Abstract
In this study I tested the effect of Syagrus loefgrenii nut size and number on the intensity of removal by rodents across seasons. Trials were performed in which piles of either small or large endocarps (1, 3, 6, 12, and 25) were subjected to removal by rodents in the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna). Despite of variations in the intensity of removal, always this process decrease conform endocarp number. Also, mean proportion of endocarp removal was unrelated to year period, initial number, and size of endocarps. Hence, endocarp removal was consistently negative density-dependent. As, in principle, the observed patterns of nut removal point out similar survival chances for both nut sizes, the pervasive negative density-dependent response emerges as a strategy in S. loefgrenii to swamp rodents all year round irrespective of seed size.
Highlights
Palms (Arecaceae), are often abundant in tropical and subtropical regions across the world (Dransfield et al, 2008)
In principle, the observed patterns of nut removal point out similar survival chances for both nut sizes, the pervasive negative density-dependent response emerges as a strategy in S. loefgrenii to swamp rodents all year round irrespective of seed size
This study was developed from January to December 2015 in the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) of Estação Ecológica de Itirapina (EEI), in the municipalities of Itirapina and Brotas (State of São Paulo, Brazil: 22° 15’ S and 47° 49’ W; altitude varies between 700 and 750 m) including an area of 2,720 ha
Summary
Palms (Arecaceae), are often abundant in tropical and subtropical regions across the world (Dransfield et al, 2008). Given their wide distribution, species richness, and variation in life forms, palms are an adequate model system for studying plant-animal interactions (Henderson, 2002). Species richness, and variation in life forms, palms are an adequate model system for studying plant-animal interactions (Henderson, 2002) These diverse monocots exhibit an extraordinary variety of reproductive patterns (Zona and Henderson, 1989). A result of the rapid sequestering and burial of seeds by scatter-hoarding rodents is the prevention of insect access
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