Abstract
The preferences for different species of native seeds by two species of Australian desert rodents, the sandy inland mouse,Pseudomys hermannsburgensis, and the spinifex hopping-mouseNotomys alexis, were investigated. In two sets of cafeteria trials providing low and high numbers of different seed species, both rodent species showed discrimination, preferentially consuming certain seed species, while avoiding others. In one of the two trials,P. hermannsburgensisselected seeds with the highest free water content, whileN. alexisshowed no clear mechanism of seed choice in either trial. It is suggested that although both species of rodents are omnivorous,P. hermannsburgensisrelies more on seeds than doesN. alexis, and is thus the more efficient seed harvester.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
