[Effect of parameters of myrmecochorous syndrome on rates of removal of Corydalis cava and Pulmonaria obscura by Formica polyctena ants].
Complex of adaptations of myrmecochorous plants to the ant dispersal composes so called myrmecochorous syndrome. To study the effect of some morphological and anatomical adaptations on diaspore attractiveness for ants, the field experiments with diaspores and their extracts were carried out. It was shown that chemical cues attracting ants are located in different parts of diaspores: in elaiosome only (C. cava) or in elaiosome, coverage of external layer of the fruit and in the fruit collar (P. obscura). Anatomy of adaptive structure of diaspores is also discussed together with the results of field experiments.
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Biological Faculty, Kiev University, Vladimirskaya ul. 64, Kiev 252017, Ukraine.
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D000818:Animals; D001000:Ants; D019684:Magnoliopsida / Q000502:physiology*; D012639:Seeds / Q000502:physiology*