ISSN:
1440-1703
Keywords:
asymmetric interactions
;
foraging strategies
;
Messor barbarus
;
seed-harvesting ants
;
vegetation dynamics
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
A four-year study on the interactions between plants and seed-harvesting ants in a Mediterranean pasture is reviewed in this paper. As previously reported in many studies on plant–herbivore interactions, ant–plant relationships are also asymmetric; plants had a larger impact on herbivore dynamics than vice versa. However, the asymmetry did not refer to population dynamics but rather to animal foraging strategies. Ants did not exert a significant influence on vegetation dynamics in terms of plant abundance. The main constraints underlying vegetation change were self-regulation and rainfall. In contrast, the structural characteristics and abundance of vegetation had a significant impact on several important features of food harvesting by ants. This influence was not only associated with their feeding requirements but also with their foraging activities.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-1703.2000.00364.x
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