The importance of diversity
An EU-funded project has taken nine scientists to PhD level on the role of evolutionary origin in creating biological diversity. The 'Understanding the evolutionary origin of biological diversity' (SPECIATION(opens in new window) project used powerful model systems to investigate how separate species come about (speciation) and then evolve away from their origins. State of the art techniques from quantitative and behavioural genetics, molecular ecology and environmental genomics was input into the simulations. Training took the form of individual projects, institutional training programmes as well as workshops and conferences organised by the network and from visiting scientists. The core research focused on reproductive isolation, the behavioural mechanisms involved in speciation and then evolutionary and ecological drivers of diversification. Examples of real-time evolution and speciation came from Nasonia wasps, Drosophila fruit flies, the grasshopper Chorthippus and the marine worm Pygospio. One interesting example published in 'Proceedings of the Royal Society' involves courtship song stimulation in Drosophila. Using real-time quantitative PCR, the scientists investigated specific molecular changes that occur in females in response to mating advances from males. The researchers also looked at allopatric speciation where populations become isolated, perhaps geographically or through human activities like a civil engineering development. Allopatric Drosophila populations exist that exhibit pre-mating and post-mating reproductive isolation and so prevent members from producing offspring. In Europe, natural habitats are diminishing and have experienced rapid changes in species composition and diversity. SPECIATION outcomes should help maintain biodiversity that not only has an intrinsic value but underpins sustainable agriculture, ecosystem services and parts of the leisure industry.
