Synthetic communities of maize root bacteria interact and redirect benzoxazinoid metabolization.

Plant roots are colonized by diverse microbial communities. These communities are shaped by root exudates, including plant-specialized metabolites. Benzoxazinoids are such secreted compounds of maize.

Predator-induced maternal effects determine adaptive antipredator behaviors via egg composition.

In high-risk environments with frequent predator encounters, efficient antipredator behavior is key to survival. Parental effects are a powerful mechanism to prepare offspring for coping with such environments, yet clear evidence for adaptive parental effects on offspring antipredator behaviors is missing. Rapid escape reflexes, or "C-start reflexes," are a key adaptation in fish and amphibians to escape predator strikes.