Genomic signatures of recent adaptation in a wild bumblebee
AbstractBehavioral experiments and analyses of observation records have shown that environmental changes threaten insect pollinators, creating risks for agriculture and ecosystem stability. Despite their importance, we know little about how wild insects or other animals can adapt in response to environmental pressures. To understand the genomic bases of adaptation in an ecologically important pollinator, we analyzed genomes ofBombus terrestrisbumblebees collected across Great Britain. We reveal extensive genetic diversity within this population, and strong signatures of recent adaptation throughout the genome. More specifically, we find that selection recently affected key processes underpi…
Genomic architecture and sexually dimorphic expression underlying immunity in the red mason bee, Osmia bicornis
AbstractInsect pollinators provide crucial ecosystem services yet face increasing environmental pressures. The challenges posed by novel and reemerging pathogens on bee health means we need to improve our understanding of the immune system, an important barrier to infections and disease. Despite its importance, for certain ecologically important species, such as solitary bees, our understanding of the genomic basis and molecular mechanisms underlying immune potential, and how intrinsic and extrinsic factors may influence immune gene expression is lacking. Here, to improve our understanding of the genomic architecture underlying immunity of a key solitary bee pollinator, we characterised put…