The researchers further tested the effects with controlled experiments in the years following the bear's arrival. For example, they completely removed insect predators so the treehopper population thrived, and on other plants they scattered treehopper predators, such as lady beetles, to decimate the insects. Ultimately, the plants with the most predators responded with the most growth, mimicking the effects of a bear removing the protective ants.
"I think that ants are the most interesting species in this chain of species I've been interacting with," Grinath said. "Because the bears are targeting this one highly connected species, they have the potential to influence all of the organisms in this meadow.
The researchers further tested the effects with controlled experiments in the years following the bear's arrival. For example, they completely removed insect predators so the treehopper population thrived, and on other plants they scattered treehopper predators, such as lady beetles, to decimate the insects. Ultimately, the plants with the most predators responded with the most growth, mimicking the effects of a bear removing the protective ants.
"I think that ants are the most interesting species in this chain of species I've been interacting with," Grinath said. "Because the bears are targeting this one highly connected species, they have the potential to influence all of the organisms in this meadow.
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