How Do Ants Help Pollinate Plants?
WouterVarious studies have investigated the role of ants in the pollination of plants. Ants are considered to be an important contributor to the seed set of Conospermum undulatum, a shrub, and Leporella fimbriata, an orchid. However, their effect on the seed set of other plants has been unclear.
For example, an earlier study found that ants are not the primary pollinator of many plant species. In fact, they may even interfere with the pollination process. In addition, ants may even damage the reproductive organs of a plant. This means that plants may no longer rely on self-pollination to set seeds.
In another study, researchers looked at the effects of ants on pollination in Turnera velutina. Ants are known to be important pollinators of several orchid species in the Alps. However, the research did not include an actual “real-world” experiment. In addition, researchers excluded other pollinating insects from the flowers.
In addition, the study found that ants were not as effective as other pollinators at moving pollen to a new flower. In fact, they had a lower viability rate after being exposed to the integument. It seems that the ants’ metapleural glands on their integument may be a factor in the reduced viability of pollen.
Ants also assist with the dispersal of seeds. However, ants are not necessary for full fruit set. The study found that seeds from plants that received only winged insects had higher germination rates. This could have been due to the ants’ ability to drive away herbivores.
