A5031587247- Plant and animal studies
- Lepidoptera: Biology and Taxonomy
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Amphibian and Reptile Biology
- Evolution and Paleontology Studies
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Scarabaeidae Beetle Taxonomy and Biogeography
- Insect-Plant Interactions and Control
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
- Animal and Plant Science Education
- Evolution and Genetic Dynamics
- Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Plant Diversity and Evolution
- Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior
- Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
- Insect symbiosis and bacterial influences
- Plant Parasitism and Resistance
- Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
- Insect and Pesticide Research
- Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies
- Orthoptera Research and Taxonomy
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram
2016-2025
Stockholm University
2006-2018
University of Cambridge
2011-2017
Google (United States)
2016
The butterfly family Nymphalidae contains some of the most important non-drosophilid insect model systems for evolutionary and ecological studies, yet history group has remained shrouded in mystery. We have inferred a robust phylogenetic hypothesis based on sequences 10 genes 235 morphological characters exemplars 400 540 valid nymphalid genera representing all major lineages family. By dating branching events, we infer that originated Cretaceous at 90 Ma, but ancestors 10–12 survived...
Abstract Aim Analytical methods are commonly used to identify historical processes of vicariance and dispersal in the evolution taxa. Currently, dispersal–vicariance analysis implemented software diva is most widely method. Despite some recognized shortcomings method, it has been treated as error‐free many cases extensively sole method reconstruct histories In light this, an evaluation limitations needed, especially relation several newer alternatives. Methods approach similar simulation...
Numerous butterflies have circular patterns called eyespots on their wings. Explanations for functional value until recently remained hypothetical. However, several studies in the last few years supported long-standing hypotheses, and current paper reviews these recent advances. Large conspicuous are thought to be effective by being intimidating predators thus reducing predation. This hypothesis has received strong support different studies. It been shown that because of conspicuousness, but...
Abstract The satyrine butterfly Coenonympha tullia (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) displays a deep split between two mitochondrial clades, one restricted to northern Alberta, Canada, and the other found throughout Alberta across North America. We confirm this divide test hypotheses explaining its phylogeographic structure. Neither genitalia morphology nor nuclear gene sequence supports cryptic species as an explanation, instead indicating differences genome histories. Sex‐biased dispersal is...
Much of what is known about the molecular evolution vertebrate vision comes from studies mammals, birds and fish. Reptiles (especially snakes) have barely been sampled in previous despite their exceptional diversity retinal photoreceptor complements. Here, we analyze opsin gene sequences ocular media transmission for up to 69 species investigate snake visual evolution. Most snakes express three genes (rh1, sws1, lws). These rh1 sws1) undergone much evolutionary change, including...
Skippers (Family: Hesperiidae) are a large group of butterflies with ca. 4000 species under 567 genera. The lack time-calibrated higher-level phylogeny the has precluded understanding its evolutionary past. We here use 10-gene dataset to reconstruct most comprehensive group, and explore factors that affected diversification these butterflies. Ancestral state reconstructions show early hesperiid lineages utilized dicots as larval hostplants. ability feed on monocots evolved once at K-Pg...
The global increase in species richness toward the tropics across continents and taxonomic groups, referred to as latitudinal diversity gradient, stimulated formulation of many hypotheses explain underlying mechanisms this pattern. We evaluate several these spatial patterns a butterfly family, Nymphalidae, by assessing contributions speciation, extinction, dispersal, also extent which processes differ among regions at same latitude. generate time-calibrated phylogeny containing 2,866...
Abstract The relative importance of dispersal and vicariance in the diversification taxa has been much debated. Within butterflies, a few studies published so far have demonstrated vicariant patterns at global level. We studied historical biogeography genus Junonia (Nymphalidae: Nymphalinae) intercontinental level based on molecular phylogeny. is distributed over all major biogeographical regions world except Palaearctic. found to be dominant process genus. originated started diversifying...
Abstract Molecular dating techniques require the use of calibrations, which are usually fossil or geological vicariance-based. Fossil calibrations have been criticised because they result only in minimum age estimates. Based on a historical biogeographic perspective, I suggest that vicariance-based more dangerous. Almost all analytical methods biogeography strongly biased towards inferring vicariance, hence vicariance identified through such is unreliable. Other studies, especially groups...
Molecular studies of natural populations are often designed to detect and categorize hidden layers cryptic diversity, an emerging pattern suggests that species more common widely distributed than previously thought. However, these decoupled from ecological behavioural divergence. Thus, the mechanisms by which diversity is maintained across large spatial scales unknown. In 1988, it was discovered Eurasian Wood White butterfly consisted two (Leptidea sinapis Leptidea reali), pair became model...
Despite multiple attempts to infer the higher-level phylogenetic relationships of skipper butterflies (Family Hesperiidae), uncertainties in deep clade persist. The most recent analysis included fewer than 30% known genera and data from three gene markers. Here we reconstruct with a rich sampling ten nuclear mitochondrial markers (7,726 bp) 270 find two distinct but equally plausible topologies among subfamilies at base tree. In one set analyses, suggest contrasting topologies, which is...
Developmental plasticity is thought to have profound macro-evolutionary effects, for example, by increasing the probability of establishment in new environments and subsequent divergence into independently evolving lineages. In contrast optimized individual traits, phenotypic integration, which enables a concerted response plastic traits environmental variability, may affect rate local adaptation constraining independent responses selection. Using comparative framework, this study explores...
Conspicuous coloration, which presumably makes prey more visible to predators, has intrigued researchers for long. Contrastingly coloured, conspicuous striped patterns are common among lizards and other animals, but their function is not well known. We propose test a novel hypothesis, the ‘redirection hypothesis’, wherein longitudinal patterns, such as those found on anterior body parts of most lacertilians, redirect attacks away from themselves during motion towards less vulnerable...
Abstract We studied the historical biogeography of a group butterflies in Holarctic region belonging to genus Coenonympha (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae: Coenonymphina), based on phylogenetic hypothesis estimated from three genes. The is distributed mainly Palaearctic region, with two species extending into Nearctic region. tree generally well supported and shows that paraphyletic respect Lyela ( syn.n. ) Triphysa ), we hence synonymize latter . Within identify groups, tullia , glycerion hero...
Butterfly eyespots have been the focus of a number developmental and evolutionary studies. However, phylogenetic component has rarely explicitly incorporated in these In this study, I utilize phylogeny to trace evolution eyespot position on wing group nymphalid butterflies, subtribe Junoniini. These butterflies two kinds arrangements which refer as Serial Individual. arrangement, are placed series compartments 1-6 (counting from anterior margin). Individual isolated specific compartments,...
Butterflies of the subtribe Mycalesina have radiated successfully in almost all habitat types Africa, Madagascar, Indian subcontinent, Indo-China and Australasia. Studies aimed at understanding reasons behind evolutionary success this spectacular Old World butterfly radiation been hampered by lack a stable phylogeny for group. Here, we reconstructed robust phylogenetic framework using 10 genes from 195 exemplar taxa.We recovered seven well supported clades within corresponding to five...
"Motion dazzle" patterns are a form of defensive coloration suggested to prevent successful capture during motion by causing predators misjudge the direction or speed prey movement. Several studies have found results supporting this idea but little is known about factors that favor evolution these antipredator colorations. A recent experimental study has longitudinal striped on body lizards can redirect attacks tail via dazzle effect. Using virtual predation experiment with humans and...
Many butterflies possess striking structures called eyespots on their wings, and several studies have sought to understand the selective forces that shaped evolution. Work over last decade has shown a major function of is ability reduce predation by being intimidating attacking predators. Two competing hypotheses seek explain cause intimidation, one suggesting 'eye-mimicry' other 'conspicuousness' as reason. There an on-going debate about which these better explains effectiveness against...
Abstract Despite increasing conflict at human–wildlife interfaces, there exists little research on how the attributes and behavior of individual wild animals may influence interactions. Adopting a comparative approach, we examined impact animals’ life-history social interactions between humans (peri)urban macaques in Asia. For 10 groups rhesus, long-tailed, bonnet macaques, collected behavior, spatial data, human–interaction data for 11–20 months pre-identified individuals. Mixed-model...
Predation experiments have shown that the large eyespots (concentric rings of contrasting colors) found on wings several lepidopteran species intimidate passerine predators. According to eye mimicry hypotheses, intimidation is caused by predators associating with presence (of eyes) their own enemy. The conspicuousness hypothesis suggests, instead, it simply eyespot patterns intimidating, possibly due a sensory bias. We studied how number eyespots, 2 or 4, influences intimidation. predicted...