[ad_1]
Some plants have specific structures that serve as habitat for ants. A new study found that plants in turn evolved to use ants to spread seeds and attack predators. ( Field Museum )
A new study suggests that plants use ants to spread seeds and sometimes act as bodyguards against predators.
While the plants provided nectar to the ants, the researchers found that the plants had also evolved to take advantage of its relationship with the ants.
How plants use ants
In the study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers examined the genetic history of about 1,700 species of ants and 10,000 kinds of plants. The goal was to discover how the relationship between plants and ants was born and how it affected their evolutionary stories.
Plants have certain characteristics that deliberately attract ants. Some plants have hollow thorns for ants and an excess of nectar to encourage them to stay. While ants can just escape with the nectar, some will stay and tackle anything that could pose a threat to the plant.
Meanwhile, some plants cheat the ants to spread the seeds by attaching them to the food packets. The ants will then move away, eat the food pack and throw the seeds called elaiosomes into an area where they will grow better.
Plants and ants evolve together
However, the question was how did this compromise relationship between plants and ants really begin?
"The question was simple: that ants develop behaviors to take advantage of plants or that their structures evolve to take advantage of ants," said Rick Ree, co-author of the study and curator at the Field Museum .
To trace the origin of this relationship, researchers analyzed the DNA and ecological data of plants and ants. They combined behavioral and physical characteristics with the genealogical trees of ants and plants to study when plants started feeding ant ants and when ants began to help plants.
Researchers have discovered that ants have long been on plants before they realize they can use ants to spread seeds and defend against predators. Some plants, such as specialized structures, evolved long after ants depended on plants for their food and habitat.
However, from an evolutionary point of view, the study added that ant species that nest in plants do not seem better off than those that do not nest. Matt Nelsen, also author of the study, added that these ants should not grow faster or diversify because of the interaction.
Ⓒ 2018 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
[ad_2]
Source link
