Year: 2012
Type: article
Abstract: Habitat isolation occurs when habitat preferences lower the probability of mating between individuals associated with differing habitats. While a potential barrier to gene flow during ecological speciation, the effect of habitat isolation on reproductive isolation has rarely been directly tested. Herein, we first estimated habitat preference for each of six populations of the gall waspBelonocnema treataeinhabiting eitherQuercus virginianaorQ. geminata. We then estimated the importance of habitat isolation in generating reproductive isolation betweenB. treataepopulations that were host specific to eitherQ. virginianaorQ. geminataby measuring mate preference in the presence and absence of the respective host plants. All populations exhibited host preference for their native plant, and assortative mating increased significantly in the presence of the respective host plants. This host-plant-mediated assortative mating demonstrates that habitat isolation likely plays an important role in promoting reproductive isolation among populations of this host-specific gall former.
Source: International Journal of Ecology
DOI: 10.1155/2012/809897
Authors: Scott P. Egan, Glen R. Hood, James R. Ott
Institutions: University of Notre Dame, Texas State University
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $820
OpenAlex ID: W1997140467