The Evolutionary Dynamics of the Odorant Receptor Gene Family in Corbiculate Bees.

ABSTRACT: Insects rely on chemical information to locate food, choose mates, and detect potential predators. It has been hypothesized that adaptive changes in the olfactory system facilitated the diversification of numerous insect lineages. For instance, evolutionary changes of Odorant Receptor (OR) genes often occur in parallel with modifications in life history strategies. Corbiculate bees display a diverse array of behaviors that are controlled through olfaction, including varying degrees of social organization, and manifold associations with floral resources. Here we investigated the molecular mechanisms driving the evolution of the OR gene family in corbiculate bees in comparison to other chemosensory gene families. Our results indicate that the genomic organization of the OR gene family has re

SUBMITTER: Brand P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5597890 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature