Ant-mediated seed dispersal

Ant-mediated seed dispersal is a natural process where ants help spread the seeds of certain plants. Some seeds have special attachments, called elaiosomes, that are appealing to ants. When ants find these seeds, they take them back to their nests to eat the elaiosome. This behavior helps the plant because the seed gets transported to a new location, away from the parent plant, where it can germinate and grow without competition. This mutual relationship benefits both ants, which get food, and plants, which ensure their seeds are spread effectively.