February 21, 2011

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Leaf-cutter ants are reliant on the fungus Attamyces, which they cultivate in subterranean gardens. A new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds Texas leaf-cutters--which are geographically at the northern extreme of the leaf-cutter range--cultivate a variety of Attamyces that has evolved to tolerate cold winters. The study finds that the range of the ants is limited by the fungus' tolerance to cold.Full Story

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Rice University

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