Convergent evolution of fern nectaries facilitated independent recruitment of ant-bodyguards from flowering plants
Jacob S. Suissa,
Fay-Wei Li,
Corrie S. Moreau
Abstract:Plant–herbivore interactions reciprocally influence species’ evolutionary trajectories. These interactions have led to many physical and chemical defenses across the plant kingdom. Some plants have even evolved indirect defense strategies to outsource their protection to ant bodyguards by bribing them with a sugary reward (nectar). Identifying the evolutionary processes underpinning these indirect defenses provide insight into the evolution of plant-animal interactions. Using a cross-kingdom, phylogenetic appr… Show more
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