Department of Entomology

Title: Transitions between reproductive systems in animals

Abstract: The maintenance of alternative genetic and reproductive systems critically depends on the ease of transitions between different systems. Transitions from sexual reproduction to parthenogenesis have occurred repeatedly and independently in insects, whereby the probability for successful transitions to parthenogenesis varies widely among orders. Much of this variation may stem from developmental and life-history traits favoring or constraining the evolution of parthenogenesis in specific groups. Using examples from three different insect orders (Phasmatodea, Hymenoptera and Thysanoptera), I will discuss different evolutionary pathways that can lead to the establishment of a new parthenogenetic lineage. I will also discuss how different routes to parthenogenesis may affect the competitiveness and persistence of parthenogenetic lineages in the face of competition with sexual relatives.