ONLINE: The Amazing Leafcutter Ants & Their Fungi

Join us for a fascinating deep dive into the hidden world of leafcutter ants and their fungal partners with Juju, a PhD student in molecular biology at the University of Texas at Austin. Specializing in proteomics, Juju’s research explores the enzymatic breakdown of plant biomass within the ant-fungus symbiosis.

In this engaging presentation, Juju will guide us through the intricate life cycle of a leafcutter ant colony and uncover the evolutionary origins of their extraordinary agricultural partnership with a specialized fungus. Discover how these tiny farmers cultivate and maintain their fungal crops, the specific roles the fungus plays in nutrient cycling, and the sophisticated biochemical processes involved in breaking down plant material.

Whether you're a mycology enthusiast, an insect admirer, or just curious about the wonders of nature’s collaborations, this talk will leave you in awe of one of the most complex and cooperative systems in the natural world.

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