The Influence of Seed Characteristics on Seed Dispersal Early Stages by Tibetan Macaques.

ABSTRACT: There are numerous ecological and evolutionary implications for the ability of frugivores to predate on fruits and consume or disperse their seeds. Tibetan macaques, which are considered important seed predators, typically feed on fruits or seeds. However, systematic research into whether they have a seed dispersal function is still lacking. Endozoochory allows seeds to disperse over greater distances by allowing them to remain in the animal's digestive tract. Consumption of fruit may not imply effective seed dispersal, and the physical characteristics of seeds (e.g., size, weight, specific gravity, etc.) may influence the dispersal phase's outcome. We conducted feeding experiments with three captive Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) and nine plant seeds to determine the influence

SUBMITTER: Qian H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9179551 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature