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The mature Saguaro cacti are superbly adapted
成熟的萨瓜罗掌非常适合在
to survive out in the intense heat of the Sonoran Desert.
酷热的索诺拉沙漠中生存
But their seeds are delicate, and must find shade
但它们娇小的种子 必须要有遮荫
or they will scorch to death before they germinate.
不然还没发芽就被烤焦了
The seeds are covered with succulent sweet flesh -
种子外面的果肉多汁
a meal that all sorts of desert creatures find irresistible.
是沙漠生物难以抗拒的美食
White winged doves are among the first to reach the ripening fruit.
白翅哀鸽率先赶来 享用成熟的果实
The seeds survive in the birds' stomachs
种子在鸟儿的肚子里存活
and will be carried many miles before being deposited in their droppings.
并在数公里外随粪便排出体外
Their own little packet of fertiliser.
这下连肥料都有了
But the cactus doesn't just rely on birds.
但仙人掌不只仰赖鸟类
Fallen fruit provides a bonanza for creatures on the ground.
落果对地面生物来说 有如天上掉下来的礼物
Foraging ants quickly gather seeds and flesh.
蚂蚁迅速搬走种子和果肉
That's if a tortoise doesn't get there first.
但有时会被沙漠陆龟捷足先登
The greater range of animals the cactus can get to eat its fruit,
来吃果实的动物种类越多
the more likely the seeds within will
仙人掌的种子就越有可能
be carried to the perfect place to germinate.
被带到适合发芽的地方去
The ants carry the seeds underground into their nests,
蚂蚁把种子带到地底的蚁窝
often excavated among the roots of trees.
蚁窝多半位于树根部位
