Developmental Noise in Cotton Aphids
Author Information
Author(s): Babbitt Gregory A
Primary Institution: Center for Evolutionary Functional Genomics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University
Hypothesis
How does developmental noise compare to fluctuating asymmetry in cotton aphids under varying temperatures?
Conclusion
Developmental noise significantly affects the sensitivity of fluctuating asymmetry to temperature changes in cotton aphids.
Supporting Evidence
- Fluctuating asymmetry in the aphid wing was nearly four times higher than in other insect species.
- Developmental noise comprised approximately 50% of the overall response of fluctuating asymmetry to temperature.
- Fluctuating asymmetry correlated negatively with temperature.
Takeaway
This study found that cotton aphids have a lot of internal noise during development, which makes it hard for them to respond to changes in temperature.
Methodology
The study involved rearing monoclonal populations of cotton aphids at different temperatures and measuring fluctuating asymmetry in their wings.
Potential Biases
Potential under-sampling in some populations could introduce bias.
Limitations
The study may not account for all environmental factors affecting fluctuating asymmetry.
Participant Demographics
Monoclonal populations of cotton aphids (Aphis gossipyii) were used.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website