Plant-animal interactions in forest ecosystems

Type :

Presentation

Pages :

7 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

11/21/2008

Category :

Political science

Sub category :

Ecology & environment

Oboulo.com selection criteria

$ 14.95 Add to cart

Summary :

Introduction.
Mutualistic interactions.
1. Pollination.
2. Invertebrate pollinators.
3. Seed dispersal.
4. Plant protection by Ants.
Antagonistic interactions.
1. Herbivory and plant defenses.
2. Seed predation.
3. Mechanical damage.
Conclusion.

Abstract

Flowering plants, being sedentary, have co-opted animal partners for purposes of gene exchange and propagule dispersal, through pollination and seed dispersal. To secure these services plants provide a variety of flower or fruit rewards creating some of the most common and obvious mutualistic interactions in the natural world. However, plants are also eaten by animals which graze on leaves, bore through stems, or predate seeds. Plants have therefore evolved mechanisms to promote the efficiency of mutualistic interactions and protect against herbivores and seed predators. This article describes the range of ecologically significant plant-animal interactions that commonly occur in temperate and tropical forest systems. Most ﬂowering plants are animal pollinated, and indeed the function of ﬂowers is to attract animal vectors for pollen dispersal. Most ﬂowers offer a reward to pollinators which are usually nectar or pollen, but can also include resins (e.g. Clusiaceae), waxes, or oils (orchids). Pollinators attracted to ﬂowers collect the resources and in the process pick up pollen through contact with the anthers and deposit pollen they are carrying onto the stigma where pollen germinates and ultimately fertilizes the ovules.