Monday, May 23, 2011

HBL

2)How has/will human activities in the Amazon regions affect the Allomerus decemarticulatus ants?


The deforestation of the Amazon forest destroys trees that the Allomerus decemarticulatus ants inhabit, which will cause the ants to lose their place to live in, and at the same time, unable to cut hairs from the stem to make traps, resulting in a lack of food source for the ants.


3a) 
Commensalism - Allomerus decemarticulatus ants and host plant, Hirtella physophora
 Allomerus decemarticulatus worker ants cut hairs from the stem of the plant they inhabit, and use the tiny fbres to build a spongy platform


Exploitative(Predatory) - Allomerus decemarticulatus ants and their prey ( e.g other insects)
When an insect passes overhead, the ants reach up and grab its free legs, wings and antennae, stretching it against the gallery.Swarms of workers then rush over the hapless prey, stinging it into submission. The prone insect is then carted off towards the ants' home, a leaf pouch, where it is carved up.


Mutualism - Allomerus decemarticulatus ants and mould
The mould grows around the trap platform, while the Allomerus decemarticulatus ants get to use it to capture their prey.


3b) 
Commensalism - Mangrove trees providing hiding places for young fishes and shrimps                                              from larger predators


Exploitative(Predatory) - Lions and antelopes


Mutualism - Sponges and micro-organisms living in them




-Andy Low

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