Diel niche partitioning of a plant-hummingbird network in the Atlantic forest of Brazil.

ABSTRACT: Niche partitioning is an important mechanism that allows species to coexist. Within mutualistic interaction networks, diel niche partitioning, i.e., partitioning of resources throughout the day, has been neglected. We explored diel niche partitioning of a plant-hummingbird network in the Brazilian Atlantic forest for nine months. To evaluate diel patterns of hummingbird visits and nectar production, we used time-lapse cameras on focal flowers and repeated nectar volume and concentration measures, respectively. Additionally, we measured flower abundance around focal flowers and flower morphological traits. We did not observe diel partitioning for either hummingbirds or plants. Instead, hummingbirds appeared to specialize in different plant species, consistent with trophic niche partitioning

SUBMITTER: Nieto A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10113301 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature