Nasonia giraulti and N. vitripennis are two different species of the parasitoid Nasonia wasp. These two species can produce partially viable offspring when crossed in labs. In this research project, I will cross these two species to compare the number of eggs produced to the amount of viable adults. Along with the ratio comparison, I will look at how the nuclear DNA is affected in these hybrids and why some are more viable than others. This project will help me to determine genes that result in the success of Nasonia hybrids and genes that cause overall mortality in the hybrid offspring. In addition, I will be obtaining research skills that involve genetic crossing, molecular data analysis, and statistical analysis.
