Abstract
In order to demonstrate possible broader applications of information theory to the quantification of non-human communication systems, we apply calculations of information entropy to a simple chemical communication from the cotton plant (Gossypium hirsutum) to the wasp (Cardiochiles nigriceps) studied by DeMoraes et al. The purpose of this chemical communication from cotton plants to wasps is presumed to be to allow the predatory wasp to more easily obtain the location of its preferred prey—one of two types of parasitic herbivores feeding on the cotton plants. Specification of the plant-eating herbivore feeding on it by the cotton plants allows preferential attraction of the wasps to those individual plants. We interpret the emission of nine chemicals by the plants as individual signal differences, (depending on the herbivore type), to be detected by the wasps as constituting a nine-signal one-way communication system across kingdoms (from the kingdom Plantae to the kingdom Animalia). We use fractional differences in the chemical abundances, (emitted as a result of the two herbivore types), to calculate the Shannon information entropic measures (marginal, joint, and mutual entropies, as well as the ambiguity, etc. of the transmitted message). We then compare these results with the subsequent behavior of the wasps, (calculating the equivocation in the message reception), for possible insights into the history and actual working of this one-way communication system.
Highlights
In a paper by DeMoraes et al [1] the cotton plant Gossypium hirsutum was found, by gas chromatography, to emit specific quantities of nine chemicals indicative of one or the other of two particular herbivorous insects that feed on it—the tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens) or the maize earworm (Heliocoverpa zea)
This multi-chemical communication was received by the predatory wasp, Cardiochiles nigriceps, that is known to prefer to prey on H. virescens compared to H. zea
One may be measuring a current limit on the wasps’ ability to detect and process chemical information that is not yet altogether familiar. Another possibility could be that there are more herbivore types feeding on this cotton plant, and they may have retained the capacity to encode for more herbivore types
Summary
In a paper by DeMoraes et al [1] the cotton plant Gossypium hirsutum (among other plants) was found, by gas chromatography, to emit specific quantities of nine chemicals indicative of one or the other of two particular herbivorous insects that feed on it—the tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens) or the maize earworm (Heliocoverpa zea). This multi-chemical communication was received by the predatory wasp, Cardiochiles nigriceps (popularly named the “red-tailed wasp”), that is known to prefer to prey (lay eggs) on H. virescens compared to H. zea. We take this opportunity to demonstrate how such a communication system might be quantified, as well as point out some important aspects to be aware of when applying information theory to such biological signaling systems
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