Abstract:
The concept of coevolution, a process of mutual selection between two or more organisms, originated with the Darwin’s prediction that long nectar spur of Malagasy star orchid (Angraecum sesquipedale) and long tongue of a moth (Xanthopan morgani praedicta) are the outcome of reciprocal selection, has gained substantial interest in evolutionary biology as one of the key mechanisms of diversification of life on earth. This hypothesis is incredibly broad in the study of the evolutionary process on earth, ranging from microbial generations to geological eras. It encompasses the diverse patterns and processes operating over the long timescales. However, linking coevolution directly to speciation and diversification has been a challenging task as it requires multidimensional expertise and a very meticulous ecological data collection. Although a few empirical studies conducted in the other regions of the world have demonstrated the role of coevolution in speciation, to date no evidence exists in the Himalayas. Using the plant-pollinator fitness data, I build upon the models to study coevolution between an alpine ginger Rosocea purpurea (Zingiberaceae) and a Tabanid fly (Philoliche longirostris) and tested if coevolution causes their diversification. I determined the degree of divergence among ten ecotypes of the plant and the fly. I found that the fly and the plant, across their entire range of distribution exhibit exclusive mutualism upon each other and thus are in a Darwin race of co-evolution. This finding provides an evidence in support of the role of coevolution in the diversification of life on earth. This finding is a valuable breakthrough in support of Darwin’s hypothesis of coevolution in the Himalayas and thus suggest that coevolution may have direct implication in structuring the high biodiversity of the Nepalese Himalayas.
Speaker: Babu Ram Paudel
Affiliation: Tribhuvan University
Time: 4:30 PM, Tuesday, Jul. 19, 2022
Venue: ZOOM 会议平台 会议 ID：312 430 8960 会议密码 PWD：666666
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会议 ID：312 430 8960
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