Biodiv Sci ›› 2002, Vol. 10 ›› Issue (2): 219-224.  DOI: 10.17520/biods.2002029

Special Issue: 传粉生物学 物种形成与系统进化 昆虫多样性与生态功能

• 论文 • Previous Articles     Next Articles

On synthetic research on fig trees (Moraceae) and related fauna in China

LI Hong-Qing, CHEN Yong, MA Wei-Liang   

  1. 1 School of Life Sciences,East China Normal University, Shanghai ,200062
    2 Ningde Junior Teacher's College,Ningde ,Fujian,352100
  • Received:2001-05-10 Revised:2002-03-07 Online:2002-05-20 Published:2002-05-20

Abstract: The 750 species of Ficus (Moraceae) constitute the most distinctive and widespread genus of tropical plants. There are species-specific mutualisms between fig trees and their pollinating insects ( Agaonidae ) and perplexing relationships within the ecosystem. Valuable research results in the areas of the systematics of Ficus and fig wasps, the origin and maintenance of dioecy, biodiversity, co-evolution and ethology are provided by the approaches of systematics, biogeography, ecology, and conservation biology. China′s ancient biogeographic realm, its unique geographic traits and the diversity of its fig flora (71 dioecious species) make it an ideal location to study these questions. Up to now, we have determined less than 20 species of pollinators ( Agaonidae ) of the 98 fig/pollinator mutualisms in China, and our knowledge of these fig trees and related animals is still very limited. In utilizing the resourceful advantages of Chinese biota and geography, well-organized programs will advance smoothly and stimulate further research into fig trees and associated animals.