Exploring the epigenetic reasons behind invasive species success.

DE SOUSA, F.; M.S. RODRIGUERO; DOMON M.; GUZMÁN N.; SEQUEIRA, A; CONFALONIERI V.A.; LANTERI, A.

Portland

Congreso; Evolution Meeting; 2017

American Society of Naturalists, Society of Systematics Biologists

Invasive species threaten global diversity and impact the native species and surrounding ecosystem. Upon the introduction of nonindigenous species, the introduced species often undergo genetic events causing a loss of genetic variation and reduced genetic diversity. Yet the spread of invasive species persists, presenting a paradox: if introduced populations undergo such drastic loss of genetic diversity, how are they able to acclimate so successfully to new environmental conditions? To explore the reasons for the ecological success of species introductions, our study examines the introduction of parthenogenetic Naupactus weevils into North America. We propose that introduced populations of Naupactus weevils experience shifts in gene expression associated with their introduction and establishment. In particular, differentially expressed genes may be in response to the variation in host plant availability and overcoming new host defenses. We compare the intensity and diversity of gene expression between native and introduced populations of two species to explore the transcriptome signal of species introductions.