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Project title

The ecological genomics of a hyper-diverse genus of wild pollinators

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin

Lead Applicant

Not listed

Project Abstract

Bees are extremely important for the environment; by pollinating plants they maintain ecosystems and are key to crop production. However, bees face serious threats, and have been shown to be declining. Much previous research has been focused on the honey bees which are predominately maintained by people. However, most bee species are wild, solitary species, which have not received the research attention they deserve, given they are equally important pollinators. One group of particular interest are the mining bees, the Andrena, a genus of small bees which nest in bare ground and are important pollinators for apple orchards. The Andrena genus includes more than 1600 species, the second most diverse bee genus. In addition, the Andrena have adapted to a wide variety of ecological niches, pollinating different plants, and flying at different times of the year. This diversity of niches allows several Andrena species to live in the same habitat. This begs the question, what makes the Andrena mining bees so special? How do they diversify so quickly and adapt to so many niches? Genomics, large-scale DNA analyses, has huge potential to help us understand the lives of species. In this project, I will assess the role Andrena play in the environment by using data on how Andrena have adapted genomically, physically and in their diet, to different environmental conditions along the Western Palearctic. This project will provide great impact, by filling in knowledge-gaps about how one of the most important pollinator groups adapts to the environment, and how future environmental change may impact that. Additionally, I will assess the diversification of Andrena species throughout our study region, likely highlighting unappreciated diversity in this rapidly diversifying genus. This project will provide key insight into how Andrena will respond to a changing climate and to the distribution of Andrena diversity.

Grant Approved

�105,604.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

2. Ireland's Future Climate, its Impacts, and Adaptation Options

Start Date

01/09/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2023