Microorganisms often require a symbiotic relationship with other organisms in order to reproduce and survive. A fantastic example of a highly evolved example of the before mentioned symbiotic relationship can be shown through the interactions between leafcutter ants, fungi that are specific to the leafcutter nests, and a bacterium which is an antibiotic against the fungi's parasites. This relationship has previously been refered to as the "First Agriculture." The ants work as as a farmer who cultivates its crops (the fungus) trying to protect its goods from parasites in order to produce a healthy and bountiful crop. The fungal colonies once seemed to be free of any pests or parasites. This was thought to be because the ants were cared fro the fungas in such a diligent way taht they did not allow any parasites to enter and take hold. This theory was widely accepted until Cameron Currie took a closer look at what process was specifically keeping the nests parasite free. He noticed that when the ants were removed from the nest,the fungi was quickly taken over and destroyed. He was the first to find that the ants carried a white powdery bacteria on their abdomens that had antimicrobial properties. Without the ants, the parasitic mold could take over the fungus in the colony in a matter of days (Little, 2007).