Adaptation in multiple plant-insect interactions and one scientist’s career

A fundamental question at the intersection of ecology and evolution is how do biotic and abiotic environments differentially influence adaptation and diversification? The abiotic environment can change, but it cannot coevolve (a process of reciprocal adaptation). This profound difference is hypothesized to have fundamental impacts on natural selection, with biotic interactions potentially causing selection that is stronger and more variable in time and space, ultimately leading to more rapid population divergence and speciation. However, identifying ecological drivers of selection is inherently challenging, which leads to insufficient data to compare biotic vs. abiotic selection. Plant-insect interactions are ideal systems in which to study the interplay of the abiotic and biotic environments in shaping adaptation, as the important plant traits are relatively well-understood. Here, I present two brief research vignettes: latitudinal variation in herbivory and pollination in a widespread herb, and selection on flower color in hybridizing snapdragons. While presenting the research, I will also discuss how my work has been influenced by the life and career decisions that are usually left out of a scientific talk. While it may feel as if academic research only trains us to do more academic research, very few PhDs will ultimately become PIs. Fortunately, being a researcher encompasses many broadly useful professional skills—including those needed to find a job! Through self-awareness of our evolving interests, we can make informed career decisions and successfully adapt to a variety of roles and sectors.