In 2014, Guillaume Chomicki, an evolutionary biologist at Durham University, conducted research in Fiji involving a tuber from the Squamellaria plant, known for its symbiotic relationship with ants. These plants provide nesting sites for various ant species, which in turn supply essential nutrients to the plants.
During his examination of the tuber, Chomicki discovered two distinct ant colonies cohabiting within the same plant, raising questions about how different species could coexist peacefully, given their typically aggressive nature towards one another.
In a study published in the journal Science, Chomicki and his colleagues revealed that some Squamellaria plants function as careful landlords, creating separate compartments for multiple ant colonies. This architectural adaptation allows different ant species to live together without conflict, benefiting both the ants and the plants.
The research team collected Squamellaria specimens by climbing trees in the Fijian rainforest, often reaching heights of 40 feet. The specimens were then analyzed using a CT scanner in Munich, which provided insights into their internal structure without damaging the samples.
The scans revealed that the plants contain layered chambers akin to apartments, each with its own entrance. As the plants grow, they develop additional compartments that can host various ant species.
To test the effectiveness of this compartmentalization in maintaining peace among the ants, researchers removed the walls separating two ant species, leading to immediate and violent conflict. The results demonstrated that without the physical barriers, the ants engaged in lethal battles, highlighting the importance of compartmentalization for coexistence.
Chomicki noted that the stability of the ant colonies relies on these separations, allowing the plants to benefit from the presence of multiple ant species, which enhances fertilization and provides a backup in case of colony loss.
Marjorie Weber, an evolutionary ecologist at the University of Michigan, emphasized the significance of this research in illustrating how species can engage cooperatively in a stable manner, contrasting with the traditional focus on competition and predation in ecological studies.
Weber remarked on the innovation of the Squamellaria plant in creating a habitat for ants, likening it to having a built-in army that provides essential services.