Domatia as most important adaptations in the evolution of myrmecophytes in the paleotropical tree genusMacaranga (Euphorbiaceae) |
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Authors: | B Fiala U Maschwitz |
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Institution: | (1) Zoologie III (Lehrstuhl für Tierökologie), Am Hubland, D-W-8700 Würzburg, Federal Republic of Germany;(2) Zoologisches Institut, J. W. Goethe-Universität, Siesmayerstr. 70, D-W-6000 Frankfurt/Main, Federal Republic of Germany |
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Abstract: | The paleotropical tree genusMacaranga (Euphorbiaceae) comprises all stages of interaction with ants, from facultative associations to obligate myrmecophytes. In SE.-Asia food availability does not seem to be the limiting factor for the development of a close relationship since all species provide food for ants in form of extrafloral nectar and/or food bodies. Only myrmecophyticMacaranga species offer nesting space for ants (domatia) inside internodes which become hollow due to degeneration of the pith. Non-myrmecophytic species have a solid stem with a compact and wet pith and many resin ducts. The stem interior of some transitional species remains solid, but the soft pith can be excavated. The role of different ant-attracting attributes for the development of obligate ant-plant interactions is discussed. In the genusMacaranga, the provision of nesting space seems to be the most important factor for the evolution of obligate myrmecophytism. |
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Keywords: | Angiosperms Euphorbiaceae Macaranga Ant-plant interactions domatia evolution myrmecophytism Flora of Malaysia |
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