It pays to be sweet: sugars in mutualistic interactions.
It is common knowledge that many flowering plants produce nectar to reward pollinators. Not so well known is the fact that plants, fungi and insects also employ sugar-rich solutions to obtain transport or defensive services. However, not all of these interactions are honest. In many cases, cheaters use tricks instead of treats.
Wäckers
Felix
F
Netherlands Institutes of Ecology, Boterhoeksestr 48, 6666 GA Heteren, The Netherlands. waeckers@cto.nioo.knaw.nl
D000818:Animals; D050260:Carbohydrate Metabolism; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000737:chemistry; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D007313:Insecta / Q000502:physiology*; D018521:Plant Physiological Phenomena; D010944:Plants; D011058:Pollen
D002241:Carbohydrates