Oral Presentations
Weapon Trait Evolution in Dynastinae Beetles
Presentation Type
Presentation
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Dr. Douglas Emlen
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Biological Sciences
Abstract / Artist's Statement
Phylogenetic analyses have revolutionized our understanding of evolutionary relationships between species. Subsequently, we can apply phylogenetics to study how divergent phenotypic traits among closely-related taxa evolved. Rhinoceros beetles (Coleoptera: Dynastinae) are a diverse group of scarabs that exhibit highly variable weapon traits, including horns, spikes, and other structures which evolved due to intense male-male competition over matings. Because of their variety in fighting structures, Dynastinae represents a perfect opportunity to understand how complex weapons change and evolve between species. In order to make phylogenetic comparisons, I first constructed a robust phylogenetic tree for Dynastinae. This allowed me to understand and visualize how these diverse species are related to one another. I then compared distinct Dynastinae weapons across the various species which allows me to quantify the presence and complexity of their weaponry development. Using this approach, I can identify key evolutionary events that have shaped the diversity of weapon traits across this clade, for example when horn loss, horn duplication, or bifurcation events occured. This information will be valuable for understanding the functional significance of weapon traits and the selective forces (i.e., differential fighting styles and reproductive behaviors) that have shaped their evolution.
Category
Life Sciences
Weapon Trait Evolution in Dynastinae Beetles
UC 330
Phylogenetic analyses have revolutionized our understanding of evolutionary relationships between species. Subsequently, we can apply phylogenetics to study how divergent phenotypic traits among closely-related taxa evolved. Rhinoceros beetles (Coleoptera: Dynastinae) are a diverse group of scarabs that exhibit highly variable weapon traits, including horns, spikes, and other structures which evolved due to intense male-male competition over matings. Because of their variety in fighting structures, Dynastinae represents a perfect opportunity to understand how complex weapons change and evolve between species. In order to make phylogenetic comparisons, I first constructed a robust phylogenetic tree for Dynastinae. This allowed me to understand and visualize how these diverse species are related to one another. I then compared distinct Dynastinae weapons across the various species which allows me to quantify the presence and complexity of their weaponry development. Using this approach, I can identify key evolutionary events that have shaped the diversity of weapon traits across this clade, for example when horn loss, horn duplication, or bifurcation events occured. This information will be valuable for understanding the functional significance of weapon traits and the selective forces (i.e., differential fighting styles and reproductive behaviors) that have shaped their evolution.