Evolutionary Ecology across Three Trophic Levels: Goldenrods, Gallmakers, and Natural Enemies (MPB-29)

(Paperback)

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This work presents the results of over 25 years of studying plant-insect interactions. The study centres on the ecology and evolution of interactions among a host plant, the parasitic insect that attacks it, and the insects and birds that are the parasite's natural enemies. Since this system provides a model that can be subjected to experimental manipulations, it has allowed the authors to address specific theories and concepts that have guided biological research for more than two decades and to engage general problems in evolutionary biology. The specific subjects of research are the host plant goldenrod ("Solidago"), the parasitic insect "Eurosta solidaginis" ("Diptera: Tephritidae") that induces a gall on the plant stem, and a number of natural enemies of the gallfly. By presenting their detailed empirical studies of the "Solidago-Eurosta" natural enemy system, the authors demonstrate the complexities of specialized enemy-victim interactions and, thereby, the complex interactive relationships among species more broadly.

Reviews

"In a writing style both consistent and fluid, Abrahamson and Weis weave a story that includes the ecology, evolution, systematics, physiology, behavior, molecular and developmental biology, and genetics of their system. Throughout, the excellent illustrations and detailed citations help to draw parallels with other studies, and place their research within current theories of insect-plant interactions. This is a 'must-read' for serious students of evolutionary biology and the scientific method."--Ecoscience

Author Bio

Warren G. Abrahamson is David Burpee Professor of Plant Genetics at Bucknell University. Arthur E. Weis is Associate Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Irvine.