The Native Hawaiian Insect Microbiome Initiative: A Critical Perspective for Hawaiian Insect Evolution.

ABSTRACT: Insects associate with a diversity of microbes that can shape host ecology and diversity by providing essential biological and adaptive services. For most insect groups, the evolutionary implications of host-microbe interactions remain poorly understood. Geographically discrete areas with high biodiversity offer powerful, simplified model systems to better understand insect-microbe interactions. Hawaii boasts a diverse endemic insect fauna (~6000 species) characterized by spectacular adaptive radiations. Despite this, little is known about the role of bacteria in shaping this diversity. To address this knowledge gap, we inaugurate the Native Hawaiian Insect Microbiome Initiative (NHIMI). The NHIMI is an effort intended to develop a framework for informing evolutionary and biological studie

SUBMITTER: Poff KE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5746813 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature