Evidence for collective medication in ants

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Serval ID
serval:BIB_D01A64571F2E
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Evidence for collective medication in ants
Journal
Ecology Letters
Author(s)
Christe P., Oppliger Anne, Bancala F., Castella G., Chapuisat M.
ISSN
1461-023X
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2003
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
6
Number
1
Pages
19-22
Language
english
Abstract
Social organisms are exposed to many pathogens, and have evolved various defence mechanisms to limit the cost of parasitism. Here we report the first evidence that ants use plant compounds as a collective mean of defence against microorganisms. The wood ants Formica paralugubris often incorporate large quantities of solidified conifer resin into their nests. By creating resin-free and resin-rich experimental nests, we demonstrate that this resin inhibits the growth of microorganisms in a context mimicking natural conditions. Such a collective medication probably confers major ecological advantages, and may be an unrecognized yet common feature of large, complex and successful societies.
Keywords
collective medication, Formica paralugubris, host defence, parasitism, resin, wood ants
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
24/01/2008 19:14
Last modification date
20/08/2019 15:50
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