Seed dispersal by ants

S. N. Handel; A. J. Beattie

doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0890-76

Seed dispersal by ants

S. N. Handel, A. J. Beattie

School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Ecology, Evolution & Natural Resources

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

77 Scopus citations

Abstract

Many seeds get around by sticking to the fur (or clothes) of passing mammals. But a large number of plants have evolved seeds that are designed to be dispered by ants. Instead of burrs, these seeds grow a tasty lump of fat. The ants carry the seeds home, eat the fat and discard the rest, which then germinates.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	76-83A
Journal	Scientific American
Volume	263
Issue number	2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican0890-76
State	Published - 1990

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title = "Seed dispersal by ants",

abstract = "Many seeds get around by sticking to the fur (or clothes) of passing mammals. But a large number of plants have evolved seeds that are designed to be dispered by ants. Instead of burrs, these seeds grow a tasty lump of fat. The ants carry the seeds home, eat the fat and discard the rest, which then germinates.",

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AB - Many seeds get around by sticking to the fur (or clothes) of passing mammals. But a large number of plants have evolved seeds that are designed to be dispered by ants. Instead of burrs, these seeds grow a tasty lump of fat. The ants carry the seeds home, eat the fat and discard the rest, which then germinates.

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JO - Scientific American

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Seed dispersal by ants

Abstract

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