S. R. Ramirez

The convergent evolution of hummingbird pollination results in repeated floral scent loss through gene downregulation

This study shows that hummingbird-pollinated Costus species lose floral scent through gene downregulation, not pseudogenization, highlighting strong selection pressures for scent loss.

Individual variation in male pheromone production in Xylocopa sonorina correlates with size and gland color.

The paper examines variation in male pheromone production in Xylocopa sonorina, finding that larger males with darker glands produce more pheromone, which may act as a long-range attractant.

The function of environmentally acquired perfume blends in male orchid bees

The study shows that male orchid bees use externally acquired perfumes to increase mating success and paternity through chemical signaling during courtship.

Seasonal stability and species specificity of environmentally acquired chemical mating signals in orchid bees

This study examines seasonal variation and species-specificity of chemical mating signals in orchid bees, finding consistent species-specificity despite environmental variation.

Experimental disruption of social structure reveals totipotency in the orchid bee, Euglossa dilemma

This study shows that subordinate helpers in Euglossa dilemma can transition to foundress roles, demonstrating high plasticity and shared genetic pathways with eusocial species.

Selection and hybridization shaped the rapid spread of African honey bee ancestry in the Americas

The paper maps the spread of African honey bee ancestry in the Americas using genome sequencing and identifies genomic regions associated with climate adaptation and fitness traits.

Evolution of olfactory receptors tuned to mustard oils in herbivorous Drosophilidae

This study identifies olfactory receptor paralogs in Scaptomyza flava that detect mustard oils, showing how plant toxins were co-opted as olfactory attractants through gene duplication and functional specialization.

An olfactory receptor gene underlies reproductive isolation in perfume-collecting orchid bees

The paper identifies an olfactory receptor gene linked to reproductive isolation in orchid bees through divergence in chemical courtship signaling.

The Evolutionary Dynamics Of The Odorant Receptor Gene Family In Corbiculate Bees

This study examines the evolutionary dynamics of the odorant receptor gene family in corbiculate bees, finding that positive selection and lineage-specific duplications drive OR gene evolution.