Transcriptomic insights into Odonata ecology and evolution

Abstract

Abstract Chapter 3 attempts to define transcriptomics, a powerful tool for scientific research that has advanced our knowledge of Odonata evolution in many meaningful ways. It then goes on to outline its strengths and weakness for ecological and evolutionary research. The chapter frames the current state of transcriptomics research in Odonata. It focuses specifically on color, color vision, embryogenesis, and phylo-transcriptomics, as these are currently the deepest areas for transcriptomics among Odonata to date. The chapter also describes the authors’ advocacy for future research using transcriptomics and it presents clearly and concisely their arguments to convince the reader that there are exceptional opportunities among Odonata. This is particularly so when transcriptomics is combined with genomics.