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Cheng J, Zhang M, Yan X, Zhang C, Zhang J, Luo Y. Effects of Seed Size and Frequency on Seed Dispersal and Predation by Small Mammals. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:353. [PMID: 38785835 PMCID: PMC11117508 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Frequency-dependent predation is common in predator-prey interactions. Size is an important characteristic of seeds and is crucial in the regeneration stage of plant seeds. However, the frequency dependence of animal predation on seed size has not been reported. In this study, we conducted a field experiment and used different sizes of Liaodong oak (Quercus wutaishanica) seeds to test the frequency dependence of intraspecific seed size selection in rodents. We used the number ratio of large to small seeds as the frequency. The results show that the rate of small seeds being eaten in situ was significantly higher than that of large seeds (p < 0.05). The rates of different-sized seeds being eaten after removal decreased with increasing frequencies, and there was no significant difference between frequencies except for 1:9 and 9:1. The rates of large seeds being scatter-hoarded were significantly higher than those of small seeds at different frequencies (p < 0.05). The eating distances after removal of large seeds were significantly longer than those of small seeds at the same frequencies (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the scatter-hoarding distances of large seeds were significantly longer than those of small seeds at three frequencies (1:9, 3:7, and 9:1) (p < 0.05). That is, rodents consumed more small seeds in situ, dispersed and scatter-hoarded more large seeds, and dispersed large seeds over longer distances. Rodents exhibited a negative frequency dependence for small seeds and a positive frequency dependence for large seeds on being eaten in situ. Moreover, rodents exhibited a negative frequency dependence for large seeds and a positive frequency dependence for small seeds on being eaten after removal and scatter-hoarding. These results reveal the frequency dependence of rodent selection on seed size and provide new insights into animal-mediated seed dispersal and the regeneration of plant populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiming Cheng
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan 750021, China;
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China; (M.Z.); (C.Z.)
| | - Min Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China; (M.Z.); (C.Z.)
| | - Xingfu Yan
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan 750021, China;
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Protection of Agro-Pastoral Ecotones in the Yellow River Basin, National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China; (M.Z.); (C.Z.)
| | - Jinfeng Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810016, China;
| | - Yonghong Luo
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan 750021, China;
- School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010000, China
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2
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Zhang M, Yang X, Dong Z, Liu S, Chen H, Yi X. Behavioral adaptation of sympatric rodents to early germination of oak acorns: radicle pruning and embryo excision. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1135312. [PMID: 37229139 PMCID: PMC10203563 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1135312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The seed germination schedule is a key factor affecting the food-hoarding behavior of animals and the seedling regeneration of plants. However, little is known about the behavioral adaptation of rodents to the rapid germination of acorns. In this study, we provided Quercus variabilis acorns to several rodent species to investigate how food-hoarding animals respond to seed germination. We found that only Apodemus peninsulae adopted embryo excision behavior to counteract seed germination, which is the first report of embryo excision in nonsquirrel rodents. We speculated that this species may be at an early stage of the evolutionary response to seed perishability in rodents, given the low rate of embryo excision in this species. On the contrary, all rodent species preferred to prune the radicles of germinating acorns before caching, suggesting that radicle pruning is a stable and more general foraging behavior strategy for food-hoarding rodents. Furthermore, scatter-hoarding rodents preferred to scatter-hoard and prune more germinating acorns, whereas they consumed more nongerminating acorns. Acorns with embryos excised rather than radicles pruned were much less likely to germinate than intact acorns, suggesting a behavioral adaptation strategy by rodents to the rapid germination of recalcitrant seeds. This study provides insight into the impact of early seed germination on plant-animal interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xifu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong Dong
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Shuyuan Liu
- College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Huanhuan Chen
- College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xianfeng Yi
- College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
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3
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Crowe RE, Parker VT. The morphological and ecological variation of Arctostaphylos (Ericaceae) fruit: A link between plant ecology and animal foraging behavior. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e9801. [PMID: 36937065 PMCID: PMC10017329 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent soil seed banks are characteristic of Arctostaphylos (Ericaceae) species in the Mediterranean-climate California Floristic Province. While most species are obligate seeders, regeneration of stands of all Arctostaphylos species ultimately depends on post-fire seedling recruitment. Arctostaphylos seed banks are created, in large part, by scatter-hoarding rodents. Variation in fruit morphology, therefore, is expected to impact the Arctostaphylos-rodent interaction. Seeds produce sufficient rewards (nutritious mature embryo) to entice rodents to disperse and ultimately bury seeds in the soil. Hard seed coats increase the time required to extract the embryo, encouraging rodents to choose storage over immediate predation, and nutlets are frequently empty. We assessed the variation of fruit nutlet fusion and seed viability among 38 Arctostaphylos taxa. Factors such as latitude, elevation, life history, ploidy, and phylogenetic position were also analyzed. Generalized mixed-effects models were used to determine the factors contributing to variation in fruit nutlet fusion and seed viability. Our results indicate that fruit volume and shape are the most important variables affecting nutlet fusion and seed viability. Additionally, other potential influences only show a weak correlation and are not predicted to significantly impact nutlet fusion or seed viability. These findings provide insights into evolved strategies used by plants to increase reproductive success via scatter-hoarding rodents. Our study benefits the conservation and restoration of Arctostaphylos stands by emphasizing the importance of animal-mediated dispersal and providing estimates of seed viability for different species. With the anticipated effects of climate change, such as departures from historic fire regimes, the preservation of the relationship between plants and animal foragers is crucial for the continued survival of Arctostaphylos and California's evergreen chaparral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E. Crowe
- San Francisco State UniversitySan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- UCI HerbariumUniversity of California, IrvineIrvineCaliforniaUSA
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4
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XIAO Z. Dual ecological functions of scatter-hoarding rodents: pollinators and seed dispersers of Mucuna sempervirens (Fabaceae). Integr Zool 2022; 17:918-929. [PMID: 34826365 PMCID: PMC9786907 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Double mutualism, that is, pollination and seed dispersal of the same plant species mediated by the same animal partners, is important but remains elusive in nature. Recently, rodent species were found as key pollinators (i.e. explosive openers) for some Mucuna species in (sub)tropical Asia, but no evidence has shown whether and how these rodents could also act as legitimate seed dispersers via scatter-hoarding for those producing large seeds. Here, my aim was to test the hypothesis that scatter-hoarding rodents could act as double mutualists for both pollination and seed dispersal of the same Mucuna species, that is, Mucuna sempervirens (Fabaceae). Based on camera-trapping survey at 2 locations with or without squirrel presence in the Dujiangyan subtropical forests, Southwest China, 7 mammals and birds were identified as explosive openers for M. sempervirens flowers, but Leopoldamys edwardsi (rats) and Paguma larvata (civets) were the main pollinators at the squirrel-absent site, while Callosciurus erythraeus (squirrels) were the main pollinators at the squirrel-present site. By tracking the fate of individually-tagged seeds over 5 years at each site, I provide the first evidence for seed-eating rodents as legitimate seed dispersers via scatter-hoarding of seeds in this world-wide plant genus, although dispersal services were slightly reduced at squirrel-absent site. More importantly, the dual roles of scatter-hoarding rodents as key pollinators and seed dispersers for the same Mucuna species have shown a clear relationship of double mutualism, and their key services may be essential for population conservation of these Mucuna species in human-disturbed landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhishu XIAO
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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5
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Malo AF, Taylor A, Díaz M. Native seed dispersal by rodents is negatively influenced by an invasive shrub. ANIMAL BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION 2021. [DOI: 10.32800/abc.2022.45.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Refuge–mediated apparent competition is the mechanism by which invasive plants increase pressure on native plants by providing refuge for generalist consumers. In the UK, the invasive Rhododendron ponticum does not provide food for generalist seed consumers like rodents, but evergreen canopy provides refuge from rodent predators, and predation and pilferage risk are key factors affecting rodent foraging and caching behaviour. Here we used a seed removal/ seed fate experiment to understand how invasion by an evergreen shrub can alter seed dispersal, seed fate and early recruitment of native trees. We used seeds of four species, small and wind–dispersed (sycamore maple Acer pseudoplatanus and European ash Fraxinus excelsior) and large and animal–dispersed (pedunculate oak Quercus robur and common hazel Corylus avellana), and monitored seed predation and caching in open woodland, edge habitats, and under Rhododendron. In the open woodland, wind–dispersed seeds had a higher probability of being eaten in situ than cached seeds, while the opposite occurred with animal–dispersed seeds. The latter were removed from the open woodland and edge habitats and cached under Rhododendron. This pattern was expected if predation risk was the main factor influencing the decision to eat or to cach a seed. Enhanced dispersal towards Rhododendron cover did not increase the prospects for seed survival, as density of hazel and oak saplings under its cover was close to zero as compared to open woodland, possibly due to increased cache pilferage or low seedling survival under dense shade, or both. Enhanced seed predation of ash and sycamore seeds close to Rhododendron cover also decreased recruitment of these trees. Rhododendron patches biased rodent foraging behaviour towards the negative (net predation) side of the conditional rodent / tree interaction. This effect will potentially impact native woodland regeneration and further facilitate Rhododendron spread due to refuge–mediated apparent competition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M. Díaz
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (BGC–MNCN–CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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6
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Cao L, Jansen PA, Wang B, Yan C, Wang Z, Chen J. Mutual cheating strengthens a tropical seed dispersal mutualism. Ecology 2021; 103:e03574. [PMID: 34706058 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
While cheating can cause the degradation or collapse of mutualisms, mutualisms may theoretically stabilize or strengthen if the cheating is mutual. Here, we present an asymmetric two-player game model to explore the evolutionary dynamics of mutual cheating in a mutualistic interaction. We found that the interaction evolved towards mutual cheating if cheating can help both partners obtain higher benefits or if counter-cheating yields more benefits to victims than simply tolerating exploitation by partners. Then, we present empirical evidence for such mutual cheating strengthening a seed dispersal mutualism in which rodents disperse seeds by scatter hoarding, rodents sabotage seed germination by pruning radicles, and seeds escape rodents by resprouting. By tracking >8000 Pittosporopsis kerrii seeds throughout the dispersal process in a tropical forest in southwest China, we found that rodents provided better dispersal to seeds that they pruned, i.e., pruned seeds were dispersed farther and were more likely to establish seedlings than unpruned seeds. Compared to unpruned seeds, pruned seeds retained more of their nutrients, i.e., dry mass of pruned seeds was greater than that of unpruned seeds, and were stored for longer by rodents. These findings indicate that mutual cheating benefited both partners. Payoffs estimated from the field experiments indicated that mutual cheating was indeed favored in rodents and plants P. kerrii, and that neither partner was enslaved by the other under mutual cheating. Rather, the mutualism remained stable because the partners were able to exploit each other, and each partner attempted to gain the maximum benefits from the interaction. Our findings indicate that mutual cheating between two mutualists can enhance and stabilize mutualisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cao
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China.,Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, 666303, China.,State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Patrick A Jansen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, PO Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado, 0843-03092, Republic of Panama
| | - Bo Wang
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, 666303, China.,School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Chuan Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China.,State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystem, Institute of Innovation Ecology & College of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Jin Chen
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, 666303, China
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7
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Mazzamuto MV, Wauters LA, Koprowski JL. Exotic Pet Trade as a Cause of Biological Invasions: The Case of Tree Squirrels of the Genus Callosciurus. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10101046. [PMID: 34681145 PMCID: PMC8533491 DOI: 10.3390/biology10101046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The pet industry is a growing global multibillion dollar market. The increase of exotic and non-domesticated animal ownership has led to an increase in the number of non-native pets released that create invasive alien species (IAS) populations in the wild. IAS negatively impact the biodiversity, human health and countries’ economies. We use tree squirrels of the genus Callosciurus as a well-documented case study of pets that become IAS. We review the pathways and range of introduction and the challenge and legal importance of species identification. Next, we document how they negatively affect native plants and animals, their parasitic infections that can threat native wildlife and human health and their impact on human activities and productive systems. We discuss the diverse biological, social, political and economic reasons that make control/eradication of these charismatic species difficult in most countries. However, we also highlight the successful management of the IAS in two countries where the early detection and engagement of stakeholders were key to successful eradication. We conclude that efforts to educate and involve the broader public by actively engaging a diversity of stakeholders are more likely to build a consensus toward IAS management and should be a priority for each country. Abstract The trade of non-native pets, especially of non-domesticated and exotic animals, and their subsequent release and establishment of populations is one of the major pathways of introduction for invasive alien reptiles, amphibia, birds and mammals. Here, we use a group of arboreal mammals, tree squirrels of the genus Callosciurus, as a well-documented case study, reviewing the pathways of introduction, the current areas of non-native distribution, the rate of establishment success and the challenge and legal importance of species identification. We further illustrate the importance of early detection and effective monitoring methods and plans. Next, we document how they interfere with native species, their risk of acting as vectors for emerging infectious diseases and their potential role in maintaining parasitic infections that can affect human health. We conclude by reviewing the current management, or the lack of it, and highlight the diverse biological, social, political and economic reasons that make control/eradication of these charismatic species difficult or even impractical in most countries. However, reviewing the only two successful eradications of the IAS, we highlight the need to acknowledge the public opinion and the importance of communication, transparency and the engagement of a diversity of stakeholders to create a consensus about the actions to undertake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vittoria Mazzamuto
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Ave, Laramie, WY 82071, USA;
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Lucas A. Wauters
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy;
| | - John L. Koprowski
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Ave, Laramie, WY 82071, USA;
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8
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Differences in mutualistic or predatory interactions between tree and rodent species as revealed by using a double-duplex passive integrated transponder tagging technique. ACTA OECOLOGICA 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2021.103747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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9
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Wang Z, Cao L, Yan C, Niu Y, Chong K, Zhang Z. Cloning capacity helps seeds of Garcinia xanthochymus counter animal predation. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:12639-12650. [PMID: 34594527 PMCID: PMC8462166 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Seed predators have the potential to act as agents of natural selection that influence seed traits and seed fates, which in turn affect the whole plant population dynamic. Accordingly, plants deploy a variety of mechanisms (e.g., resistance and tolerance strategies) to lessen the impact of predation on seed crop or on an individual seed. In this study, we described a novel mechanism, seed cloning strategy, in a tropical plant species in countering animal predation. By conducting field- and laboratory-based germination experiments, we found that both rodent damaged and artificially damaged seed fragments of a large-seeded tree Garcinia xanthochymus (Clusiaceae) could successfully germinate and establish as seedlings. Tissue culture experiments revealed that G. xanthochymus has no endosperm in seeds, and its seed fragments own strong capacity of differentiation and cloning. Seed damage negatively affected seedling growth and germination, but the seed germination rate was remarkably high. Our study suggests that, seed cloning capacity, adopted by the large-seeded tree G. xanthochymus may act as a novel strategy counteract for seed predation and would play a significant role in stabilizing the mutualism between plant and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen‐yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in AgricultureInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Wetland and Watershed Research (Ministry of Education)College of Life SciencesJiangxi Normal UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Lin Cao
- College of Ecology and Environmental ScienceInstitute of Ecology and GeobotanyYunnan UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Chuan Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in AgricultureInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yu‐da Niu
- Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Kang Chong
- Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Zhi‐bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in AgricultureInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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10
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Tamura N, Ito M, Hayashi F. Different Responses of Endemic and Alien Tree Squirrels to Tree Seed Chemicals. MAMMAL STUDY 2021. [DOI: 10.3106/ms2020-0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Tamura
- Tama Forest Science Garden, FFPRI, 1833-81 Todori, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0843, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Ito
- Department of Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minamiosawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Fumio Hayashi
- Department of Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minamiosawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
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11
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Xiao Z, Holyoak M, Krebs CJ, Huang X. Palatability and profitability of co-occurring seeds alter indirect interactions among rodent-dispersed trees. Integr Zool 2021; 17:206-216. [PMID: 33893725 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Beyond direct species interactions, seed dispersal is potentially affected by indirect seed-seed interactions among co-occurring nut-bearing trees which are mediated by scatter-hoarding animals as shared seed dispersers. A relevant question in such systems is to what extent different functional traits related to food palatability and profitability affect the kinds of indirect interactions that occur among co-occurring seeds, and the consequences for seed dispersal. We used field experiments to track seed dispersal with individually tagged seeds in both monospecific and mixed seed communities. We measured indirect effects based on 3 seed-seed species pairs from the family Fagaceae with contrasting seed size, tannin level, and dormancy in a subtropical forest in Southwest China. When all else was equal, the presence of adjacently placed seeds with contrasting seed traits created different indirect effects measured through a variety of dispersal-related indicators. Apparent mutualism was reciprocal due to increasing seed dispersal in mixed seed patches with mixed differences in seed tannins and dormancy. However, differences in either seed size or dormancy in co-occurring adjacently placed seeds caused apparent competition with reduced seed removal or seed dispersal (distance) in at least one species. Our study supports the hypothesis that different functional traits related to food palatability and profitability in co-occurring seeds modify foraging decisions of scatter-hoarding animals, and subsequently cause indirect effects on seed dispersal among rodent-dispersed trees. We conclude that such indirect effects mediated by shared seed dispersers may act as an important determinant of seed dispersal for co-fruiting animal-dispersed trees in many natural forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhishu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Marcel Holyoak
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Charles J Krebs
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Xiaoqun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
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12
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Zhang Z, Yan C, Zhang H. Mutualism between antagonists: its ecological and evolutionary implications. Integr Zool 2020; 16:84-96. [PMID: 32930482 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mutualism or antagonism between species is often investigated within the framework of monotonic interactions of either mutualism or antagonism, but studies on transition from mutualism to antagonism (within the context of nonmonotonic interactions) have been largely ignored. In this paper, through a brief review and synthesis, we highlighted the role of mutualism between antagonists in regulating the ecological and evolutionary processes, as well as maintaining the stability and complexity of ecosystems. Mutualism between antagonistic species represents the density-dependent transition between mutualism and antagonism, which is beneficial to species coexistence and stability of complex ecosystems; thus, it should be favored by natural selection. Species may face selection of conflicting pressure on functional traits in co-balancing mutualism and antagonism, which may result in evolution of the dual character of species with moderate mutualistic or antagonistic traits. Coevolution and co-balance of these traits are driving forces in shaping mutualism-antagonism systems. Rewards for mutualists, punishment for exploiters, and competition of meta-communities are essential in stabilizing mutualism between antagonists. We appeal for more studies on mutualism between antagonists and its ecological and evolutionary implications by expanding the conventional ecological studies from monotonic to nonmonotonic regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chuan Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystem, Institute of Innovation Ecology & College of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongmao Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
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13
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Yi X, Wang M, Xue C, Ju M. Radicle pruning by seed-eating animals helps oak seedlings absorb more soil nutrient. Integr Zool 2020; 16:637-645. [PMID: 32930479 PMCID: PMC9290513 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although radicle pruning has well been observed in plant–animal interactions, research has not been conducted to determine how radicle pruning by seed‐eating animals regulates nutrition mobilization of cotyledonary reserves and absorption of soil nutrients. We used stable nitrogen isotopes to test how acorns of early‐germinating oak species (Quercus variabilis, Q. aliena, and Q. mogolica) trade off nutrients in the cotyledons and those in the soil in response to radicle pruning by seed‐eating rodents. Radicle pruning by rodents resulted in root branching in the 3 early‐germinating oak species. Moreover, radicle pruning increased shoot dry weight and substantially reduced the root‐to‐shoot ratio of oak species. Corresponding to the decreased dry weight of roots and root‐to‐shoot ratio, the dry weight of the remnant cotyledons was higher after radicle pruning in the 3 oak species. We provided first evidence that radicle pruning by seed‐eating animals improved seedling performance of early‐germinating oaks by increasing absorption of nutrients from soil. The results indicate that early‐germinating oak seedlings trade off nutrition budget by altering nutrient absorption from soil and reserve mobilization from cotyledons in response to radicle pruning by seed‐eating animals. Our study provided new insight into the nutrition allocation mechanism of young seedlings in response to radicle pruning by seed‐eating animals, reflecting a mutualistic interaction between early‐germinating oak and food‐hoarding animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianfeng Yi
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Minghui Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Chao Xue
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Mengyao Ju
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
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14
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Steele MA, Yi X. Squirrel-Seed Interactions: The Evolutionary Strategies and Impact of Squirrels as Both Seed Predators and Seed Dispersers. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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15
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XIAO Z, HUANG X. How seed defense and seed abundance predict dispersal and survival patterns in
Camellia. Integr Zool 2020; 15:103-114. [DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhishu XIAO
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Xiaoqun HUANG
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
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16
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Perea R, Fernandes GW, Dirzo R. Early plant development depends on embryo damage location: the role of seed size in partial seed predation. OIKOS 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.06912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Perea
- Dept of Biology, Stanford Univ. 371 Serra Mall Stanford CA 94305 USA
- Depto de Sistemas y Recursos Naturales, Univ. Politécnica de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - G. Wilson Fernandes
- Dept of Biology, Stanford Univ. 371 Serra Mall Stanford CA 94305 USA
- Depto de Biologia Geral, Univ. Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte MG Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Dirzo
- Dept of Biology, Stanford Univ. 371 Serra Mall Stanford CA 94305 USA
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17
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Deng Y, Ju M, Yi X. Exclusion of interspecific competition reduces scatter-hoarding of Siberian chipmunk Tamias sibiricus: A field study. Integr Zool 2019; 15:127-134. [PMID: 31631518 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Although food availability and the abundance of seed predators have been postulated to affect seed dispersal, it is not clear how seed-eating animals modify their scatter-hoarding strategies in response to different levels of interspecific competition. We placed paired germinated and ungerminated acorns of Quercus mongolica on 30-cm high platforms to exclude potential interspecific competition of the predominant larder hoarders Apodemus peninsulae and Myodes rufocanus, to investigate seed dispersal by a predominant scatter-hoarder, Tamias sibiricus, in the field in north-eastern China. Our results showed that T. sibiricus ate more acorns in situ in the absence of interspecific competition. In the presence of interspecific competition of A. peninsulae and C. rufocanus, however, more acorns were scatter-hoarded by T. sibiricus. Regardless of interspecific competition, germination of acorns showed no significant effects on seed dispersal patterns, inconsistent with the "seed perishability hypothesis" that animals avoid hoarding seeds with high perishability. Exclusion of interspecific competition, though relatively increasing the per capita seed abundance, appears to reduce seed dispersal, scatter-hoarding and seedling establishment. Therefore, we propose that moderate interspecific competition rather than competition exclusion may benefit seed scatter-hoarding and seedling establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhua Deng
- College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Mengyao Ju
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Xianfeng Yi
- College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China.,College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
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18
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Ju MM, Feng L, Yang J, Yang YC, Chen XD, Zhao GF. Evaluating Population Genetic Structure and Demographic History of Quercus spinosa (Fagaceae) Based on Specific Length Amplified Fragment Sequencing. Front Genet 2019; 10:965. [PMID: 31632447 PMCID: PMC6785805 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Effectively identifying the genetic structure and related factors of a species can facilitate understanding the evolutionary history of the species. Phylogeographic patterns and genetic data are essential in investigating the species historical processes and diversification that response to environmental, climatic and geological influences. In this study, Specific Length Amplified Fragment Sequencing (SLAF-seq) data and ecological niche models (ENMs) are combined to identify the genetic structure and demographic modeling of Quercus spinosa, and evaluate the impacts of historical range shifts, climatic variation, and landscape factors on this species. The population topology and genetic divergence of the Cenozoic were inferred by a site frequency spectrum based composite-likelihood approach which is a novel strategy for maximizing the utility of linked SLAF markers. The overall genetic structure using model-based and model-free clustering methods was consistently identified as two geographically distinct genetic clusters. A deep divergence between two natural lineages (i.e., a western Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains lineage and an eastern Qin-ling Mountains lineage) was observed. The demographic modeling and Niche reconstruction indicated that the two groups were diverged in the late Miocene and then presented as two distinct genetic lineages. With the Quaternary glacial climate fluctuation, two groups had continuous asymmetrical secondary contact and gene exchange in the Sichuan Basin during the last glacial maximum. Besides, a significant relationship between genetic distance and geography in all individuals was identified by the Mantel test. Overall, this study 1) contributes to a better understanding of the role played by Quaternary climatic fluctuation in the present-day distributions of Q. spinosa; 2) provides a comprehensive view of the genome-wide variation of sclerophyllous forests in ecological adaptive evolution; 3) indicates that dispersal limitation and ecological divergence contribute to the genome-wide differentiation of Q. spinosa, which supports a hypothesis that complex geography and climatic changes strongly influence the evolutionary origin and history of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Miao Ju
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Li Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jia Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan-Ci Yang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, Baotou Teachers' College, Baotou, China
| | - Xiao-Dan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Gui-Fang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
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19
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Kuprewicz EK, García‐Robledo C. Deciphering seed dispersal decisions: Size, not tannin content, drives seed fate and survival in a tropical forest. Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Erin K. Kuprewicz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Connecticut Storrs Connecticut 06269‐3043 USA
| | - Carlos García‐Robledo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Connecticut Storrs Connecticut 06269‐3043 USA
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20
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Gómez JM, Schupp EW, Jordano P. Synzoochory: the ecological and evolutionary relevance of a dual interaction. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2018; 94:874-902. [PMID: 30467946 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- José María Gómez
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA-CSIC), Ctra Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, E-04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Eugene W Schupp
- Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center, S. J. and Jesse E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, 5230 Old Main Hill, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5230,, U.S.A
| | - Pedro Jordano
- Departamento de Ecología Integrativa, Integrative Ecology Group, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Americo Vespucio S/N, E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
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21
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LaBonte NR, Woeste KE. Pooled whole-genome sequencing of interspecific chestnut ( Castanea) hybrids reveals loci associated with differences in caching behavior of fox squirrels ( Sciurus niger L.). Ecol Evol 2018; 8:10638-10654. [PMID: 30519394 PMCID: PMC6262733 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dispersal of seeds by scatter-hoarding rodents is common among tropical and temperate tree species, including chestnuts in the genus Castanea. Backcrossed (BC) interspecific hybrid chestnuts exhibit wide variation in seed traits: as the parent species (Castanea dentata and C. mollissima) have distinct seed phenotypes and tend to be handled differently by seed dispersers, phenotypic variation in BC trees is likely due to inheritance of genes that have undergone divergent evolution in the parent species. To identify candidate genomic regions for interspecific differences in seed dispersal, we used tagged seeds to measure average dispersal distance for seeds of third-generation BC chestnuts and sequenced pooled whole genomes of mother trees with contrasting seed dispersal: high caching rate/long distance; low caching rate/short distance; no caching. Candidate regions affecting seed dispersal were identified as loci with more C. mollissima alleles in the high caching rate/ long-distance pool than expected by chance and observed in the other two pools. Functional annotations of candidate regions included predicted lipid metabolism, dormancy regulation, seed development, and carbohydrate metabolism genes. The results support the hypothesis that perception of seed dormancy is a predominant factor in squirrel caching decisions, and also indicate profitable directions for future work on the evolutionary genomics of trees and coevolved seed dispersers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keith E. Woeste
- USDA Forest ServiceNorthern Research StationHardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration CenterWest LafayetteIndiana
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22
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Del Arco JM, Beltrán D, Martínez-Ruiz C. Risk for the natural regeneration of Quercus species due to the expansion of rodent species (Microtus arvalis). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-018-2575-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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23
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Cao L, Wang B, Yan C, Wang Z, Zhang H, Geng Y, Chen J, Zhang Z. Risk of cache pilferage determines hoarding behavior of rodents and seed fate. Behav Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/ary040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cao
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, China
| | - Chuan Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Donghu District, Nanchang, China
| | - Hongmao Zhang
- Animal Behaviour Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Hongshan District, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanzhao Geng
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Wuhou District, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Weed and Rodent Biology and Management, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Chen
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhibin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
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24
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Heres BM, Welch SM, Waldron JL. The Effect of Mast Availability on Crotalus adamanteus (Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake) Ambush-site Selection. SOUTHEAST NAT 2018. [DOI: 10.1656/058.017.0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Berlynna M. Heres
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469
- Current address - West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Romney, WV 26757
| | - Shane M. Welch
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755
| | - Jayme L. Waldron
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755
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25
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Corlett RT. Frugivory and seed dispersal by vertebrates in tropical and subtropical Asia: An update. Glob Ecol Conserv 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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26
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Zhang Y, Li W, Sichilima AM, Lu J, Wang Z. Discriminatory pre-hoarding handling and hoarding behaviour towards germinated acorns by Niviventer confucianus. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2017.1282542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Zhang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Road, Gaoxin District, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Road, Gaoxin District, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Li
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Road, Gaoxin District, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Alfred M. Sichilima
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, P.O. Box 71191, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Jiqi Lu
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Road, Gaoxin District, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhongquan Wang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Road, Gaoxin District, Zhengzhou, China
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27
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Cao L, Guo C, Chen J. Fluctuation in seed abundance has contrasting effects on the fate of seeds from two rapidly germinating tree species in an Asian tropical forest. Integr Zool 2017; 12:2-11. [PMID: 27265119 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The seed predator satiation hypothesis states that high seed abundance can satiate seed predators or seed dispersers, thus promoting seed survival. However, for rapidly germinating seeds in tropical forests, high seed abundance may limit dispersal as the seeds usually remain under parent trees for long periods, which may lead to high mortality due to rodent predation or fungal infestations. By tracking 2 species of rapidly germinating seeds (Pittosporopsis kerrii, family Icacinaceae; Camellia kissi, family Theaceae), which depend on dispersal by scatter-hoarding rodents, we investigated the effects of seed abundance at the community level on predation and seed dispersal in the tropical forest of Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Southwest China. We found that high seed abundance at the community level was associated with delayed and reduced seed removal, decreased dispersal distance and increased pre-dispersal seed survival for both plant species. High seed abundance was also associated with reduced seed caching of C. kissi, but it showed little effect on seed caching of P. kerrii. However, post-dispersal seed survival for the 2 plant species followed the reverse pattern. High seed abundance in the community was associated with higher post-dispersal survival of P. kerrii seeds, but with lower post-dispersal survival of C. kissi seeds. Our results suggest that different plant species derive benefit from fluctuations in seed production in different ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cao
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Chen
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, China
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28
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Bobadilla SY, Benitez VV, Guichón ML. Asiatic Callosciurus squirrels as seed dispersers of exotic plants in the Pampas. Curr Zool 2016; 62:215-219. [PMID: 29491908 PMCID: PMC5804237 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zow009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Seed dispersal by exotic mammals exemplifies mutualistic interactions that can modify the habitat by facilitating the establishment of certain species. We examined the potential for endozoochoric dispersal of exotic plants by Callosciurus erythraeus introduced in the Pampas Region of Argentina. We identified and characterized entire and damaged seeds found in squirrel faeces and evaluated the germination capacity and viability of entire seeds in laboratory assays. We collected 120 samples of squirrel faeces that contained 883 pellets in seasonal surveys conducted between July 2011 and June 2012 at 3 study sites within the main invasion focus of C. erythraeus in Argentina. We found 226 entire seeds in 21% of the samples belonging to 4 species of exotic trees and shrubs. Germination in laboratory assays was recorded for Morus alba and Casuarina sp.; however, germination percentage and rate was higher for seeds obtained from the fruits than for seeds obtained from the faeces. The largest size of entire seeds found in the faeces was 4.2 × 4.0 mm, whereas the damaged seeds had at least 1 dimension ≥ 4.7 mm. Our results indicated that C. erythraeus can disperse viable seeds of at least 2 species of exotic trees. C. erythraeus predated seeds of other naturalized species in the region. The morphometric description suggested a restriction on the maximum size for the passage of entire seeds through the digestive tract of squirrels, which provides useful information to predict its role as a potential disperser or predator of other species in other invaded communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Yasmin Bobadilla
- Ecología de Mamíferos Introducidos, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES), Universidad Nacional de Luján, Ruta 5 y 7, Luján (6700), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica V Benitez
- Ecología de Mamíferos Introducidos, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES), Universidad Nacional de Luján, Ruta 5 y 7, Luján (6700), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Laura Guichón
- Ecología de Mamíferos Introducidos, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES), Universidad Nacional de Luján, Ruta 5 y 7, Luján (6700), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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29
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Xiao Z, Zhang Z. Contrasting patterns of short-term indirect seed-seed interactions mediated by scatter-hoarding rodents. J Anim Ecol 2016; 85:1370-7. [PMID: 27136379 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that direct effects of seed predators or dispersers can have strong effects on seedling establishment. However, we have limited knowledge about the indirect species interactions between seeds of different species that are mediated by shared seed predators and/or dispersers and their consequences for plant demography and diversity. Because scatter-hoarding rodents as seed dispersers may leave some hoarded seeds uneaten, scatter hoarding may serve to increase seed survival and dispersal. Consequently, the presence of heterospecific seeds could alter whether the indirect interactions mediated by scatter-hoarding rodents have a net positive effect, creating apparent mutualism between seed species, or a net negative effect, creating apparent competition between seed species. We present a testable framework to measure short-term indirect effects between co-occurring plant species mediated by seed scatter-hoarding rodents. We tested this framework in a subtropical forest in south-west China using a replacement design and tracked the fate of individually tagged seeds in experimental patches. We manipulated the benefits to rodents by using low-tannin dormant chestnuts as palatable food and high-tannin non-dormant acorns as unpalatable food. We found that seed palatability changed the amount of scatter hoarding that occurred when seeds co-occurred either among or within patches. Consistent with our predictions, scatter-hoarding rodents created apparent mutualism through increasing seed removal and seed caching, and enhancing survival, of both plant species in mixed patches compared with monospecific patches. However, if we ignore scatter hoarding and treat all seed harvest as seed predation (and not dispersal), then apparent competition between palatable chestnuts and unpalatable acorns was also observed. This study is the first to demonstrate that foraging decisions by scatter-hoarding animals to scatter hoard seeds for later consumption (or loss) or consume them can influence indirect effects among co-occurring seeds, and rodent-mediated indirect effects vary depending on whether the harvested seeds are hoarded or eaten.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhishu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zhibin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
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30
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Feng L, Zheng QJ, Qian ZQ, Yang J, Zhang YP, Li ZH, Zhao GF. Genetic Structure and Evolutionary History of Three Alpine Sclerophyllous Oaks in East Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains and Adjacent Regions. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2016. [PMID: 27891142 DOI: 10.3389/fgls.2016.01688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The East Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains (EH-HM) region has a high biodiversity and harbors numerous endemic alpine plants. This is probably the result of combined orographic and climate oscillations occurring since late Tertiary. Here, we determined the genetic structure and evolutionary history of alpine oak species (including Quercus spinosa, Quercus aquifolioides, and Quercus rehderiana) using both cytoplasmic-nuclear markers and ecological niche models (ENMs), and elucidated the impacts of climate oscillations and environmental heterogeneity on their population demography. Our results indicate there were mixed genetic structure and asymmetric contemporary gene flow within them. The ENMs revealed a similar demographic history for the three species expanded their ranges from the last interglacial (LIG) to the last glacial maximum (LGM), which was consistent with effective population sizes changes. Effects of genetic drift and fragmentation of habitats were responsible for the high differentiation and the lack of phylogeographic structure. Our results support that geological and climatic factors since Miocene triggered the differentiation, evolutionary origin and range shifts of the three oak species in the studied area and also emphasize that a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular markers, ENMs and population genetics can yield deep insights into diversification and evolutionary dynamics of species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Feng
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest University Xi'an, China
| | - Qi-Jian Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest University Xi'an, China
| | - Zeng-Qiang Qian
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University Xi'an, China
| | - Jia Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest University Xi'an, China
| | - Yan-Ping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest University Xi'an, China
| | - Zhong-Hu Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest University Xi'an, China
| | - Gui-Fang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest University Xi'an, China
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31
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Feng L, Zheng QJ, Qian ZQ, Yang J, Zhang YP, Li ZH, Zhao GF. Genetic Structure and Evolutionary History of Three Alpine Sclerophyllous Oaks in East Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains and Adjacent Regions. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2016; 7:1688. [PMID: 27891142 PMCID: PMC5104984 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.01688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The East Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains (EH-HM) region has a high biodiversity and harbors numerous endemic alpine plants. This is probably the result of combined orographic and climate oscillations occurring since late Tertiary. Here, we determined the genetic structure and evolutionary history of alpine oak species (including Quercus spinosa, Quercus aquifolioides, and Quercus rehderiana) using both cytoplasmic-nuclear markers and ecological niche models (ENMs), and elucidated the impacts of climate oscillations and environmental heterogeneity on their population demography. Our results indicate there were mixed genetic structure and asymmetric contemporary gene flow within them. The ENMs revealed a similar demographic history for the three species expanded their ranges from the last interglacial (LIG) to the last glacial maximum (LGM), which was consistent with effective population sizes changes. Effects of genetic drift and fragmentation of habitats were responsible for the high differentiation and the lack of phylogeographic structure. Our results support that geological and climatic factors since Miocene triggered the differentiation, evolutionary origin and range shifts of the three oak species in the studied area and also emphasize that a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular markers, ENMs and population genetics can yield deep insights into diversification and evolutionary dynamics of species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Feng
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest UniversityXi'an, China
| | - Qi-Jian Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest UniversityXi'an, China
| | - Zeng-Qiang Qian
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal UniversityXi'an, China
| | - Jia Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest UniversityXi'an, China
| | - Yan-Ping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest UniversityXi'an, China
| | - Zhong-Hu Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest UniversityXi'an, China
| | - Gui-Fang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest UniversityXi'an, China
- *Correspondence: Gui-Fang Zhao
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Lichti NI, Steele MA, Swihart RK. Seed fate and decision‐making processes in scatter‐hoarding rodents. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2015; 92:474-504. [PMID: 26587693 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathanael I. Lichti
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Purdue University West Lafayette IN 47907 U.S.A
| | | | - Robert K. Swihart
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Purdue University West Lafayette IN 47907 U.S.A
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Zhang H, Wang Z, Zeng Q, Chang G, Wang Z, Zhang Z. Mutualistic and predatory interactions are driven by rodent body size and seed traits in a rodent–seed system in warm-temperate forest in northern China. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2015. [DOI: 10.1071/wr14211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Mutualistic interactions between animals and plants shape the structure of plant–animal systems and, subsequently, affect plant-community structure and regeneration.
Aims
To assess the effects of plant and rodent functional traits on the formation of mutualistic and predatory interactions regarding seed dispersal and predation in a warm-temperate forest.
Methods
Seed scatter-hoarding and predation by six sympatric rodent species on seeds belonging to five sympatric tree species were tested under enclosure conditions.
Key results
Functional traits (i.e. rodent body size and seed traits) are important to mutualism/predation in this seed–rodent system. The rodent–seed network is highly nested: large-sized rodents have mutualistic or predatory interactions with both large- and small-sized seed species, but small-sized rodents interacted with small-sized seed species only. Large seeds or seeds with hard coats enhanced mutualism and reduced predation.
Conclusion
Body size of rodents and seed traits such as handling time and nutritional value are key factors in the formation of mutualistic and predatory interactions within seed–rodent systems.
Implications
To promote seedling establishment in degenerated forests, introducing or protecting large-sized scatter hoarders and reducing the density of pure seed eaters are needed.
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Neuschulz EL, Mueller T, Bollmann K, Gugerli F, Böhning-Gaese K. Seed perishability determines the caching behaviour of a food-hoarding bird. J Anim Ecol 2014; 84:71-8. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eike Lena Neuschulz
- Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F) and Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung; Senckenberganlage 25 60325 Frankfurt (Main) Germany
| | - Thomas Mueller
- Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F) and Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung; Senckenberganlage 25 60325 Frankfurt (Main) Germany
- Department of Biological Sciences; Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt; Max-von-Laue-Straße 9 60438 Frankfurt (Main) Germany
| | - Kurt Bollmann
- Swiss Federal Research Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL); Zürcherstrasse 111 8903 Birmensdorf Switzerland
| | - Felix Gugerli
- Swiss Federal Research Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL); Zürcherstrasse 111 8903 Birmensdorf Switzerland
| | - Katrin Böhning-Gaese
- Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F) and Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung; Senckenberganlage 25 60325 Frankfurt (Main) Germany
- Department of Biological Sciences; Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt; Max-von-Laue-Straße 9 60438 Frankfurt (Main) Germany
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Lichti NI, Steele MA, Zhang H, Swihart RK. Mast species composition alters seed fate in North American rodent-dispersed hardwoods. Ecology 2014; 95:1746-58. [PMID: 25163109 DOI: 10.1890/13-1657.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Interactions between plants and scatter-hoarding animals may shift from mutualism to predation as a function of the resources available to those animals. Because seed species differ in their nutrient content and defenses to predation, resource selection and cache management by scatter-hoarders, and thus seed fate, may also depend on the relative availability of different seed types. We tracked the fates of tagged Castanea dentata, Quercus alba, and Q. rubra seeds presented to rodents in pairwise combinations and found that C. dentata, which has moderate dormancy prior to germination, survived better in the presence of Q. alba (no dormancy) than with Q. rubra (longer dormancy). Decisions made by scatter-hoarders in response to the composition of available seed resources can alter the relationship between masting and seed dispersal effectiveness in individual tree species and may have influenced the evolution of asynchrony among species-specific masting patterns in temperate forests. In theory, preferential allocation of certain seed species to storage or consumption could also result in indirect apparent predation by one seed species on another.
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van der Merwe M, Brown JS, Kotler BP. Quantifying the future value of cacheable food using fox squirrels (sciurus niger). Isr J Ecol Evol 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/15659801.2014.907974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Food caching allows foraging decisions to include both present and future food value. We developed and tested a conceptual framework for measuring animals’ perceptions of future vs. present food value. Fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) are well-known caching animals in North America. We measured giving-up densities (GUDs) of fox squirrels to test the following hypotheses: (1) all else equal, animals should prefer cacheable to non-cacheable foods, and (2) the option value of a cacheable food should change seasonally and be highest preceding lean periods. We presented squirrels with experimental food patches containing either shelled hazelnuts, hazelnuts with their shells intact (to affect cacheability) or both kinds. Our data support both hypotheses. Squirrels exploited food patches with cacheable nuts more thoroughly and left them at lower GUDs. The squirrels’ perception of the future value of hazelnuts with their shells intact was found to be 32% higher than their present value. GUDs also varied by season, fall > spring >winter > summer, likely corresponding to food availability. Season and food cacheability interacted to further determine GUDs. The difference in GUDs between cacheable and non-cacheable nuts varied similarly: fall > spring > winter > summer, likely corresponding to changing food availability, reproductive opportunities and pending energetic shortfalls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius van der Merwe
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago
- Biology Department, Dixie State University of Utah
| | - Joel S. Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago
| | - Burt P. Kotler
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
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Long RL, Gorecki MJ, Renton M, Scott JK, Colville L, Goggin DE, Commander LE, Westcott DA, Cherry H, Finch-Savage WE. The ecophysiology of seed persistence: a mechanistic view of the journey to germination or demise. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2014; 90:31-59. [PMID: 24618017 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Seed persistence is the survival of seeds in the environment once they have reached maturity. Seed persistence allows a species, population or genotype to survive long after the death of parent plants, thus distributing genetic diversity through time. The ability to predict seed persistence accurately is critical to inform long-term weed management and flora rehabilitation programs, as well as to allow a greater understanding of plant community dynamics. Indeed, each of the 420000 seed-bearing plant species has a unique set of seed characteristics that determine its propensity to develop a persistent soil seed bank. The duration of seed persistence varies among species and populations, and depends on the physical and physiological characteristics of seeds and how they are affected by the biotic and abiotic environment. An integrated understanding of the ecophysiological mechanisms of seed persistence is essential if we are to improve our ability to predict how long seeds can survive in soils, both now and under future climatic conditions. In this review we present an holistic overview of the seed, species, climate, soil, and other site factors that contribute mechanistically to seed persistence, incorporating physiological, biochemical and ecological perspectives. We focus on current knowledge of the seed and species traits that influence seed longevity under ex situ controlled storage conditions, and explore how this inherent longevity is moderated by changeable biotic and abiotic conditions in situ, both before and after seeds are dispersed. We argue that the persistence of a given seed population in any environment depends on its resistance to exiting the seed bank via germination or death, and on its exposure to environmental conditions that are conducive to those fates. By synthesising knowledge of how the environment affects seeds to determine when and how they leave the soil seed bank into a resistance-exposure model, we provide a new framework for developing experimental and modelling approaches to predict how long seeds will persist in a range of environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowena L Long
- School of Plant Biology, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
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Chang G, Zhang Z. Functional traits determine formation of mutualism and predation interactions in seed-rodent dispersal system of a subtropical forest. ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2013.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Zhang M, Dong Z, Yi X, Bartlow AW. Acorns containing deeper plumule survive better: how white oaks counter embryo excision by rodents. Ecol Evol 2014; 4:59-66. [PMID: 24455161 PMCID: PMC3894888 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Several squirrel species excise the embryo of acorns of most white oak species to arrest germination for long-term storage. However, it is not clear how these acorns counter embryo excision and survive in the arms race of coevolution. In this study, we simulated the embryo excision behavior of squirrels by removing 4 mm of cotyledon from the apical end of white oak acorns differing in embryo depths to investigate the effects of embryo excision on acorn germination and seedling performance of white oak species. The embryo depth in the cotyledons was significantly different among white oak acorns, with Quercus mongolica containing the embryo most deeply in the acorns. We found that artificial embryo excision significantly decreased acorn germination rates of Quercus variabilis, Quercus acutissima, Quercus aliena, Quercus aliena var. acutiserrata, Quercus serrata. var. brevipetiolata but not Q. mongolica. Artificial embryo excision exerted significant negative impacts on seedling performance of all oak species except Quercus aliena. Our study demonstrates the role of embryo depth of acorns in countering embryo excision by squirrels and may explain the fact that squirrels do not perform embryo excision in acorns of Q. mongolica with deeper embryos. This apparent adaptation of acorns sheds light on the coevolutionary dynamics between oaks and their seed predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Zhong Dong
- College of Food & Bioengineering, Henan University of Science and Technology Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Xianfeng Yi
- College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology Luoyang, 471003, China ; College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Andrew W Bartlow
- Department of Biology, University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
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Lurz PWW, Hayssen V, Geissler K, Bertolino S. Callosciurus erythraeus(Rodentia: Sciuridae). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1644/902.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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41
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Xiao Z, Gao X, Zhang Z. The combined effects of seed perishability and seed size on hoarding decisions by Pére David’s rock squirrels. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-013-1531-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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42
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Xiao Z, Gao X, Zhang Z. Sensitivity to Seed Germination Schedule by Scatter-Hoarding Pére David's Rock Squirrels During Mast and Non-Mast Years. Ethology 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhishu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture; Institute of Zoology; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing; China
| | - Xu Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture; Institute of Zoology; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing; China
| | - Zhibin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture; Institute of Zoology; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing; China
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43
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Responses of a scatter-hoarding rodent to seed morphology: links between seed choices and seed variability. Anim Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Yi X, Yang Y, Curtis R, Bartlow AW, Agosta SJ, Steele MA. Alternative strategies of seed predator escape by early-germinating oaks in Asia and North America. Ecol Evol 2012; 2:487-92. [PMID: 22822428 PMCID: PMC3399138 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2011] [Revised: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early germination of white oaks is widely viewed as an evolutionary strategy to escape rodent predation; yet, the mechanism by which this is accomplished is poorly understood. We report that chestnut oak Quercus montana (CO) and white oak Q. alba (WO) (from North America), and oriental cork oak Q. variabilis (OO) and Mongolian oak Q. mongolica (MO) (from Asia) can escape predation and successfully establish from only taproots. During germination in autumn, cotyledonary petioles of acorns of CO and WO elongate and push the plumule out of the cotyledons, whereas OO and MO extend only the hypocotyls and retain the plumule within the cotyledons. Experiments showed that the pruned taproots (>6 cm) of CO and WO acorns containing the plumule successfully germinated and survived, and the pruned taproots (≥12 cm) of OO and MO acorns without the plumule successfully regenerated along with the detached acorns, thus producing two seedlings. We argue that these two distinct regeneration morphologies reflect alternative strategies for escaping seed predation.
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GIANNONI STELLAM, CAMPOS VALERIAE, ANDINO NATALIA, RAMOS-CASTILLA MARÍA, OROFINO ALEJANDRO, BORGHI CARLOSE, DE LOS RÍOS CLAUDIA, CAMPOS CLAUDIAM. Hoarding patterns of sigmodontine rodent species in the Central Monte Desert (Argentina). AUSTRAL ECOL 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9993.2012.02438.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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47
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Behavioural responses to acorn germination by tree squirrels in an old forest where white oaks have long been extirpated. Anim Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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48
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Jorge MLSP, Brown JS, van der Merwe M. Handling time and the evolution of caching behavior. Behav Ecol 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arr205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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49
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Yi X, Steele MA, Zhang Z. Acorn Pericarp Removal as a Cache Management Strategy of the Siberian Chipmunk, Tamias sibiricus. Ethology 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.2011.01989.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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50
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Repeated radicle pruning of Quercus mongolica acorns as a cache management tactic of Siberian chipmunks. Acta Ethol 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10211-011-0102-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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