Macroevolutionary Patterns in the Aphidini Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae): Diversification, Host Association, and Biogeographic Origins
2011

Evolutionary Patterns in Aphidini Aphids

Sample size: 80 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kim Hyojoong, Lee Seunghwan, Jang Yikweon

Primary Institution: Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Hypothesis

What are the origins of host alternation and the patterns of diversification in aphids?

Conclusion

Most generic divergences in Aphidini occurred in the Middle Tertiary, coinciding with the diversification of primary hosts.

Supporting Evidence

  • Most generic divergences in Aphidini occurred in the Middle Tertiary.
  • Species-level divergences were contemporaneous with diversification of secondary hosts.
  • The ancestral state of host use for Aphidini was equivocal with respect to three states.
  • The divergence times of aphid lineages are close to those of their primary hosts.
  • The biogeographic origin of Aphidini was equivocal, but major lineages likely separated into Nearctic and Palearctic regions.

Takeaway

This study looks at how aphids evolved and changed over time, especially in relation to the plants they live on.

Methodology

The study reconstructed the phylogeny of Aphidini using DNA sequences from one nuclear and four mitochondrial genes and estimated divergence times using a molecular dating approach.

Limitations

The study's conclusions are based on the available molecular data, which may not capture all evolutionary relationships.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024749

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