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Group 8
- Introduction
Some specialized small insects, such as T. tenax, are able to lay eggs in the liquids present in carnivorous pitcher plants (in this text we focus on species of Nepenthes genus). In their aquatic life stages, whilst developing, these small insects use and transform the compounds in this liquids into nutrients, such as ammonium, which Nepenthes can absorb and use for growth and reproduction.
Nonetheless, some predatory species may take advantage of such such relationship and also lay their eggs on the insides of carnivorous pitcher plants, in order to prey on another species' emerging adults. In their larval stage, for example, Xenoplatyura beaveri build small webs at the liquid surface in pitchers (see figure 1), snaring their hasty neighbours to later prey upon them.
The role of predatory species such as Xenoplatyura beaveri in their relation with carnivorous pitcher plants has been studied recently. After devouring their prey, these larvae's feces, which contain nutrients for the plants, fall on the pitcher, contributing to the deposit of nutrients inside the pitchers.
However, the net effect of this predator-prey relationship for Nepenthes remains in discussion. If, on one hand, the increase on nutrients deposit may allow the net effect to be classified as positive for carnivorous pitcher plants, on the other, their main contributors population size is decreased due to predation, leading to less nutrient in their pitchers and, consequently, reduced plant reproduction on the long run.
- Assignment
Build a mathematical model that incorporates the dynamics of this biological system. Analyze the model and try to answer questions you may find along the way.
- Suggested Questions
- The presence of predators is actually beneficial to Nepenthes population? How could you access the variation in plant population growth?
- Another interesting aspect of this system is that, through the construction of nets, Xenoplatyura beaveri may end up catching Nepenthes' prey, configuring a kleptoparasitic relationship between these species. Could such phenomena lead Nepenthes to become hostile to Xenoplatyura beaveri?