Host-driven diversification of gall-inducing Acacia thrips and the aridification of Australia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Insects that feed on plants contribute greatly to the generation of biodiversity. Hypotheses explaining rate increases in phytophagous insect diversification and mechanisms driving speciation in such specialists remain vexing despite considerable attention. The proliferation of plant-feeding insects and their hosts are expected to broadly parallel one another where climate change over geological timescales imposes consequences for the diversification of flora and fauna via habitat modification. This work uses a phylogenetic approach to investigate the premise that the aridification of Australia, and subsequent expansion and modification of arid-adapted host flora, has implications for the diversification of insects that specialise on them.

Results

Likelihood ratio

SUBMITTER: McLeish MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1796849 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature