“Evolutionary Shifts of Symbiotic Associates and their Alkaloidal Weaponry”
Rachelle Adams is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at The Ohio State University.
Like human societies, ant colonies build protected fortresses, manufacture weaponry used by soldiers, maintain mutualisms that maximize food availability (i.e., farm), and live socially to enhance offspring survival.
The concentrated resources attract parasites that are specialized in breaking through the fortifications of these highly organized societies. This work encompasses a dynamic symbiotic network that includes ant species, fungus garden, and bacterial communities. Selective pressures from these different organisms with shared or competing interests shape how species interact and evolve. Megalomyrmex social parasites infiltrate the gardens of fungus-growing ants, stealing stored resources. Remarkably, the most derived “guest ant” social parasites act as mercenary warriors (www.megalomyrmex.com/Videos.html) protecting their ant hosts using a specialized venom weaponry. I will explain how the alkaloid-based venom of Megalomyrmex social parasites play an influential role in fungus-growing ant networks and has shifted with parasite evolution. Using a multifaceted research approach I integrate chemical, behavioral and evolutionary ecology that elucidates how societies are harmed as well as protected.