Blog Response to Sep. 3

    The most recent example of adaptations on the micro scale that we have discussed is that of Soapberry bugs in Florida and in Texas. In Florida, soapberry bugs used to have long beaks in order to feed on larger soapberry plants. That is, until about 50 years ago when an invasive species of smaller soapberry plants was introduced to the state. Because the plants were smaller, the soapberry bugs did not need their long beaks to reach the seeds of the soapberry plants anymore. Instead, they adapted to the new species of plants and in less than 50 years, soapberry bugs in Florida now have short beaks.

    The opposite adaptation occurred in Texas. Here, soapberry bugs used to have short beaks, but with the introduction of a larger soapberry plant, the bugs have adapted longer beaks. 



   Shown above is an illustration of the two new host plants (invasive species) and their change in sizes relative to each location



Shown above is an example of the different beak lengths of Soapberry bugs relative to the side of plant they are feeding from.

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 12, 2020 at 6:30 PM

    It's crazy to think the opposite thing is happening at the same time in Texas and Florida! I loved the first diagram that you showed, it seems like you found one of the original sources which is so helpful! Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lauren SuggsSeptember 13, 2020 at 9:52 PM

    Hey Jessica!

    Before this class, I knew nothing about the soapberry bugs and now because of your blog I know the impact they had in Florida and Texas. Crazy to think this all goes on all around us and we may not even be aware! Fantastic job!!!!

    ReplyDelete

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