How Can Ants Help Pollinate Flowers?
WouterTraditionally, ants are considered poor pollinators. However, some species of plants rely on ants to help pollinate their flowers. Ants also play a key role in the composting process, and can help control pests. They also help prevent herbivores from eating living plants, and they provide seeds and nutrients to the soil.
Researchers have found that some plants have extra-floral nectaries, which keep nectar robbers away. These nectaries also help avoid conflict between pollinators. Ants are attracted to these extra-floral nectaries, and may be preventing other insects from stealing nectar.
Other researchers have found that some species of plants have nectarivorous yeasts, which consume sugars. These yeasts have been discovered in the flowers of many different plant species.
Researchers have also found that some plants, especially low-growing plants with small flowers, rely on ants to pollinate them. However, it is important to consider the effect of ants on plants beyond their role as seed dispersers. Ants are also able to help clean up messes, and they have been found to help remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
Some researchers have even found that ants are useful as a natural insecticide. Using ants as a pest control strategy may be one of the most effective ways to eliminate excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Another interesting study examined the impact of invasive alien ants on the fitness of plants in Seychelles. The authors studied the effect of ants on two species of native honey bees. The researchers found that ants were able to reduce the number of pollinator visits to staminate flowers, and that ants were unlikely to switch from staminate to pistillate flowers.
