Convergent evolution of complex structures for ant-bacterial defensive symbiosis in fungus-farming ants [Evolution]

Evolutionary adaptations for maintaining beneficial microbes are hallmarks of mutualistic evolution. Fungus-farming “attine” ant species have complex cuticular modifications and specialized glands that house and nourish antibiotic-producing Actinobacteria symbionts, which in turn protect their hosts’ fungus gardens from pathogens. Here we reconstruct ant–Actinobacteria evolutionary history across the full range of...

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - October 16, 2018 Category: Science Authors: Hongȷie Li, Jeffrey Sosa–Calvo, Heidi A. Horn, Monica T. Pupo, Jon Clardy, Christian Rabeling, Ted R. Schultz, Cameron R. Currie Tags: Biological Sciences Source Type: research