Evo-Devo Lessons Learned from Aphids
Authors: Gregory K. Davis, Jennifer A. Brisson, Ryan D. Bickel
Source: Davis G.K., Brisson J.A., Bickel R.D. (2019) Evo-Devo Lessons Learned from Aphids. In: Nuno de la Rosa L., Müller G. (eds) Evolutionary Developmental Biology. Springer, Cham
Publication Type: Chapter in a book
Abstract: Aphids possess several features that have uniquely expanded our understanding of how reproduction and development evolve. The complex life cycles of aphids, for example, are unusual in that they include cyclical parthenogenesis, seasonal host alternation, and multiple polyphenisms. Their close interactions with other organisms such as host plants and symbiotic bacteria likewise present instances of fascinating biology. As dramatic examples of developmental plasticity, the polyphenisms are perhaps the most intrinsically interesting from the standpoint of evolutionary developmental biology or evo-devo. The wing and reproductive polyphenisms in particular have garnered the most attention, providing insight into the mechanism and evolution of developmental responses to environmental cues. Additionally, the bacterial endosymbiosis and the induction of galls in host plants by some aphid species present opportunities to better understand how interactions between species can impact development and how interspecific coordination or control of development, respectively, has evolved. Here we briefly introduce aphids and describe the wing polyphenism, reproductive polyphenism, bacterial endosymbiosis, and gall formation, in each case indicating what we know and what we hope to learn.