Date of Award
5-2025
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Departmental Honors
Department
Biology
Abstract
The aphid genus Uroleucon (Aphididae: Aphidinae: Macrosiphini) is a diverse group of about 230 species found globally in most temperate regions, principally in the northern hemisphere. Only 23 species are described from the southern hemisphere, in South American temperate regions such as Chile, Argentina, and Peru. However, the origins of the South American species are unknown, as are the relationships of these taxa to northern hemisphere Uroleucon species. This study seeks to establish the relationships between Uroleucon aphids native to South America and their North American and Eurasian counterparts using genetic data. We use phylogenetic analysis of cytochrome c oxidase subunits 1 and 2 mitochondrial genes as well as the elongation factor-1α nuclear gene to reconstruct the relationships of all sampled species. We use the phylogeny to statistically date the divergence of the South American Uroleucon from the northern species, and to hypothesize the intercontinental movements that may have founded the ancestors of the South American lineages.
Recommended Citation
Mullen, Audrey Michelle, "Phylogeny and Historical Biogeography of Uroleucon Aphids" (2025). Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects. 1011.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/honors/1011
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Faculty Mentor
Carol von Dohlen
Departmental Honors Advisor
Zach Gompert