Project description
Research investigates the relationship between beetles and symbiotic bacteria
Elucidating the key adaptations underlying evolutionary success remains a central challenge in evolution and ecology. The EU-funded SYMBeetle project will investigate the evolution of a symbiont-assisted key adaptation process that protects beetles against dehydration and predators. Recent evidence has shown that beetles of at least seven different families have become dependent on symbiosis for the supply of an important substance – tyrosine. This aromatic amino acid is necessary for cuticle biosynthesis, hardening and tanning. Symbioses of this kind have evolved independently many times and have probably been a key factor enabling beetles to spread into new ecological niches.
Fields of science
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesecology
- medical and health scienceshealth sciencesnutrition
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiological behavioural sciencesethologybiological interactions
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculture
- natural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistryamines
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-COG - Consolidator GrantHost institution
80539 Munchen
Germany
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Beneficiaries (2)
80539 Munchen
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55122 Mainz
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