Sequential sympatric speciation across trophic levels.
A major cause for biodiversity may be biodiversity itself. As new species form, they may create new niches for others to exploit, potentially catalyzing a chain reaction of speciation events across trophic levels. We tested for such sequential radiation in the Rhagoletis pomonella (Diptera: Tephritidae) complex, a model for sympatric speciation via host plant shifting. We report that the parasitic wasp Diachasma alloeum (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) has formed new incipient species as a result of specializing on diversifying fly hosts, including the recently derived apple-infesting race of R. pomonella. Furthermore, we show that traits that differentially adapt R. pomonella flies to their host plants have also quickly evolved and serve as ecological barriers to reproduction, isolating the wasps. Speciation therefore cascades as the effects of new niche construction move across trophic levels.
Forbes
Andrew A
AA
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Galvin Life Sciences Building, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA. aaforbes@ucdavis.edu
Powell
Thomas H Q
TH
Stelinski
Lukasz L
LL
Smith
James J
JJ
Feder
Jeffrey L
JL
D000220:Adaptation, Biological; D000818:Animals; D044822:Biodiversity; D003463:Cues; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D051456:Gene Flow; D005787:Gene Frequency; D017344:Genes, Insect; D049810:Genetic Speciation; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006239:Haplotypes; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D008297:Male; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009812:Odorants; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal; D033621:Tephritidae / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000502:physiology; D014863:Wasps / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial