The study, published in the journal Molecular Biology & Evolution, looked at the genome sequences, or DNA blueprints, of bumblebees from the widespread European species Bombus terrestris to understand how this species had been adapting to recent changes in the environment.
The research team then used evolutionary data science approaches to identify which parts of these DNA blueprints had been replaced by newer versions over recent decades. They found signs of recent changes to the genome in areas known to be linked to the nervous system and wing development.
The researchers suggest that the observed genetic changes likely improved the bumblebees' abilities to forage for food in response to changes in climate and within their rural environments.
Interestingly, the researchers also uncovered some unusual features of the bumblebee genome, including a region containing 53 genes that lacked the diversity found in the rest of the genome.
Bumblebees and other insects are important natural pollinators of crops and of wildflowers. Recent studies have documented international declines of bees and other pollinators, citing habitat loss, disease, pesticides, and climate change as contributing factors. However, some of these pollinators, such as Bombus terrestris have also been doing well despite changing environmental conditions.
Lead author of this study Dr
'Simultaneously analysing many genomes of the buff-tailed bumblebee sheds new light on the health of this species. This species is doing well, and we found that most of the genome harbours extensive genetic diversity and the ability to use it. These traits will support this species in continuing to adapt to the challenges it faces.'
The findings provide important insights into the ability of a key pollinator to adapt and highlight the benefit of genomic approaches for understanding the genetic health of wild populations. The researchers suggest that this type of approach could help develop tools for safeguarding beneficial insects important for ecosystem stability, biodiversity maintenance and crop productivity.
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