in the field, had no effect on herbivory of older plants (Table 3-4). However, there was

no evidence of distinct trade-offs in defensive mechanisms over plant ontogeny in this

system. Instead, it appeared that the reduction of herbivory resulting from the ant

occupants was additive, and the palatability trial suggested that whatever chemical

defenses C. alliodora produces were present in plants of both ages studied. Therefore, in

the C. alliodora-ant system, and probably other ant-plant relationships, plant growth and

the production of domatia to house mutualist ants likely represent important investments

in anti-herbivore defense for the plant over both evolutionary and ecological time scales

(Brouat and McKey 2000). This investment may not produce immediate benefits

because the ants require time to colonize the plant and produce workers. Therefore,

young plants may produce defensive chemicals if adequate resources are available or may

simply invest in rapid growth that minimizes the effects of herbivory and promotes future

ant protection.