Graveyards of Dead Ants Infected by a Fungus
Author Information
Author(s): Pontoppidan Maj-Britt, Himaman Winanda, Hywel-Jones Nigel L., Boomsma Jacobus J., Hughes David P.
Primary Institution: University of Copenhagen
Hypothesis
Do graveyards of dead Ophiocordyceps-infected ants occur and are their densities correlated with environmental variables?
Conclusion
The study found that graveyards of dead Ophiocordyceps-infected ants are patchily distributed and their densities are influenced by environmental factors.
Supporting Evidence
- 2243 dead ants were counted in the study area.
- High density aggregations of dead ants were found, termed graveyards.
- Graveyards were found to be patchily distributed in the landscape.
Takeaway
The study shows that when ants get infected by a fungus, they often die in specific spots called graveyards, and these spots can be affected by things like temperature and humidity.
Methodology
The researchers mapped the occurrence of dead ants in a 1,360 m2 area of primary rainforest and analyzed correlations with environmental variables.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific geographic area and may not be generalizable to other regions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website