A. Bucek

Extinct and extant termites reveal the fidelity of behavior fossilization in amber

The paper reconstructs mating behavior of extinct termites from a fossilized pair in amber, showing that behavioral interactions can be inferred despite fossilization distortions.

Historical biogeography of early diverging termite lineages (Isoptera: Teletisoptera)

This paper reconstructs the historical biogeography of early diverging termite lineages using genetic data, finding that their distribution resulted from both over-water dispersals and land bridge migrations.

The functional evolution of termite gut microbiota

This study investigates the functional evolution of termite gut microbiota by analyzing metagenomic data from 145 termite samples, revealing conserved genetic functions and dietary adaptations.

Neoisoptera repetitively colonised Madagascar after the Middle Miocene climatic optimum

This study uses mitochondrial genomes to show that Neoisoptera colonized Madagascar 7-10 times during the Miocene, matching Australia's colonization timing and sharing similar taxonomic composition.

Transoceanic voyages of drywood termites (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) inferred from extant and extinct species

This study uses phylogenetic analysis to infer the transoceanic dispersal history and foraging evolution of Kalotermitidae termites, finding that dispersal and human activity shaped their global distribution.

Ocean currents promote rare species diversity in protists

The paper shows ocean currents increase rare protist diversity by analyzing metagenomic data and a coalescence model.

Expansion of the fatty acyl reductase gene family shaped pheromone communication in Hymenoptera

This study identifies a massive expansion of the fatty acyl reductase gene family in Hymenoptera, driven by transposable elements, contributing to species-specific pheromone communication.