Crops of Bacteria, Farmed by Amoebas.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/25/science/25obamoeba.html?ref=bacteria
It has now been discovered that humans are not the only farmers. Studies show that a species of amoeba is a natural reproducer. Scientist from Rice University have found that amoeba dictyostelium discoideum can disperse seeds with the correct amount of bacteria in them to harvest their own crop. The crop that is produced by the amoeba becomes what the amoeba consumes and lives off of. Debbie Brock, and evolutionary biologist at Rice University sums up the function of the amoeba by saying, "In a situation where they(the amoeba) find a food source they don't like and they're carrying the bacteria they'd like to eat, the farmers(the amoebas) can grow it for themselves and then they harvest; they don't eat all of it, but they have some."
In my opinion, this species should be thoroughly tested. We need to know how this plant is reproducing and if different amoebas can do the same. It is important to know if the bacteria that is giving the dictyostelium discoideum the power to produce a source of energy is harmful to humans. In the end, if this plant can be acceptable for humans showing no harm, researchers should study to see if the plant is only reproducing because of its environment. Such as, the amount of moisture, the type of soil, and the temperature of the ground. This plant could possibly be a lead on a new scientific discovery.
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