Ant new estimates suggest that nearly 9% of all plant species may have such ant associations. Some plants in fire-prone grassland systems are particularly dependent on ants for their survival and dispersal as the seeds are transported to safety below the ground. Many ant-dispersed seeds have special external structures, elaiosomes, that are sought after by ants as food. A convergence, possibly a form of mimicry, is seen in the eggs of stick insects. They have an edible elaiosome-like structure and are taken into the ant nest where the young hatch. Most ants are predatory and some prey on and obtain food
Pharaoh ant Thus, nest units may exchange individuals after budding occurs, further explaining their cooperative behavior. In Australia, "Monomorium" species is particularly successful. This fact is particularly curious because of the presence of a very aggressive ant family, "Iridomyrmex", which is quite proficient at interference competition. "Iridomyrmex" ants are able to quickly seek out food sources and prevent other ant species from reaching them. However, unlike other ant species, "Monomorium" species, despite their unaggressive nature and small size, are able to thrive even in areas where "Iridomyrmex" dominates. This success can be attributed to their efficient foraging strategy, and their novel use