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Ancient Plants Heat Up to Attract Beetles
12 Dec
Summary
- Cycads use heat to attract beetles, an ancient pollination method.
- Beetles sense infrared heat from cones using specialized antennae.
- This thermal signaling may be the oldest form of plant pollination.
Cycads, a plant lineage dating back 250 million years, utilize a fascinating method to ensure reproduction: they generate heat. These tropical plants, resembling palms, develop cone-like structures that warm up, emitting a glow that attracts beetles. This thermal attraction is crucial for pollination, with evidence suggesting it's a foundational mechanism for plant-insect relationships. The heat not only lures beetles but also guides them through the plant's reproductive cycle.
Researchers discovered that beetles are drawn to the infrared signature of the heat, a signal invisible to humans but detectable by their specialized antennae. Studies on beetle antennae revealed genetic similarities to heat-sensing mechanisms in snakes and mosquitoes. Experiments using 3-D printed cones demonstrated that heat alone, without scent or visual cues, effectively attracts pollinators, highlighting its significance.
This heat-based signaling is believed to be among the oldest forms of pollination, potentially predating colorful flowers and elaborate scents. While some experts propose this thermal communication as the original pollination strategy, others maintain that scent enhancement also played a significant role. The research opens new avenues for understanding the ancient co-evolution of plants and their insect partners.
