Groups Of Ants Research Articles

A facilitation between large herbivores and ants accelerates litter decomposition by modifying soil microenvironmental conditions

AbstractLarge herbivores and insects commonly coexist and play important functional roles in grassland ecosystems. The interactive effects of these two animal groups in shaping ecosystem processes and functioning are poorly understood. In a semi‐arid grassland of northeastern China, we previously found a reciprocal facilitation between large herbivores (cattle;Bos tarurs) and ants: cattle grazing led to a twofold increase in ant mound abundance compared with ungrazed sites, while the presence of ant mounds, in turn, increased the foraging of cattle during the peak of the growing season.Here, by using a large‐scale, 4‐year (2010–2013) manipulative experiment, we further investigated how such a facilitation between large herbivores and ants can affect a key ecosystem process, litter decomposition. Using a set of small‐scale reciprocal translocation litterbag experiments, we separated the effects of litter quality and soil microenvironmental factors altered by cattle and ants on litter decomposition rates.A significant interaction between the experimental factors, cattle grazing and ant presence, showed that litter decomposition rate was at the highest levels when both cattle and ants were present, with only a small impact when each was present on its own. Mechanistically, cattle and ants exerted limited effects on litter quality (litter C:N ratio). However, these animals greatly altered soil microenvironments by increasing soil N availability, which in turn increased soil microbial biomass and accelerated decomposition process.Synthesis. Our results demonstrate how positive interactions between two groups of animals, large herbivores and ants, can affect decomposition rates, with important consequences for ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling. Large herbivores, either domestic or wild, often coexist and interact frequently with a diverse of other fauna in terrestrial ecosystems. Assessing their interactive effects will help us to better understand their role in shaping ecosystem processes and functioning with important management implications.A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

The head anatomy of Protanilla lini (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Leptanillinae), with a hypothesis of their mandibular movement

The hypogaeic ant subfamilies Leptanillinae and Martialinae likely form the sister group to the remainder of the extant Formicidae. In order to increase the knowledge of anatomy and functional morphology of these unusual and phylogenetically crucial ants, we document and describe in detail the cranium of a leptanilline, Protanilla lini Terayama, 2009. The mandibular articulation of the species differs greatly from that of other ants studied so far, and clearly represents a derived condition. We propose a mode of movement for the specialized mandibles that involves variable rotation and sophisticated locking mechanisms. While a wide opening gape and a unique articulation are characteristics of the mandibular movement of P. lini, the observed condition differs from the trap-jaw mechanisms occurring in other groups of ants, and we cannot, at present, confirm such a functional configuration. Protanilla lini displays hardly any plesiomorphies relative to the poneroformicine ants, with the possible exception of the absence of the torular apodeme. Instead, the species is characterized by a suite of apomorphic features related to its hypogaeic and specialized predatory lifestyle. This includes the loss of eyes and optic neuropils, a pronouncedly prognathous head, and the derived mandibular articulation. The present study is an additional stepping-stone on our way to reconstructing the cephalic ground plan of ants and will contribute to our understanding of ant evolution.Open access, licensed under CC BY 4.0. © 2021 The Author(s).DOI: 10.25849/myrmecol.news_031:085 Pages: 85-114 Volume: 31 Year: 2021 Journal: Myrmecol. News

Impacts of Clear Cutting on Diversity of Ground Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Pine Plantation Forest in Sukabumi Forest Management Unit, West Java

Clear cutting is the main source of timber production of plantation forest management in Indonesia, but this activity disrupts the lives of ground ants. It is rarely known how clear cutting affects the ground ant community in the Indonesian plantation forest. The study aimed to analyze the impacts of clear cutting on the diversity of ground ants in the pine plantation forest of Sukabumi, West Java. The study compared the community structure of ground ants before clear cutting and after clear cutting. Ground ants were collected using a pitfall trap. Trapping of ground ants was carried out six days before the clear cutting and six days after the clear cutting. The ground ants were identified to the morphospecies level and classified into their functional role. The results showed that clear cutting alters the community indices of ground ants. Abundance, morphospecies composition, diversity index, richness index, and evenness index of ground ants after clear cutting was lower compared with those before clear cutting. The clear-felled area due to clear cutting provided favorable habitat for the generalist groups of ground ants, but negatively affected the predator and forager groups of ground ants. These findings can be used as an important factor in the development of environmenllyt-friendly forest harvesting systems in Indonesian plantation forests.

Effects of Bacillus Coagulans on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity function, and gut health in broilers

This study evaluated the effects of Bacillus coagulans (B. coagulans) as an alternative to antibiotics on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity function and gut health in broilers. A total of 480 one-day-old broilers were randomly divided into 3 treatments with 8 replicates comprising 20 broilers each. The experiment lasted 42 d. Treatments included: basal diet without antibiotics (NCO); basal diet supplemented with 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline (ANT); basal diet supplemented with 5 × 109 CFU/kg B. coagulans(BC). The B. coagulans enhanced body weight (BW) and average daily gain compared with the NCO group (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in average daily feed intake and feed: gain ratio (F: G) among three groups (P > 0.05). The B. coagulans significantly increased catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase levels and reduced malondialdehyde levels (P < 0.05). The serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, and IgY) were significantly higher in the BC group when compared to the NCO and ANT groups (P < 0.05). The B. coagulans also markedly reduced serum levels of proinflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and enhanced anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10) concentrations compared with control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, compared with the control group, BC significantly inhibited serum xanthine oxidase activity (P < 0.05). The levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyrate, isobutyric acid and valerate in BC group were significantly increased on d 42 compared with the NCO and ANT groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, BC significantly altered cecal microbiota by reducing Desulfovibrio and Parasutterella, and by increasing Alistipes and Odoribacter (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.001, P < 0.01, respectively). In conclusion, dietary B. coagulans, when used as an alternative to antibiotics, improved body weight, average daily gain, antioxidant capacity, immunity function and gut health in broilers.

Sublethal Effects of Indigenous Plant Extracts on the Biochemical Composition of Midgut of Carpenter ant, Camponotus compressus F. (Hymenoptera : Formicidae)

The sublethal effects of methanolic leaf extracts of some indigenous plant, Azadirachta indica (Neem), Ipomoea carnea (Beshram), Vitex negundo (Nirgudi), Tridax procumbens (Kambarmodi) and Pongamia glabra (Karanj) studied to determine the biochemical and histopathological assay of midgut of household insect pest the carpenter ant, Camponotus compressus F. The methanolic leaf extract of Ipomoea carnea and other plants induced sublethal cyto-morphological changes disturbing the biochemical composition of the midgut of the carpenter ant. During the treatment of formulations, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% methanolic leaf extracts against the group of carpenter ants demonstrate maximum percentage mortality. After the interval of 24, 48 and 72 hours of the treatment the biochemical constituents such as total proteins, carbohydrates and lipids were significantly reduced in concentrations. The biochemical studies and ultra structural changes in the midgut were observed significant variation in biochemical composition with greatly elongated, vacuolated columnar cells and reduce diameter of nucleus. The study on application of the 20% methanolic leaf extracts of Ipomoea carnea followed by other plants suggested the significant sub-lethal effects on the digestion, absorption and bimolecular metabolism in the midgut due to the action of toxicant present in the leaf extracts. The present study evaluates the physiological and biochemical changes induced by the application of natural organic herbal formulations prepared from some easily available indigenous plants to control household insect pests.

An insight into the quality of sacred groves – an island habitat – using leaf-litter ants as an indicator in a context of urbanization

AbstractSacred groves (SGs) of India are islets of forests providing ecosystem and spiritual services to man. Studies suggest that SGs are deteriorating on their quality due to urbanization, invasive species, land-use change, and religious modernization. We explored diversity, community, and abundance of overall and different functional groups of litter ants, including Anoplolepis gracilipes – an invasive ant – on paired SG-neighbouring home garden (HG) sites in rural and urban landscape to (a) assess the quality of SGs and (b) examine whether the variation in ant community of the two habitats was predicted by urbanization and abundance of A. gracilipes. We considered species and local contribution to β-diversity to identify species and sites crucial for conservation of sites. Abundance and richness of overall ants, proportional trap incidence of species, and abundance of A. gracilipes were similar on SG and HG, but species diversity and abundance of certain ant functional groups were higher on SG. Ant community of SG was different from HG, but was not affected by urbanization. A. gracilipes and rural SGs contributed the most to β diversity. A. gracilipes gave little pressure on native ant community. The study concludes that SGs, despite invaded by A. gracilipes, have potential for conserving biodiversity.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the acrobat ant Crematogaster teranishii Santschi, 1930 (Formicidae; Hymenoptera)

The genus Crematogaster is a diverse group of ants found around the world. We have completed the mitochondrial genome of Crematogaster teranishii, which is the first mitochondrial genome of the genus. The mitochondrial genome is 17,442 bp long and 20.3% in GC ratio, which is similar to those of other ants. It contains 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, and a control region with same gene order to other myrmicine species. The intergenic region between nad3 and trnA was unusually long compared to other ant species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C. teranishii was closely related to other members of tribe Crematogastrini.

Antipyretic Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Leaves of Colocasia esculenta

In this paper the antipyretic effect of the Hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Colocasia esculenta against Brewer yeast induced pyrexia model in Wistar rats of either sex was investigated. Colocasia esculenta (Apiaceae) is a tropical perennial plant. It contain flavonoids, alkaloids, apigenin, anthocyanin, carbohydrates, fiber, minerals, protein, fat, calcium and iron, Fever induced in the animal (rats) by the injection 15%w/v of brewer’s yeast suspension (10mg/kg according to body weight of rats) subcutaneously in the back below the nape of the neck. . After 18 hr. of Brewer’s yeast injection and rise in rectal temperature was recorded. The temperature of animal was recorded at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4hr after drug administration. Paracetamol (100 mg/kg p. o.) was used as standard drug. The group received Hydroalcoholic extract 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg showed significant decrease in rectal temperature respectively as compared with the group received standard drug. All the values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation and analysed for ANOVA. Differences between controls, standard ant test groups were considered significant at P &lt; 0.001 levels. . The Hydroalcoholic extract of Colocasia esculenta leaves (200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) possesses dose dependent, significant antipyretic activity against Brewer yeast induced pyrexia.&#x0D; Keywords: Antipyretic activity, ethanolic extract, Colocasia esculenta, Dunnet’s t –test, ANOVA.

Role of ants as dispersers of native and exotic seeds in an understudied dryland

1. Seed dispersal by ants, i.e. myrmecochory, is important in drylands because ants may contribute to overcoming the typical resource limitation imposed on plants in these environments. Dispersal distance and directed dispersal of seeds to nutrient‐enriched ant nests benefit plants by reducing parent or sibling competition and improving growth, survival, and reproduction.2. This study investigated the role of ants as seed dispersers in the semi‐arid Patagonian steppe. In particular, this study surveyed native and exotic plants potentially dispersed by ants (i.e. those with nutritive tissues attached to seeds that could attract ants), identified seed disperser ants, and compared their effectiveness as dispersers (i.e. number of removed seeds, transport distance, and seed fate).3. It was found that 9% of plant species could be potentially dispersed by ants, and field experiments were carried out with five of them (three natives and two exotics). Six ant species dispersed seeds, with Dorymyrmex tener being the most effective seed disperser, interacting preferably with an exotic seed. Finally, the types of nutritive tissues of the seeds are important in determining the attractiveness towards different ant foraging groups.4. This study's results highlight that ant foraging group and seed's nutritive tissues are relevant traits that could help in understanding ant–seed interactions. Furthermore, in the Patagonian steppe, there are effective seed disperser ants that could play an important role in the distribution of native plants, as well as the spread of invasive species, being especially relevant in nutrient‐poor drylands due to the benefits provided by myrmecochory.

Lauric acid saponified with calcium ameliorates indices of intestinal function and gut health in weaned piglets

Reducing the use of antibiotics is one of the largest challenges for pig production. The scientific community has investigated numerous alternative substances to antibiotics, including medium-chain fatty acids, due to their antimicrobial and protective effects on the gut health of piglets. The present study investigated the effect of lauric acid saponified with calcium (C12-Ca) on the growth performance and gut health parameters in post-weaning piglets. A total of 192 24-day-old piglets were assigned to one of three dietary treatments: CTR (basal diet alone), ANT (amoxicillin, 400 mg/kg) as a positive control diet, or C12-Ca (1 g/kg) for 28 days. C12-Ca did not affect performance, except for feed efficiency (FE), which increased (p < .05) in the C12-Ca and ANT groups from 15 to 28 days. On days 0 to 28, FE was higher (p < .001) in the C12-Ca group than in the CTR group. In the C12-Ca and CTR groups, antibiotic treatments against diarrhoea were reduced. A greater concentration of lactic acid was found in the small intestine in the C12-Ca group and the acetic acid concentration in the caecum decreased under C12-Ca treatment (p < .001). No differences in IL-10, IL-6, IgA, and IgG were found in faecal samples. In the duodenum and ileum, C12-Ca administration provided a higher total antioxidant capacity and lower malondialdehyde level (p < .001). C12-Ca improved the ileal villus height and width (p < .001). Our findings suggest that C12-Ca administration ameliorates the indices of intestinal function and gut health in weaned piglets. Highlights Reducing the use of antibiotics is one of the largest challenges for pig production. Medium-chain fatty acids are important alternative substances to antibiotics. Lauric acid saponified with calcium represents a promising nutritional strategy for improving piglet gut health.

Seeking surrogates for taxonomic and functional evaluations of leaf-litter ant faunas

Comprehensive biodiversity inventories are expensive and time-consuming to achieve, especially for groups of megadiverse organisms. One approach to resolve such situations is to utilize biological substitutes, referred to as surrogates. A surrogate should provide meaningful information at a lower cost and/or effort than the original level of resolution. Studies have shown that species richness is often not the best or most appropriate component or predictor of biodiversity. Functional diversity can be used as a measurement of the ecological differentiation between habitats or between biological functions. We evaluated the use of several taxonomic metrics as potential surrogates for leaf-litter ant assemblages distributed in 65 Atlantic rainforest sites. Our goal was to find reliable and economic substitutes for both taxonomic and functional leaf-litter ant diversity and composition. We tested four potential surrogate approaches for taxonomic metrics and three for functional group metrics. Additionally, we also evaluated the time and costs involved. We used a large leaf-litter ant database that comprises 364 ant species, respectively classified into 13 or 26 ant functional groups based on either a general and specific resolution. Subfamily was found to be an unacceptable surrogate for both taxonomic and functional group metrics. Mixed-level and indicator taxa metrics were rated as ‘excellent’ taxonomic surrogates. Mixed-level and genus metrics were rated as ‘excellent’ or ‘acceptable’ functional group surrogates when considering the most general functional resolution, while mixed-level and genus were considered as ‘excellent’ surrogates when considering the more specific resolution. The monetary and time costs to identify ants to genus level were lower than those using indicator taxa and mixed-level metrics. The use of a certain higher taxon functional and taxonomic surrogates allows a reduction of survey and analysis costs while still enabling the analysis of biological diversity from the taxonomic and functional point of view.

Biodiversity in Central Mexico: Assessment of Ants1 in a Convergent Region

The occurrence of species is inadequately known for Morelos, one of the smallest states at the center of Mexico. Our research documented the occurrence of ant species in the State. Specimens were collected in four conserved areas and a range of disturbed habitats. Morphological traits and molecular sequences of the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) were used as complementary tools to identify species. We identified 164 ant species of which 48 were new records for the State. Molecular analysis helped confirm and document the identity of species in groups of ants. The study could be used as a model to assess ecosystem health across extensive geographical regions.

Herbivores just need a calm place to feed: Ants cannot help them

Why do herbivores, like Coelomera sp., seek to consume leaf tissue of Cecropia pachystachya colonized by Azteca alfari Emery, 1893 if they are at risk of being attacked by these ants? We collected herbivory data (leaf area lost, occurrence of herbivores and expulsion of enemies by A. alfari) in different shifts (times of the day) in 50 C. pachystachya trees (25 uncolonized and 25 colonized by A. alfari). We registered less leaf area lost and less beetle occurrence in colonized plants. Moreover, the proportion of enemies expelled (killed or removed) is more related to the number of ants that were patrolling and attacking the invaders in the tissue than to the total number of ants present in colonized plants due to A. alfari recruitment and behavior. Thus, such herbivores prefer to use tissues of uncolonized plants and tree structures of colonized ones with less active ants given the risk evaluation of encountering a group of aggressive ants. In this way, C. pachystachya needs these ants to cover the plant tissues as much as possible to ensure its protection.

Specialized Predation Drives Aberrant Morphological Integration and Diversity in the Earliest Ants

Extinct haidomyrmecine "hell ants" are among the earliest ants known [1, 2]. These eusocial Cretaceous taxa diverged from extant lineages prior to the most recent common ancestor of all living ants [3] and possessed bizarre scythe-like mouthparts along with a striking array of horn-like cephalic projections [4-6]. Despite the morphological breadth of the fifteen thousand known extant ant species, phenotypic syndromes found in the Cretaceous are without parallel and the evolutionary drivers of extinct diversity are unknown. Here, we provide a mechanistic explanation for aberrant hell ant morphology through phylogenetic reconstruction and comparative methods, as well as a newly reported specimen. We report a remarkable instance of fossilized predation that provides direct evidence for the function of dorsoventrally expanded mandibles and elaborate horns. Our findings confirm the hypothesis that hell ants captured other arthropods between mandible and horn in a manner that could only be achieved by articulating their mouthparts in an axial plane perpendicular to that of modern ants. We demonstrate that the head capsule and mandibles of haidomyrmecines are uniquely integrated as a consequence of this predatory mode and covary across species while finding no evidence of such modular integration in extant ant groups. We suggest that hell ant cephalic integration-analogous to the vertebrate skull-triggered a pathway for an ancient adaptive radiation and expansion into morphospace unoccupied by any living taxon.

Grazing and aridity have contrasting effects on the functional and taxonomic diversity of ants

Ants are one of the most abundant and ubiquitous organisms on Earth and play critical roles in multiple ecosystem services such as seed dispersal and nutrient cycling. Despite this, the effects of climatic and land use stressors on particular species or groups of ants are poorly known. We conducted a regional field survey across 108 locations in south-eastern Australia, using correlation network analysis and structural equation modelling to identify how ants respond to environmental stressors. We found contrasting relationships amongst ants, and aridity, and vertebrate grazing intensity and history. Increasing aridity was associated with reduced ant richness, whereas increasing grazing intensity was associated with greater ant richness directly, and indirectly, via reductions in litter depth and perennial grass density. However, these taxonomically diverse groups of ant species still shared contrasting responses to increasing aridity and grazing intensity. We found strong associations between grazing, aridity and the abundance of Seed Harvesters, weak indirect relationships with Generalist Foragers, but no relationships for Predators or Sugar Feeders. Taken together, our work identifies contrasting relationships amongst grazing, aridity and ants (ant ‘winners’ or ‘losers’) across contrasting ecological contexts. Given that increasing aridity is generally associated with lower grazing intensity, our results suggest that locations with more arid sites will have lower ant richness with fewer Seed Harvesters, whereas more mesic sites with high grazing intensity might increase ant richness, and the abundance of specific ant species. Such knowledge is important if we are to maintain critical ant-mediated functions as Earth becomes drier and grazing intensity increases.

Integrative biodiversity inventory of ants from a Sicilian archipelago reveals high diversity on young volcanic islands (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Islands are fascinating study systems for biogeography, allowing researchers to investigate patterns across organisms on a comparable geographical scale. They are also often important for conservation. Here, we present the first bio-inventory of the ant fauna of the Aeolian Islands, a Sicilian volcanic archipelago formed within the last million years. We documented a total of 40 species, including one first record for Italy (Lasius casevitzi). Mitochondrial DNA barcodes were obtained for all 40 taxa sampled on the islands, 13 of which were studied genetically for the first time. Mitochondrial DNA sequences of island specimens were compared with those of conspecific samples from other Aeolian Islands, Sicily and mainland Italy. Standardized photographical documentation of all sequenced specimens is provided. All but one currently recognized species (97.5%) were recovered as monophyletic. Genetic divergence within species ranged up to 12.4% in Pheidole pallidula, although most species had much lower levels of intraspecific divergence. At the scale of the Aeolian Islands, intraspecific genetic divergence varied significantly between subfamilies, with species of the subfamily Myrmicinae showing higher intraspecific divergences than the Formicinae. Comparison of specimens from the Aeolian Islands with conspecific ones from the putative source populations (Sicily and mainland Italy) suggested that the island of Panarea has the genetically most derived myrmeco-fauna among the seven focal Islands. Overall, DNA barcoding is a useful-albeit not perfect-method for classifying poorly studied groups of organisms and ants in particular.

Ant Species Composition (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) at a Highland Agricultural Area for Wheat and Potato in Alahan Panjang, West Sumatera

A study about ant species composition in a highland of agricultural areas at Alahan Panjang Village, Solok District, West Sumatra Province was conducted in 2016 by using modified of quads protocol methods. A total of 18 ant species belonging to four subfamilies, eight tribes and 15 genera was collected. Myrmicinae was the highest in species number (eight species) followed by Formicinae (five species), Dolichoderinae (three species) and Ponerinae (two species). All ant species were different between two plantations except Monomorium florica (Jerdon, 1851) which was collected for both. Carebara cf. pygmaeus Emery, 1887 was the highest in the number of individuals which was found at Wheat site. Six functional group of ants were detected from all species collected.

Interactive effects of urbanization and year on invasive and native ant diversity of sacred groves of South India

Urbanization is a major threat to native biodiversity. Invasion of tramp species is a major consequence of urbanization, which might threaten native species. Ants are established robust ecosystem indicators. We assessed the changes of ant community in sacred groves (SGs) of urban and rural landscapes of south India between 2013 and 2019, and asked, 1) what is the effect of urbanization on ant community? 2) has the population of invasive ants, particularly Anoplolepis gracilipes – a globally notorious tramp species, changed in response to urbanization and year? 3) is species composition of ants in SGs different between landscapes and years? and 4) has the population of native ants or any ant functional groups responded with the population of invasive ants? The richness of overall species, native species, and invasive species was not affected by year or landscape, but the abundance was. In six years, the abundance of ants doubled, but due to A. gracilipes. A. gracilipes, previously restricted only in the urban SGs had established in rural SGs in six years. A significant turnover of native species was observed across years and with the population rise of A. gracilipes. While Generalist Myrmecines and Tropical Climate Specialists increased with the abundance of invasive ants, Cryptic Species decreased. We consider the stability maintained in the native species composition and richness in SGs, the aftermath of the conditions provided by SGs. However, the evident shift in the composition of native ants over the years point out how invasive ants affect the native species composition.

Abundance of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and the functional groups in two different habitats

Abstract. Triyogo A, Budiadi, Widyastuti SM, Subrata SA, Budi SS. 2020. Abundance of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and the functional groups in two different habitats. Biodiversitas 21: 2079-2087. Land development often affects the quantity and diversity of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine and compare the ant species abundance and the functional groups between two different habitats, representing land development, including pioneer and agroforestry. This research involved a survey of the ants at the Forest Research Education (FRE) of Wanagama I Yogyakarta, and data were accumulated over a period of five months (April, May, June, July, and August). In addition, pit-fall trap and direct collection methods were used, involving the placement of 54 pit-fall traps at two habitats, and the ant specimens were retrieved after a two day period. The results show the total individual abundance of 2,310 and 2,067, on agroforestry and pioneer, respectively. Furthermore, the species richness and diversity index was higher in agroforestry (7; 2.01), compared with pioneer (6; 1.49), where the three dominant species include, Anoplolepis gracilipes, Solenopsis sp., Odontoponera denticulata; and Anoplolepis gracilipes, Odontoponera denticulata, Camponotus sp., respectively. Conversely, the highest amount of invasive ants (Solenopsis sp.) was observed in agroforestry, which negatively impacted on the presence of native species (Odontoponera denticulata). In addition, PCA analysis showed the development of three ant groups on each habitat, hence agroforestry made more real differences in the aspect of species abundance, and none in terms of richness. Therefore, notable differences were observed in the ant communities between both habitats, and agroforestry was indicated as a disturbed area, based on the increment in tramp and invasive ants, alongside low abundance of native and functional groups.

Teaching congenital cardiopathies through 3D printed models, is it always useful?

Teaching of congenital heart disease (CHD) through 3D printed models is feasible and useful as it improves learning. Medical students are highly satisfied with single defect CHD learning through 3D printing. To evaluate the usefulness and degree of satisfaction with learning through 3D printed models in CHD with several associated defects, compared to a single defect CHD. Students from 5th year of medicine attending a lecture in CoA ( n = 118), VSD ( n = 50) and TOF ( n = 62) were randomised in 6 groups. During the lecture, 3D printed models of each CHD were presented and analysed by the students in the test group, same lecture without 3D models was performed for the control group for each CHD. Knowledge acquisition was obtained by pre and post-lecture test. Student's satisfaction and self-efficacy ratings were evaluated by the subjective post-lecture survey. Satisfaction between CHD groups was compared using Bonferroni method and test results between 3D & control group by t-test. Students in the multiple defect (ToF) group were less satisfied of 3D printed models than the students in the single defect (CoA & VSD) groups ( P ˂ 0.01). After-lecture test scores for the groups attending the single defect CHD lectures were significantly higher for the students learning through 3D printed models ( P = .04 in CoA group; P = 0.03 in VSD group). There was no difference in the post-lecture scores between the 3D learning and control groups attending the ToF lecture. Control ant test groups were comparable by age and sex ( Fig. 1 ). Learning of complex CHD is challenging even with the most advanced educational techniques. Visual access to all the defects presented by the 3D model is necessary for correct understanding of the model. Transparent printing materials allow for the students to simulate the flow trajects with probes. In our experience, virtual 3D models can be a great resource and even more when analysed on virtual reality devices.