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The mature Saguaro cacti are superbly adapted
成熟的薩瓜羅掌非常適合在
to survive out in the intense heat of the Sonoran Desert.
酷熱的索諾拉沙漠中生存
But their seeds are delicate, and must find shade
但它們嬌小的種子 必須要有遮蔭
or they will scorch to death before they germinate.
不然還沒發芽就被烤焦了
The seeds are covered with succulent sweet flesh -
種子外面的果肉多汁
a meal that all sorts of desert creatures find irresistible.
是沙漠生物難以抗拒的美食
White winged doves are among the first to reach the ripening fruit.
白翅哀鴿率先趕來 享用成熟的果實
The seeds survive in the birds' stomachs
種子在鳥兒的肚子里存活
and will be carried many miles before being deposited in their droppings.
并在數公里外隨糞便排出體外
Their own little packet of fertiliser.
這下連肥料都有了
But the cactus doesn't just rely on birds.
但仙人掌不只仰賴鳥類
Fallen fruit provides a bonanza for creatures on the ground.
落果對地面生物來說 有如天上掉下來的禮物
Foraging ants quickly gather seeds and flesh.
螞蟻迅速搬走種子和果肉
That's if a tortoise doesn't get there first.
但有時會被沙漠陸龜捷足先登
The greater range of animals the cactus can get to eat its fruit,
來吃果實的動物種類越多
the more likely the seeds within will
仙人掌的種子就越有可能
be carried to the perfect place to germinate.
被帶到適合發芽的地方去
The ants carry the seeds underground into their nests,
螞蟻把種子帶到地底的蟻窩
often excavated among the roots of trees.
蟻窩多半位于樹根部位
