Internal Seminar: Ales Bucek, Reconstructing termite phylogeny for understanding the key dietary transitions in termite evolution

Internal Seminar

Speaker: Ales Bucek, Postdoctoral Researcher, Evolutionary Genomics Unit (Tom Bourguignon Unit)

Title: Reconstructing termite phylogeny for understanding the key dietary transitions in termite evolution

Abstract: 

Termites, my favorite creatures, are dominant organic matter decomposers of tropics and many subtropic areas. 
To understand how termites reached this status I'm currently reconstructing termite phylogenetic tree based on whole-transcriptome data which should provide the most robust picture of termite evolution up to date. I will discuss the methodology of phylotranscriptomics and summarize its advantages and disadvantages as compared to alternative phylogenetic approaches. With the help of the preliminary termite phylogenetic trees I will sketch a possible scenario of termite diet evolution and the evolutionary shifts of termite symbionts, such as protists, fungi and bacteria, which are critical for termites' ability to digest organic material.

In a second part of my talk (if there will be some time left) I will briefly present my research plan to study fly parasites manipulating with behavior and physiology of termite host and I will share the first preliminary x-ray microtomography insights into the parasitized termite bodies.

Free pizza and soft drinks will be served following the seminar from 5:00 - 5:30 pm. Please join us for refreshments and to continue the scientific discussion!

Interested in speaking at a future Internal Seminar? Contact internalseminar@oist.jp to sign up!