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- Title
Ants mediate nitrogen relations of an epiphytic fern.
- Authors
Watkins Jr., James E.; Cardelús, Catherine L.; Mack, Michelle C.
- Abstract
The article discusses a study which describes a previously unknown cryptic relationship between the fern Antrophyum lanceolatum and the ant Pheidole flavens. Study data support the hypothesis that animals may provide substantial nutritional benefit to plants with little if any investment on the part of the plant and such cryptic associations are likely to go unrecognized yet may be an important component of plant nutrient relations. The ecological significance of the ant-epiphytic fern relationship is also discussed.
- Subjects
BOTANICAL research; INSECT-plant relationships; FERNS; ANTS; MYRMECOPHILOUS plants; SYMBIOSIS; PLANT nutrition
- Publication
New Phytologist, 2008, Vol 180, Issue 1, p5
- ISSN
0028-646X
- Publication type
Letter
- DOI
10.1111/j.1469-8137.2008.02606.x