plant community cline.

Herbivorous insects have evolved counteradaptations to overcome the chemical defences of their host plants. Several of these counteradaptations have been elucidated at the molecular level, in particular for insects specialized on cruciferous host plants. While the importance of these counteradaptations for host plant colonization is well established, little is known about their microevolutionary dynamics in the field.

Niche conservatism promotes speciation in cycads: the case of Dioon merolae (Zamiaceae) in Mexico.

Niche conservatism is the tendency of lineages to retain the same niche as their ancestors. It constrains biological groups and prevents ecological divergence. However, theory predicts that niche conservatism can hinder gene flow, strengthen drift and increase local adaptation: does it mean that it also can facilitate speciation? Why does this happen? We aim to answer these questions.

Analyses of single nucleotide polymorphisms identified by ddRAD-seq reveal genetic structure of tea germplasm and Japanese landraces for tea breeding.

To obtain genetic information about the germplasm of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) in Japan, 167 accessions including 138 var. sinensis (96 Japanese var.

Contrasting responses of bumble bees to feeding conspecifics on their familiar and unfamiliar flowers.

Animals exploiting their familiar food items often avoid spatio-temporal aggregation with others by avoiding scents, less rewarding areas or visual contacts, thereby minimizing competition or interference when resources are replenished slowly in patches. When animals are searching or assessing available food sources, however, they may benefit from reducing sampling costs by following others at food sites. Therefore, animals may adjust their responses to others depending on their familiarity with foraging situations.