Date:
Anurag Agrawal
James A. Perkins Professor of Environmental Studies
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University
Convergence and divergence in the diversity of insects feeding on a toxic plant
Abstract: Professor Agrawal will propose a framework in organismal biology for studying organismal strategies (or syndromes of traits) associated with specialization on a toxic resource. Using milkweed as a focal plant, fed upon by monarch butterflies and a taxonomically diverse set of other insect herbivores, he will address how we should we interpret strong phenotypic convergence. Using crispr and comparative biology we’ll work towards some answers. Perhaps convergence and divergence both contribute to organismal diversity.
Host: OEB Postdoctoral Fellows
