This Jungle Plant Is a Good Landlord to Its Tenant Ants
A tuber plant found in Fiji's jungles has an unusual relationship with several ant species. The plant grows specialized chambers or "domatia" within its stems, providing shelter and resources for the ants. In return, the ants protect the plant from herbivores and pathogens. Researchers have discovered that the plant can accommodate multiple ant species simultaneously, each occupying its own compartment. This arrangement allows the plant to benefit from the services of different ant species, each with its own strengths and roles in the ecosystem. The study sheds light on the complex and intricate relationships that can develop between plants and insects, where both parties derive advantages from the partnership. This unique symbiosis highlights the adaptability and resilience of some plant species in their interactions with the diverse array of organisms found in tropical environments.
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