Drosophila larvae evolve to tolerate fungal toxins
Author Information
Author(s): Monika Trienens, Marko Rohlfs
Primary Institution: Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel
Hypothesis
Heritable variation in the competitive ability of saprophagous D. melanogaster populations against filamentous fungi is due to variation in their ability to cope with toxic fungal metabolites.
Conclusion
Insect larvae tend to have evolved increased tolerance of the fungal competitor rather than enhanced resistance.
Supporting Evidence
- FS Drosophila larvae had a significantly higher probability of surviving to the adult stage than UC larvae.
- FS lines were less susceptible to the A. nidulans mycotoxin Sterigmatocystin.
- Evolved protection against A. nidulans was not correlated with increased insect survival in the presence of other fungi.
Takeaway
Flies that compete with mold have learned to handle the mold's poison better, but they don't get stronger against other molds.
Methodology
Drosophila larvae were exposed to the fungal competitor Aspergillus nidulans over 26 generations to assess survival and sensitivity to mycotoxins.
Limitations
The study's power to detect differences in fungal growth suppression by FS and UC larvae was low.
Participant Demographics
Drosophila melanogaster larvae from isofemale lines collected from decaying plums.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0029
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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