Final answer:
Elaiosomes are appendages on seeds that attract ants for dispersal, providing a mutual benefit to both the ants and the plant species, ensuring better distribution and establishment of seedlings.
Step-by-step explanation:
True. Elaiosomes are indeed special structures on seeds that attract ants for dispersal. These are usually rich in lipids and proteins, and they serve as an enticement for ants to collect the seeds and transport them to their nests. This relationship between ants and seeds with elaiosomes is a form of mutualism, where the ants benefit from the nutritional value of the elaiosomes and the plants benefit from their seeds being distributed to different locations, which can be favorable for seedling establishment. This method of seed dispersal is often found in various plants, including bloodroot and certain species of figs. The movement of seeds to specific locations by animals such as ants, birds, or other vertebrates is crucial to the propagation and diversity of these plant species.