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Steele M, Bogdziewicz M. The effects of plant hormones on dispersal and predation of seeds by Leopoldamys edwardsi: the co-evolutionary knot between acorns and rodents grows tighter. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024. [PMID: 38429860 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Steele
- Department of Biology and Earth and Environmental Science, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, 18766, PA, USA
| | - Michal Bogdziewicz
- Forest Biology Center, Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
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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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Zhang J, Yan X, Dayananda B, Luo Y, Li J. Frequency-dependent predation and seedling fate: Effect of forest litter on regeneration of the Quercus wutaishanica seedling. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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4
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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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5
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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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6
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Li D, Liu Y, Shan H, Li N, Hao J, Yang B, Peng T, Jin Z. Effects of season and food on the scatter-hoarding behavior of rodents in temperate forests of Northeast China. Zookeys 2021; 1025:73-89. [PMID: 33814946 PMCID: PMC7997858 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1025.60972] [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: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To explore the differences in hoarding strategies of rodents for different seeds in various seasons, we labeled and released the seeds of Pinuskoraiensis, Corylusmandshurica, Quercusmongolica and Prunussibirica in temperate forests of Northeast China and investigated the fate of the seeds in spring and autumn. The analysis showed that the hoarding strategies of the rodents varied substantially between seasons. The seeds were consumed faster in the spring than in the autumn. More than 50% of the seeds in the two seasons were consumed by the 16th day. It took 36 days to consume 75% of the seeds in the spring and 44 days in the autumn. The rate of consumption of the seeds in the spring was greater than in the autumn, and the rate of spread of the seeds was greater in the autumn. The distances of removal for the consumption and dispersal of seeds in the spring (3.26 ± 3.21 m and 4.15 ± 3.52 m, respectively) were both shorter than those in the autumn (3.74 ± 3.41 m and 4.87 ± 3.94 m, respectively). In addition, the fate of different seeds varied significantly owing to differences in hoarding strategies. The seeds of the three preferred species, P.koraiensis, C.mandshurica, and Q.mongolica, were quickly consumed. More than 90% of the seeds of these species were consumed. Only 21% of Pr.sibirica seeds were slowly consumed, and the two seasons had the same seed consumption rate patterns: the consumption rate of P.koraiensis seeds was the highest, followed by C.mandshurica, then Q.mongolica, and finally Pr.sibirica. The median removal times of the two seasons were different, but the rules were the same: P.koraiensis was the shortest, followed by C.mandshurica, and the third was Q.mongolica. In both seasons, the most predated in situ seeds were those of P.koraiensis; the most hoarded seeds were those of C.mandshurica, and the most unconsumed seeds were those of Pr.sibirica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianwei Li
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, Mudanjiang Normal University, No. 191 Wenhua Road, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, China Mudanjiang Normal University Mudanjiang China.,College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, No. 26 Hexing Road, Harbin 150040, China Northeast Forestry University Harbin China.,Heilongjiang Academy of Forestry, No. 134 Haping Road, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China Heilongjiang Academy of Forestry Harbin China
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, Mudanjiang Normal University, No. 191 Wenhua Road, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, China Mudanjiang Normal University Mudanjiang China
| | - Hongjia Shan
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, Mudanjiang Normal University, No. 191 Wenhua Road, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, China Mudanjiang Normal University Mudanjiang China
| | - Na Li
- Mudanjiang Medical School No. 5 Fangzhier Road, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157009, China Mudanjiang Medical School Mudanjiang China
| | - Jingwei Hao
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, Mudanjiang Normal University, No. 191 Wenhua Road, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, China Mudanjiang Normal University Mudanjiang China
| | - Binbin Yang
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, Mudanjiang Normal University, No. 191 Wenhua Road, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, China Mudanjiang Normal University Mudanjiang China
| | - Ting Peng
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, Mudanjiang Normal University, No. 191 Wenhua Road, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, China Mudanjiang Normal University Mudanjiang China
| | - Zhimin Jin
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, Mudanjiang Normal University, No. 191 Wenhua Road, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, China Mudanjiang Normal University Mudanjiang China
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7
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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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8
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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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9
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Gamboa A, Barragán F. Preferencias de los granívoros con respecto al tamaño y la calidad de las bellotas en un bosque de Quercus en la zona centroseptentrional de México. ANIMAL BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION 2020. [DOI: 10.32800/abc.2020.43.0197] [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
Acorns of the species of the genus Quercus are highly appreciated by a diverse group of animals. It remains unclear whether the choice to move an acorn is related to the intrinsic characteristics of the fruit. In this work, we aimed to determine whether the size and quality of acorns (healthy or damaged) influenced their removal. We found that Q. affinis was the species with the largest acorns but the lowest removal rate, and Q. eduardii was the species with the smallest acorns but highest removal rates. Two groups of vertebrates carried out this removal, and this activity occurred at two clearly separate times. Jays Aphelocoma spp. carried out their activity during the day, and rodents Peromyscus spp. removed acorns at night. Size and quality only had a significant influence on the removal of Q. affinis. Our results suggest that absence of large animals could put the establishment of species with large acorns (such as Q. affinis) at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Gamboa
- IPICYT/División de Ciencias Ambientales, SLP, Mexico
| | - F. Barragán
- IPICYT/División de Ciencias Ambientales, SLP, Mexico
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10
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SUNDARAM M, HIGDON AE, WOOD KV, BONHAM CC, SWIHART RK. Mechanisms underlying detection of seed dormancy by a scatter‐hoarding rodent. Integr Zool 2020; 15:89-102. [PMID: 31631524 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mekala SUNDARAM
- Department of Forestry and Natural ResourcesPurdue University West Lafayette USA
- Department of Geological SciencesStanford University Stanford California USA
| | - Ashley E. HIGDON
- Department of Forestry and Natural ResourcesPurdue University West Lafayette USA
| | - Karl V. WOOD
- Department of ChemistryPurdue University West Lafayette USA
| | | | - Robert K. SWIHART
- Department of Forestry and Natural ResourcesPurdue University West Lafayette USA
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11
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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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12
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Greenler SM, Estrada LA, Kellner KF, Saunders MR, Swihart RK. Prescribed fire and partial overstory removal alter an acorn-rodent conditional mutualism. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 29:e01958. [PMID: 31240798 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In eastern North America, oak (Quercus) regeneration failure has spurred management using silvicultural approaches better aligned with the autecology of oaks. In particular, shelterwood harvests can create favorable intermediate light conditions for oak establishment and prescribed fire is predicted (by the oak-fire hypothesis) to favor oak regeneration. These approaches substantially modify forest structure and may affect crucial trophic interactions including the conditional mutualism between oaks and granivorous rodents that scatterhoard acorns, which shifts along a continuum from antagonistic to mutualistic depending on external factors. We investigated how overwinter survival and dispersal of northern red oak (Quercus rubra) acorns were influenced by location within or outside of group shelterwood harvests (small canopy gaps created throughout an intact forest stand) with and without prescribed fire. We conducted two concurrent experiments to test (1) dispersal and survival of acorns presented on the forest floor and (2) acorn pilferage rates from caches that mimic squirrel scatterhoards in shelterwood gap/group interiors, edges, and the uncut forest matrix in burned and unburned forest stands. In both experiments, acorn survival was generally higher in burned than unburned stands. Acorn survival from forest floor presentations was higher in the unharvested forest matrix than harvest gap interiors; however, there was no effect of proximity to harvest gaps on survival of cached acorns. Survival of cached acorns was associated with understory vegetative cover (-), coarse woody debris cover (-), and distance to nearest tree (+), but uncorrelated with canopy cover above the cache. Our results suggest that reduced understory cover following prescribed fire may increase perceived habitat riskiness for granivores resulting in higher acorn survival up to 2 yr post-fire. These findings unify the oak-fire and oak-granivore conditional mutualism hypotheses, and suggest that the environmental conditions following prescribed fire and group shelterwood harvests may shift the oak-granivore conditional mutualism in a direction beneficial for oak regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skye M Greenler
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 W. State Street, West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907, USA
| | - Laura A Estrada
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 W. State Street, West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907, USA
| | - Kenneth F Kellner
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 W. State Street, West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907, USA
| | - Michael R Saunders
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 W. State Street, West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907, USA
| | - Robert K Swihart
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 W. State Street, West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907, USA
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13
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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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14
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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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15
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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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16
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Frequency-dependent hoarding bySciurus carolinensisoccurs with seeds of similar perceived value. J Mammal 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyw152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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18
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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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19
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Sundaram M, Willoughby JR, Lichti NI, Steele MA, Swihart RK. Segregating the Effects of Seed Traits and Common Ancestry of Hardwood Trees on Eastern Gray Squirrel Foraging Decisions. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130942. [PMID: 26110828 PMCID: PMC4482146 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of specific seed traits in scatter-hoarded tree species often has been attributed to granivore foraging behavior. However, the degree to which foraging investments and seed traits correlate with phylogenetic relationships among trees remains unexplored. We presented seeds of 23 different hardwood tree species (families Betulaceae, Fagaceae, Juglandaceae) to eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), and measured the time and distance travelled by squirrels that consumed or cached each seed. We estimated 11 physical and chemical seed traits for each species, and the phylogenetic relationships between the 23 hardwood trees. Variance partitioning revealed that considerable variation in foraging investment was attributable to seed traits alone (27–73%), and combined effects of seed traits and phylogeny of hardwood trees (5–55%). A phylogenetic PCA (pPCA) on seed traits and tree phylogeny resulted in 2 “global” axes of traits that were phylogenetically autocorrelated at the family and genus level and a third “local” axis in which traits were not phylogenetically autocorrelated. Collectively, these axes explained 30–76% of the variation in squirrel foraging investments. The first global pPCA axis, which produced large scores for seed species with thin shells, low lipid and high carbohydrate content, was negatively related to time to consume and cache seeds and travel distance to cache. The second global pPCA axis, which produced large scores for seeds with high protein, low tannin and low dormancy levels, was an important predictor of consumption time only. The local pPCA axis primarily reflected kernel mass. Although it explained only 12% of the variation in trait space and was not autocorrelated among phylogenetic clades, the local axis was related to all four squirrel foraging investments. Squirrel foraging behaviors are influenced by a combination of phylogenetically conserved and more evolutionarily labile seed traits that is consistent with a weak or more diffuse coevolutionary relationship between rodents and hardwood trees rather than a direct coevolutionary relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mekala Sundaram
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Janna R. Willoughby
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Nathanael I. Lichti
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Steele
- Department of Biology, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Robert K. Swihart
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
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20
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Mercer KL, Emry DJ, Snow AA, Kost MA, Pace BA, Alexander HM. Fitness of crop-wild hybrid sunflower under competitive conditions: implications for crop-to-wild introgression. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109001. [PMID: 25295859 PMCID: PMC4189920 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the likelihood and extent of introgression of novel alleles in hybrid zones requires comparison of lifetime fitness of parents and hybrid progeny. However, fitness differences among cross types can vary depending on biotic conditions, thereby influencing introgression patterns. Based on past work, we predicted that increased competition would enhance introgression between cultivated and wild sunflower (Helianthus annuus) by reducing fitness advantages of wild plants. To test this prediction, we established a factorial field experiment in Kansas, USA where we monitored the fitness of four cross types (Wild, F1, F2, and BCw hybrids) under different levels of interspecific and intraspecific competition. Intraspecific manipulations consisted both of density of competitors and of frequency of crop-wild hybrids. We recorded emergence of overwintered seeds, survival to reproduction, and numbers of seeds produced per reproductive plant. We also calculated two compound fitness measures: seeds produced per emerged seedling and seeds produced per planted seed. Cross type and intraspecific competition affected emergence and survival to reproduction, respectively. Further, cross type interacted with competitive treatments to influence all other fitness traits. More intense competition treatments, especially related to density of intraspecific competitors, repeatedly reduced the fitness advantage of wild plants when considering seeds produced per reproductive plant and per emerged seedling, and F2 plants often became indistinguishable from the wilds. Wild fitness remained superior when seedling emergence was also considered as part of fitness, but the fitness of F2 hybrids relative to wild plants more than quadrupled with the addition of interspecific competitors and high densities of intraspecific competitors. Meanwhile, contrary to prediction, lower hybrid frequency reduced wild fitness advantage. These results emphasize the importance of taking a full life cycle perspective. Additionally, due to effects of exogenous selection, a given hybrid generation may be especially well-suited to hastening introgression under particular environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L. Mercer
- Ohio State University, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - D. Jason Emry
- University of Kansas, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
- Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Allison A. Snow
- Ohio State University, Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Matthew A. Kost
- Ohio State University, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Brian A. Pace
- Ohio State University, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Helen M. Alexander
- University of Kansas, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
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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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23
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Sunyer P, Espelta JM, Bonal R, Muñoz A. Seeding phenology influences wood mouse seed choices: the overlooked role of timing in the foraging decisions by seed-dispersing rodents. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-014-1731-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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24
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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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25
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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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26
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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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27
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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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29
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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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30
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File AL, Murphy GP, Dudley SA. Fitness consequences of plants growing with siblings: reconciling kin selection, niche partitioning and competitive ability. Proc Biol Sci 2012; 279:209-18. [PMID: 22072602 PMCID: PMC3223689 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2011.1995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant studies that have investigated the fitness consequences of growing with siblings have found conflicting evidence that can support different theoretical frameworks. Depending on whether siblings or strangers have higher fitness in competition, kin selection, niche partitioning and competitive ability have been invoked. Here, we bring together these processes in a conceptual synthesis and argue that they can be co-occurring. We propose that these processes can be reconciled and argue for a trait-based approach of measuring natural selection instead of the fitness-based approach to the study of sibling competition. This review will improve the understanding of how plants interact socially under competitive situations, and provide a framework for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L File
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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31
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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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32
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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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33
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Cao L, Xiao Z, Wang Z, Guo C, Chen J, Zhang Z. High regeneration capacity helps tropical seeds to counter rodent predation. Oecologia 2011; 166:997-1007. [PMID: 21328011 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-011-1908-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2010] [Accepted: 01/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Rapid germination of non-dormant seeds is one adaptation plants have evolved to counter seed predation by rodents. Some rodent species have evolved behaviors that prevent or slow the seed germination process through seed embryo removal or seed pruning; however, no plant species is known to have successfully escaped embryo removal or seed pruning by rodents. Here, we report that the non-dormant seeds of Pittosporopsis kerrii Craib in tropical rain forests in China have a high regeneration capacity to counter seed pruning by rodents. We found seed pruning, instead of embryo removal, was commonly used by rodents to increase food storage time by slowing down the seed germination process, but that P. kerrii seeds have a high regeneration capacity to escape seed predation by rodents: all pruned seeds, pruned roots and embryo-removed seeds by rodents or people retain the ability to develop into seedlings. Seeds of P. kerrii also have other capacities (i.e. rapid seed decomposition and indigestible dormant taproots) to escape predation by reducing the plant's attractiveness to rodents. The association between seed pruning behavior in rodents and high regeneration capacity of pruned seeds or roots in P. kerrii seeds are likely novel adaptation strategies adopted by seeds and rodents, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cao
- 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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