This is ridiculously anthropomorphic. I am hardly an expert, but this seems like a great example of the selfish gene theory. The tree provides a home and sustenance for the ants . The ants provide maintenance and protection to the tree. Both of their genetic structures have adapted for their own selfish benefit.
I think that the words "damages" and "addicted" are incorrect here. ("But we now know that the relationship is rather one-sided, as the tree not only causes the ants to become addicted to its nectar, but also damages the ants to make them unable to digest any other food!")
This assumes a negative intent by the tree or its genes! Why is this "damaging" to the ants in this closed environment? Over a very long period of time the tree has adapted so that it has increased it's odds of survival and ability to propagate with the ants and vice-verse. I do not think that the ants are damaged from this relationship, rather, they have adapted.
As to- "What looks from the outside as another case of digestive specialization appears to be a sneaky manipulation on the part of the acacia to increase ant dependence."- Really?! Yes, sneaky, sneaky acacias! The Walter Whites of the plant kingdom!
This is ridiculously anthropomorphic.
I am hardly an expert, but this seems like a great example of the selfish gene theory. The tree provides a home and sustenance for the ants . The ants provide maintenance and protection to the tree. Both of their genetic structures have adapted for their own selfish benefit.
I think that the words "damages" and "addicted" are incorrect here. ("But we now know that the relationship is rather one-sided, as the tree not only causes the ants to become addicted to its nectar, but also damages the ants to make them unable to digest any other food!")
This assumes a negative intent by the tree or its genes! Why is this "damaging" to the ants in this closed environment? Over a very long period of time the tree has adapted so that it has increased it's odds of survival and ability to propagate with the ants and vice-verse. I do not think that the ants are damaged from this relationship, rather, they have adapted.
As to- "What looks from the outside as another case of digestive specialization appears to be a sneaky manipulation on the part of the acacia to increase ant dependence."- Really?! Yes, sneaky, sneaky acacias! The Walter Whites of the plant kingdom!