Understanding the diversity of ants from tropical Asia
Abstract: We are studying the taxonomy, phylogeny, biogeo…
Shingo Hosoishi
Shingo Hosoishi Assistant Professor
Division: Tropical Crops and Environment
Speciality : Tropical Entomology
Recent Research
My research focuses on the taxonomy, phylogeny, biogeography, and diversity of ants in tropical Asia. Ants are an important component of terrestrial ecosystems with high biomass, but in the tropics, many species have unidentified scientific names, making it difficult to accurately assess their diversity. To solve this taxonomic problem, we are collecting samples during field surveys in Japan and overseas and elucidating species diversity through morphological observations and molecular biological experiments. We are also using DNA barcoding and multivariate analysis to elucidate the effects of anthropogenic disturbances caused by deforestation, plantationization, and fire, and disturbances caused by floods and global warming on ant communities.
Research Keywords
Tropical Asia, ants, biodiversity