Avoidance of plants unsuitable for the symbiotic fungus in leaf-cutting ants: Learning can take place entirely at the colony dump.
Plants initially accepted by foraging leaf-cutting ants are later avoided if they prove unsuitable for their symbiotic fungus. Plant avoidance is mediated by the waste produced in the fungus garden soon after the incorporation of the unsuitable leaves, as foragers can learn plant odors and cues from...
Main Authors: | , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
2017-01-01
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Series: | PLoS ONE |
Online Access: | http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC5342182?pdf=render |