Ants and Acacias

Synopsis

As an example of the mutualistic and obligate relationship between two different types of organism, shows the relationship between certain species of ant and swollen thorn acacias in Central America. In return for the provision of sugars, lipids and proteins from modified structures on the leaves, and protection for the eggs, the ant colony provides the defence mechanism for the acacia. The development of an ant colony is shown in close-up; the film ends with examples of three different sorts of animals which manage to overcome the defence system of tha acacias.

Series

Ecology, Course S326

Language

English

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 23 min.

Year of production

1987

Availability

OUT OF DISTRIBUTION

Subjects

Biology; Environmental science

Keywords

acacias; ants; ecosystems; symbiosis

Credits

Cast

D Janzen

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web

http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

+44 (0) 1908 274066

Address

Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

Notes

NB. As of May 2016 Open University Worldwide are no longer distributing DVDs. They have posted this message on their website: ‘Unfortunately Open University Worldwide Limited has decided that product sales are no longer viable given the reduced funding to Higher Education institutions and diminishing demand for the products we have traditionally stocked. At present the Open University Students Association (OUSA) will continue to sell the "Good Study Guide", and we are in discussion with other possible distributors to continue to make The Open University’s products available for purchase. As soon as we have any information on other channels of distribution we will update this notice’. Some products are still available via second hand dealers on Amazon.co.uk