Divergence in olfactory host plant preference in D. mojavensis in response to cactus host use.

ABSTRACT: Divergence in host adaptive traits has been well studied from an ecological and evolutionary perspective, but identification of the proximate mechanisms underlying such divergence is less well understood. Behavioral preferences for host plants are often mediated by olfaction and shifts in preference may be accompanied by changes in the olfactory system. In this study, we examine the evolution of host plant preferences in cactophilic Drosophila mojavensis that feeds and breeds on different cacti throughout its range. We show divergence in electrophysiological responses and olfactory behavior among populations with host plant shifts. Specifically, significant divergence was observed in the Mojave Desert population that specializes on barrel cactus. Differences were observed in electrophysiol

SUBMITTER: Date P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3723661 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature