In the absence of genetic variation, asexual invasive species have found new ways to adapt to the environment

A new study from Wellesley College found that two types of weevils are common invasive beetles in many parts of the world, and they have been using epigenetic changes to adapt to and respond to the plants they eat Different toxins in

Researchers led by Andrea Sequeira and Althea Lang Professor of Biological Sciences have collected parthenogenetic, invasive and polyphagous weevil, Naupactus cervinus and N.

They jointly analyzed the gene expression patterns of the three gene types.

Sequeira said: "We found that some host plant groups, such as legumes, seem to be more harsh on the target noseworm and trigger complex gene expression responses

"We also found that mothers can use these epigenetic changes to'guide' their children," said Ava Mackay-Smith, the first author of the study

Sequeira pointed out that this finding is particularly important because the classic understanding is that no matter in sexual reproduction or asexual reproduction, all epigenetic marks will disappear between two generations, and each generation will start again

A better understanding of the epigenetic changes in invasive asexual species may ultimately help regulate or mitigate their potential negative impacts on the environment (such as native plants or crops)

Perhaps genetic variation is not the only heritable variation form of natural selection.

Ava Mackay-Smith, Mary Kate Dornon, Rosalind Lucier, Anna Okimoto, Flavia Mendonca de Sousa, Marcela Rodriguero, Viviana Confalonieri, Analia A.