ISSN:
1573-3297
Keywords:
habitats
;
evolutionary strategies
;
Drosophila
;
physical environments
;
lek behavior
;
alcohol
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Psychology
Notes:
Abstract There is an association among resource utilization divergence, habitat selection, and taxonomic divergence in the genusDrosophila. Given permissive conditions of temperature, humidity, and light intensity, an enormous variety of resources is used in a diversity of habitats. These resources are considered in the cosmopolitan and endemic Australian fauna, providing evidence for habitat selection in the laboratory and field. Lek behavior in picture-winged species of subgenusHirtodrosophila, a case of parallel evolution with lek behavior in subgenusDrosophila in Hawaii, is discussed in detail. Other examples of habitat selection discussed concern behavioral reactions of larvae to alcohol and other metabolites and the avoidance by adults of extreme physical environments. Evolutionary strategies involved in habitat selection are considered at various taxonomic levels inDrosophila. These considerations show that it is essential to relate results from laboratory studies to natural environments in order to explore the genetics of habitat selection.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01067480
