Stability and generalization in seed dispersal networks: a case study of frugivorous fish in Neotropical wetlands.

ABSTRACT: When species within guilds perform similar ecological roles, functional redundancy can buffer ecosystems against species loss. Using data on the frequency of interactions between fish and fruit, we assessed whether co-occurring frugivores provide redundant seed dispersal services in three species-rich Neotropical wetlands. Our study revealed that frugivorous fishes have generalized diets; however, large-bodied fishes had greater seed dispersal breadth than small species, in some cases, providing seed dispersal services not achieved by smaller fish species. As overfishing disproportionately affects big fishes, the extirpation of these species could cause larger secondary extinctions of plant species than the loss of small specialist frugivores. To evaluate the consequences of frugivore spec

SUBMITTER: Correa SB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5013796 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature