Olfactory evolution in herbivorous insects
Noah Whiteman, Professor
Integrative Biology
Closed. This professor is continuing with Fall 2024 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Spring 2025.
During the evolutionary transition from one feeding guild to another, such as microbe- to plant-feeding, it is hypothesized that behavioral adaptations are among the first to evolve. In insects, changes to the chemosensory systems that determine host preference are necessary, not only for finding an appropriate host, but in deciding at a fine spatial scale within an individual host where to feed and lay eggs. Understanding the functional genetic changes that underlie these complex behavioral shifts is a long-term goal in evolutionary biology. Scaptomyza flava, a small leaf-mining fly lends itself to be an ideal study system because (1) they evolved herbivory within the last 20 million years (relatively recent compared to other well-studied herbivores), (2) they can be collected on the UC Berkeley campus and are easily grown in culture on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, and (3) we can leverage the genetic tools of the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, its close relative. This project aims to characterize the changes in chemosensory, especially olfactory receptors that have enabled the evolution of herbivory.
Role: This project will include:
1. Maintaining fly colonies
2. Growing host plants
3. Involvement in preparation and running behavioral assays
There is also the possibility of learning basic genetic molecular skills, such as DNA extractions, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and sequencing.
Qualifications: We are looking for a curious, highly motivated, and detail oriented student, who can operate independently but seek guidance when necessary.
Hours: 3-5 hrs
Biological & Health Sciences