Most organisms represent specialized forms that arose as a result of natural selection and
genetic drift to occupy distinct ecological niches. In animals, this process of specialization …

This review investigates ant–aphid mutualism (trophobiosis), in particular focusing on
evolutionary processes in aphids resulting from this interaction. This broad literature review …

Adaptation to changing environmental conditions represents a challenge to parthenogenetic
organisms, and until now, how phenotypic variants are generated in clones in response to …

We here attempt to show, using three broad insect groups–Lepidoptera (mainly leaf-
chewing larval herbivores and nectar-sucking adults), parasitic Hymenoptera (mainly …

The problem of plant individuality is something which has vexed botanists throughout the
ages, with fashion swinging back and forth from treating plants as communities of individuals …

Rhopalosiphun padi is a pest that seriously devastates wheat crops. The life cycle, genetic
diversity, and genetic structure of R. padi populations throughout China remain unclear. In …

Debate still continues around the definition of generalism and specialism in nature. To
some, generalism is equated solely with polyphagy, but this cannot be readily divorced from …

Viral diseases can change plant metabolism, with potential impacts on the quality of the
plant's food supply for insect pests, including virus vectors. The banana aphid, Pentalonia …

Plant resistance to pathogens is commonly associated with a hypersensitive response (HR),
but the degree to which the HR is responsible for incompatibility is subject to debate …

Background Non-essential facultative endosymbionts can provide their hosts with protection
from parasites, pathogens, and predators. For example, two facultative bacterial symbionts …