Parasitic bacteria Wolbachia found to influence mitochondrial diversity and reproductive strategies in Fijian bees.
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| Researchers uncover the complex interactions between Wolbachia and its bee hosts, with surprising consequences. Image Courtesy: UoW |
Sydney, Australia – October 4, 2024:
A new study has revealed that a common parasitic bacteria, Wolbachia, is linked to increased mitochondrial diversity and surprising gender-bending properties in native bees across the Fijian archipelago.
Wolbachia is known for its ability to manipulate its insect hosts in various ways, including altering gender ratios, killing males, and enabling asexual reproduction. Researchers from the University of Wollongong, University of Queensland, Flinders University, and University of Adelaide investigated the role of Wolbachia in the rapid diversification of Fijian bees and the low genetic diversity found in some species.
The study, published in the journal Symbiosis, found that Wolbachia was present in two-thirds of the Fijian bee species tested and that it spread easily between species rather than co-evolving with a single host. Surprisingly, the researchers discovered that species infected with Wolbachia had higher mitochondrial genetic diversity compared to those without the bacteria.
While Wolbachia does not appear to harm its hosts, it does manipulate them for its own benefit. In some Fijian bee species, Wolbachia has been linked to changes in male appearance and the ability of females to reproduce without males.
Dr. James Dorey, an evolutionary biologist from the University of Wollongong, emphasized the need for further research to understand the complex interactions between Wolbachia and its bee hosts. "While Wolbachia can have negative effects on bees, it can also provide benefits, such as resistance to viruses and improved vitamin synthesis," he said.
The study provides valuable insights into the evolutionary processes shaping the diversity of Fijian bees and highlights the importance of understanding the complex interactions between organisms and their microbial symbionts.