Ants and seed dispersal Myrmecophyte
myrmecochory, literally translated ant-dispersal, collection , dispersal of seeds ants. ants disperse more 30% of spring-flowering herbaceous plants in eastern north america. both plant , ant benefit in scenario. ants provided elaiosome, detachable food body found on surface of seed. elaiosomes have diverse compositions, high in lipids , fatty acids, containing amino acids, sugars, , protein. ants remove elaiosome once seed has been transported colony. result, seeds safely placed in nutrient-rich substrate protected predators, benefiting plant optimum establishment conditions seed.
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