What specific plant defense compounds must *Pieris rapae* caterpillars evolve mechanisms to tolerate?
Answer
Glucosinolates
The caterpillars must possess specific detoxification mechanisms to cope with glucosinolates, which are chemical compounds produced by brassicas as their primary line of defense against herbivores. Since the butterfly relies heavily on these plants, the genes governing the ability to metabolize or tolerate these specific toxins are under significant evolutionary selection. Populations feeding on different varieties of mustard or brassicas globally may experience divergent evolutionary pressures, leading to variations in the alleles responsible for detoxifying these particular chemical challenges. The success in utilizing this food source hinges directly on managing these inherent plant defenses.
Related Questions
Which plant family serves as the primary food source for voracious *Pieris rapae* caterpillars?What specific plant defense compounds must *Pieris rapae* caterpillars evolve mechanisms to tolerate?How did the vast geographical spread of *P. rapae* outside Eurasia primarily occur?What strategy compensates for the visual risk of *Pieris rapae*'s conspicuous white coloration?What is suggested about *P. rapae*'s evolutionary success in human-altered landscapes?What fundamental genetic concept drives the ability of *Pieris rapae* to rapidly exploit new environments?Which behavior minimizes detection when a *Pieris rapae* butterfly is resting?If divergence in glucosinolate tolerance is mapped globally for *P. rapae*, where might divergence rates in detoxifying pathways be highest?What characteristic feature is specifically noted as being more visible on female *Pieris rapae* wings?When *P. rapae* colonizes a new continent, what factors primarily filter the initial successful individuals?