Projects / Programmes
Vibracijski signali, reproduktivna izolacija in nastanek vrst v rodu Aphrodes (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) (Slovene)
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.03.01 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biology |
Zoology and zoophysiology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.06 |
Natural Sciences |
Biological sciences |
Researchers (11)
Organisations (2)
Significance for science
Within the project we investigated the processes underlying evolution of reproductive isolation in the leafhopper genus Aphrodes. Although communication via substrate-borne sound (vibrational communication) is the most common form of acoustic communication, vibrational signalling is still the least understood channel of communication. In particular, very little is known about evolutionary forces that lead to changes in vibrational signals that underlie the evolution of behavioural isolation and their contribution to divergence and speciation. Most studies on the role of acoustic signals and associated receiver’s preferences in mate recognition have been done in systems in which males produce air-borne sounds and silent females approach signalling males. Their role has been only rarely investigated in those mating systems in which partners establish a duet and males approach stationary females. Communication system in Aphrodes leafhoppers differs fundamentally from other studied systems due to great qualitative differences in male advertisement signals between species (male calls are not just variations on the same pattern). Our results provided much needed insight into the mechanisms of divergence in sexual signals leading to prezygotic reproductive isolation and also contributed to our understanding of fundamental mechanisms of evolution of communication with the following conclusions: (a) that both, species-specific sound elements in male calls and species-specific female replies play an important role in reproductive isolation, (b) that not only the presence of female reply, but also the precisely coordinated duet is needed for successful localization of the female, (c) that the origin of new, currently undescribed species ('Dragonja' type) was initiated by random pleiotropic mutation affecting male call production and female preference, (d) that gene flow between divergent lineages is frequent, (e) that genetic distance between species is not correlated with the level of similarity between species-specific sound elements in male call and reproductive isolation as defined by female preference, (f) that the relative contributions of natural and sexual selection in speciation differ between species in genus Aphrodes, (g) that generalist predators are a source of natural selection that may influence divergence of male vibrational signals.
Our work also underlines the need to validate museum specimens based on reliable standards, since in taxonomically difficult groups majority of archived specimens is likely to be wrongly identified. As natural ecosystems are altered or destroyed, there is a heightened appreciation for the urgent need to pursue an inventory of the planet’s species. A reliable delimitation and identification of species is therefore central to biodiversity studies. Especially, since biodiversity data are now commonly shared and accessed via the Internet databases and therefore misidentifications, which are widespread even in museum collections may be rapidly disseminated. Furthermore, inaccurate species identifications can result in error cascades that can affect the conclusions of ecological studies which, in turn, impact on ecosystem management and conservation regulations Taxonomic errors in identifying pests and vectors can also have direct socioeconomic consequences.
Our results also show that indiscriminate use of DNA barcoding is not a reliable approach in biodiversity studies.
Significance for the country
Project was primarily a study of fundamental scientific questions, however, it has a much wider impact. At the time of application in 2008 the project was a contribution to ‘Countdown 2010 Declaration’ with which EU targeted to halt the loss lof biodiveristy by 2010. As stated in Declaration biodiversity is essential to the quality of human well-being and it is a crucial element in sustaining the social, economic and spiritual dimension of all societies worldwide. Two of the main commitments of the declaration at the national (Slovenian) level were to support the development of suitable indicator tools to assess the state of biodiversity and to strengthen the understanding of biodiversity in particular focusing on endemic and endangered species which are an essential feature for halting the loss of biodiversity given the richness of biodiversity in Slovenia. EU, regretfully, failed to meet its target, however, the proposed project fulfilled both objectives. It provided new knowledge about patterns of biodiversity and we confirmed the existence of a new, potentially endemic animal species.
In addition, leafhoppers are the most important vectors of bacteria- and phytoplasma-associated plant diseases and leafhoppers of genus Aphrodes are not an exception. The progress in applied entomology is often hampered by taxonomic problems and understanding the genetic structure and ecological and behavioural features of local populations are important for effective pest management. The proposed project demonstrated the utility of this type of joint behavioural and genetic research for identification and management of crop and horticultural crops and such approach is already used in identification of other taxonomically difficult leafhopper genera.
The research done in the frame of the project enabled the Department of Entomology at the National Institute of Biology to strengthen its position as one of the leading groups world-wide, dealing with research on all aspects of vibrational communication of arthropods. In recent years, it is becoming increasingly clearer that vibrational communication is widespread among animals and there is an increasing interest in studying it. As a world-class centre for research on vibrational communication, Department attracted more top researchers in the fields of entomology, ethology and ecology. This contributed to the recognition of Slovenia as a state with highly developed world-class research community and provided a highly stimulating environment for other researchers as well. This in turn, together with already established world-wide research connections of Department of Entomology helped to develop a more dynamic scientific and technological landscape not only in Slovenia, but also in Europe. Training of young researchers directly and indirectly linked with this project qualified them for an independent research career at such a high level that they are competitive not only in Slovenia, but also abroad.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
