Forty million years of mutualism: evidence for eocene origin of the yucca-yucca moth association.

ABSTRACT: The obligate mutualism between yuccas and yucca moths is a major model system for the study of coevolving species interactions. Exploration of the processes that have generated current diversity and associations within this mutualism requires robust phylogenies and timelines for both moths and yuccas. Here we establish a molecular clock for the moths based on mtDNA and use it to estimate the time of major life history events within the yucca moths. Colonization of yuccas had occurred by 41.5 +/- 9.8 million years ago (Mya), with rapid life history diversification and the emergence of pollinators within 0-6 My after yucca colonization. A subsequent burst of diversification 3.2 +/- 1.8 Mya coincided with evolution of arid habitats in western North America. Derived nonpollinating cheater yucc

SUBMITTER: Pellmyr O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC17753 | biostudies-literature | 1999 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature