Absorption of ant-provided carbon dioxide and nitrogen by a tropical epiphyte

Article Abstract:

Ant-plant mutualism exists between ant of the genus Philidris and their host, Dischidia major, an epiphyte found in Bako National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia. In the forest of the national park stunted 'kerangas' trees occur on the nutrient-deficient sand-stone hills. D. major is found near the trunk of this tree and ants take shelter on this epiphyte. In exchange for shelter ants provide significant amounts of carbon oxide and nitrogen; two limited resources. Stable isotope analysis host-plants receives about 39% of the carbon from ant-related respiration and 29% of the nitrogen from the debris deposited by ants.

Analysis, Observations, Animal behavior, Ecology, Mutualism (Biology), Epiphytes

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Lack of nitrogen cycling in the Atacama Desert

Article Abstract:

Mesquite or Prosopis trees in the Atacama Desert of Chile constitute a unique ecosystem since these trees do not produce the nitrogen cycling normal for plants elsewhere. The leaves of the species Prosopis tamarugo and Prosopis alba cannot decompose because of the extremely arid climate and so nitrogen, the mineral that restricts growth, cannot be recycled. The Prosopis species evidently get around this difficulty by using their roots to fix nitrogen in moist subsurface layers and by drawing water and other nutrients from ground water.

Natural history, Nitrogen cycle, Desert ecology, Mesquite, Atacama Desert

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Tracing the geographical origin of cocaine

Article Abstract:

A recent study shows that cocaine that originates from various parts of South America can be recognized by its distinctive carbon and nitrogen isotope ratio. Cocaine's isotope ratio, combined with detectable differences in trace alkaloids truxilline and trimethycocaine differences, provide a fingerprint to identify where it was grown.

Isotopes, South America, Cocaine

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