Ants, rodents and seed predation in Proteaceae

摘要: Many species of Cape Proteaceae have seeds dispersed by ants. Ants may reduce seed predation rapidly transporting and burying in their nests. Three field experiments using ant vertebrate exclosures were set up to determine whether of  Mimetes pauciflorus  and  Leucospermum glabrum  fruits is significant, ants it, the food body (elaiosome) important interaction. Results showed that could be as high 100%, but usually discover remove before vertebrates. Significantly fewer when elaiosomes removed. Vertebrate removal rates also declined. Laboratory with caged small mammals intact found more readily than from which had been removed discovery improved experience. Different varied ability detect seeds. Our results suggest dispersal has a direct effect on number entering soil bank reducing predation, myrmecochorous produce signal attracts both mammals, once are buried nests probably minimal.