Gorb O. Myrmecochory in deciduous forest (adaptation, mechanisms, selective advantages)

The dissertation is devoted to the complex study of myrmecochory in one ecosysytem. It is established that ant species complex influenses plant cpecies complext hrough seed and fruit dispersal. It is shown that myrmecochorous plants have a complex of adaptation to myrmecochory (myrmecochorous syndrome). Main stages of myrmecochory (removal, transport, secondery dispersal) and factor influencing seed removal and seed transport were studied. The significance of secondary dispersal for di spersal distance is shown. It is proposed to take into account a concrete plant species, ant species and microsite, while analysing selective advantages of myrmecochory (avolutionary advantages of this phenomenon for plants.