Ant plant, Malayauw, Papua

Ant plants (this one probably in the genus Myrmecodia) are plants that have a symbiotic relation with a colony of ants. Different from ant or termite nests built on trees, this plant actually produces the housing, it's part of the plant itself. In return for this shelter, the ants help to defend the tree against slugs and other intruders.

comments (5)

Christine Young

Lion

That's so cool! I wonder if the plant can distinguish between ants and pests. Posted one year ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  You mean an alternative creature moving in? Posted one year ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Yes...the relationship is amazing when you really think about it. How did the first plant come about forming the ant house? Why did it form that structure? Did it know that the insects are symbiotic ants? What would have happened if pest insects had invaded the very first time. instead of ants...by the time the plant "figured it out", it would be damaged or dead. It all blows my mind. Posted one year ago
  2. 1. Ferdy Christant
      
      Lion
      
      Good questions. All I know is that specifically symbiotic relations take a very long time to evolve, which is not true for all adaptations. My theory here is that ant colonies tend to dominate wherever they settle, even more so in the canopy. There's no serious natural enemy to challenge them so they are the most logical occupants. Posted one year ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Good point about the dominance of ants! Still, all these sorts of relationships in nature amaze me. Posted one year ago

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