Ants invade greenhouse for entomologist's study
Latin American ants now inhabit KU's Tropical Greenhouse. But the invasion was no accident.
Daniel Janzen, assistant professor of entomology, recently gained full use of the conservatory to experiment with the symbiotic relationship between certain species of Central American ants and acacia trees.
SYMBIOSIS IS THE process in which two dissimilar organisms live together in close association to the advantage of both organisms.
"The big point here is understanding the effect insects have on plant communities," Janzen said.
The insects and plants he is using in the experiment are found in Central America from Tampico on the eastern coast of Mexico down to northern Columbia. These areas are all lowlands with distinct dry seasons.
ALTOGETHER, there are eight species of the acacia and twelve species of the ant which live in such communities. Janzen now has two species of the acacia and four of the ant in the greenhouse.
In this particular symbiotic relationship, the ant patrols the whole surface of the tree. It attacks any other insect landing on the tree and, almost without exception, drives the insect away. If a vine starts to grow on the tree, the ant kills it.
As a result, a sort of cylinder of space is formed around the tree where no vines can grow. This is essential, because shade slows the growth of the tree.
THE ANT LIVES inside the thorns of the acacia tree. It cats the Beltian bodies to obtain protein and oils. These bodies are small yellow ovals which are modified parts of the leaf.
Sugar is gained from the glands at the base of the leaves called nectaries. The plant produces leaves all year round and provides a constant food supply for the ants.
The tropical greenhouse was once the home of tropical fruit trees, Cattelya orchids, rubber plants, palm trees, ferns and the Agava or century plant. The conservatory required few additions to accommodate the tropical insects and plants of the experiment.
SPECIAL LIGHTING equipment had to be installed, however, to lengthen the short Kansas winter days. In the tropics, the day length seldom varies from a 12 to 13 hour span. The lights also aid in intensifying light.
Janzen collects thorns full of the ants and brings them back to the already growing acacia trees. The workers in the colony soon transfer from the box to the branch. But, the queen also has to make the transfer.
In order to do this, the queen must stop laying eggs and become small enough to leave the tiny hole in the thorn. If this does not happen, the colony eventually dies.
JANZEN WILL TAKE a class to Central America this summer. They will work between Mexico and northern Costa Rica. He will students collect for the museum
Says book is LBJ publicity
WASHINGTON—(UPI)—Rep. Bob Wilson (R-Calif.), contends the Johnson administration is printing—at taxpayers' expense—a book bragging about its legislative accomplishments.
Wilson said Thursday that the book, titled "The Johnson Administration Record: First Session of the 89th Congress," would cost the government about $68 a page and would sell for $2 a copy.
Jayhawker copy stolen last night
Last night 30 pages of feature copy for the Jayhawker were stolen from Blake Biles, Hutchinson sophomore and feature editor of the yearbook.
The copy, which was due today,
was taken from Biles' car during
the Greek Week Banquet. A jacket and books were also stolen,
he said.
A $25 reward is offered for the return of the copy to the Information Desk in the Kansas Union, and no questions will be asked, said Biles.
Fair skies are forecast by the U.S. Weather Bureau for tonight and tomorrow. Colder temperatures are predicted for tonight with a low in the lower 30's. Northwest winds 15 to 30 miles an hour are expected to diminish tonight.
WEATHER
The material stolen was three-fourths of the copy on organizations for the yearbook.
Biles said he would call traffic security today to see what could be done.
work on this project while his and work on projects of their own.
He said federal employees who worked on the book may be guilty of violating the Hatch Act, a law which forbids civil service employees from engaging in partisan politics.
One of Janzen's graduate students who will accompany him on the summer trip is also growing some plants in the preenhouse. His experiment is similar to Janzen's. He is studying a similar relationship between the cecropia and another kind of ant called the azteca. These are found in the same area as the acacia and ants of Janzen's experiments.
12 Daily Kansam Friday, March 18, 1966
Forum air 'electric' at second Hyde Park
Air in the Trail Room of the Kansas Union was electric yesterday afternoon as more than 10 people took turns at the microphone exchanging ideas, opinions and recriminations at the second Hyde Park Forum.
About 75 people gathered in the Kansas Union for the forum. Bridge games stopped and chairs turned toward the speakers. Some students stopped then went on their way to the Hawk's Nest, but intent faces marked a large core of involved people sitting or standing in the room.
Next to foreign policy, student apathy vs. student involvement in contemporary issues was the favorite topic.
The speakers aired their ideas on a variety of subjects, from Viet Nam to the Kansas City fairhousing canvass.
Hyde Park Forum, sponsored by the Student Union Activities Forum Committee and chaired by Barbara Dewey, Lincoln, Neb., freshman, is held from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday in the Trail Room of the Kansas Union.
Olympics hear chant
KU's Rock Chalk chant was designated the most representative college yell at the Olympic games at Antwerp in 1920. It was given there by American athletes for the king of Belgium.
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