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.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.