On synthetic research on fig trees (Moraceae) and related fauna in China
论中国的榕树和相关动物的综合研究

The 750 species of Ficus (Moraceae) constitute the most distinctive and widespread genus oftropical plants. There are species-specific mutualisms between fig trees and their pollinating insects (Ag-aonidae) and perplexing relationships within the ecosystem. Valuable research results in the areas of thesystematics of Ficus and fig wasps, the origin and maintenance of dioecy, biodiversity, co-evolution andethology are provided by the approaches of systematics, biogeography, ecology, and conservation biology.China's ancient biogeographic realm, its unique geographic traits and the diversity of its fig flora (71 di-oecious species) make it an ideal location to study these questions. Up to now, we have determined lessthan 20 species of pollinators (Agaonidae) of the 98 fig/pollinator mutualisms in China, and our knowl-edge of these fig trees and related animals is still very limited. In utilizing the resourceful advantages ofChinese biota and geography, well-organized programs will advance smoothly and stimulate further re-search into fig trees and associated animals.