Symbiosis lost: Imperfect vertical transmission of fungal endophytes in native grasses

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dc.contributor.advisorRudgers, Jennifer A.en_US
dc.creatorAfkhami, Michelle Elizabethen_US
dc.date.accessioned2018-12-03T18:32:09Zen_US
dc.date.available2018-12-03T18:32:09Zen_US
dc.date.issued2007en_US
dc.description.abstractVertically transmitted symbionts associate with some of the most ecologically dominant species on Earth, and their fixation has led to major evolutionary transitions (e.g., mitochondria, chloroplasts). While transmission has been well documented for parasites, for most mutualist symbionts it remains unknown whether vertical transmission is imperfect (symbiont not transmitted to all offspring) in nature and during which host life history stage the symbiont is lost. Through quantitative natural history surveys of fungal endophytes in native grasses, we show that transmission was imperfect for all seven species examined. The type and degree of loss depended on the population and host species, suggesting that transmission varies across geographic mosaics. Our results open new directions for understanding cooperation and conflict in the system. For example, imperfect transmission provides a previously unexplored avenue for host sanctions against costly symbionts. Similarly, endophytes gain opportunities for partner choice that would not exist if transmission were perfect.en_US
dc.format.extent38 ppen_US
dc.identifier.callnoTHESIS ECOL. 2008 AFKHAMIen_US
dc.identifier.citationAfkhami, Michelle Elizabeth. "Symbiosis lost: Imperfect vertical transmission of fungal endophytes in native grasses." (2007) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/103644">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/103644</a>.en_US
dc.identifier.digital304802787en_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1911/103644en_US
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.rightsCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.en_US
dc.subjectEcologyen_US
dc.subjectMicrobiologyen_US
dc.subjectBiological sciencesen_US
dc.titleSymbiosis lost: Imperfect vertical transmission of fungal endophytes in native grassesen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
dc.type.materialTexten_US
thesis.degree.departmentEcology and Evolutionary Biologyen_US
thesis.degree.disciplineNatural Sciencesen_US
thesis.degree.grantorRice Universityen_US
thesis.degree.levelMastersen_US
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Artsen_US
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