Made possible thanks to the award: “Aportes a la Calidad y la Excelencia”, from Florida Ice and Farm Co.
a rs f f e ke o as” at ta ng op th ti p om tions scina Z the terac se fa ex of in m he d orl and s of t omyr W r s e t e c i “Th ven olon nd A es: the e he c tta a i r t f A se re ion o de of nus u h i e s roc ver ut s e G 3 b rized nd o to th e a g Th ma ide lon s sum ce in ch be i pla s, wh t an
THE THE
WORLD OF ZOMPOPAS
Brochure 3
Learn more at:
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- Symbiosis inside the colony
www.zompopas.com
Photographs 1.
Alex Wild. www.alexanderwild.com
2.
Dennis Castro. Universidad de Costa Rica
3.
Adrián Pinto. Universidad de Costa Rica
4.
Aisnlie Little
5.
Rolando Moreira. Universidad de Costa Rica
6.
Ibrahim Zúñiga. Universidad de Costa Rica
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Elaborated by : Ibrahim Zúñiga Chaves, Adrián Pinto Tomas Universidad de Costa Rica Translaled by: José Guevara Universidad de Costa Rica
SYMBIOSIS INSIDE THE COLONY
It has been 100 years since scientists discovered the interaction between zompopas and the fungus they feed on. However, in recent years it has been discovered that the ecological success of these ants is based on their ability to establish symbiotic relationships with other organisms, gaining protection and nutrients.
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Like what occurs with our crops, which are attacked by pests, the ants cultivated fungus is also attacked by a parasite which destroys it and absorbs the nutrients released when dead. This parasite, called Escovopsis, it’s a highly virulent and specific microscopic fungus, because it has been found associated with zompopa colonies. A successful Escovopsis infection can destroy the fungus garden, just like in this image
The fungus garden is colonized by other bacteria which are beneficial in the process of nutrient obtaining. Some fixate nitrogen, meaning that they are capable of obtaining this valuable nutrient from the air and deposit it into the fungus garden, in such a way that the ants can use it. Others are cellulose degrading, which means that allow the colony to process great quantities of plant material and turn it into energy.
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1 The mutualistic relationship between the cultivated fungus and the ants dates back approximately 10 million years ago. Nowdays, none is capable of surviving without the other. Ants benefit by getting food, and the fungus receives protection, mechanism of dispersion and also feeding from plant fragments. For many years it was thought that only the symbiotic fungus grew in the gardens. Today we know that there are various microorganisms, some beneficial , others harmful.
Because of the constant threat Escovopsis posses ants have developed various defense mechanisms. The most important in this category is the mutualistic relationship with bacteria from the order Actinomycetales. These produce antibiotics against Escovopsis and other parasites that might attack the fungus. The bacteria grow on the body of the ants, which provides nutrients and an optimum environment for its development. For instance in the genus Acromyrmex bacteria can be seen covering the body of an ant 4
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5 Symbiosis between zompopas and microorganism. microorganism
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