Global plant-frugivore trait matching is shaped by climate and biogeographic history.

ABSTRACT: Species interactions are influenced by the trait structure of local multi-trophic communities. However, it remains unclear whether mutualistic interactions in particular can drive trait patterns at the global scale, where climatic constraints and biogeographic processes gain importance. Here we evaluate global relationships between traits of frugivorous birds and palms (Arecaceae), and how these relationships are affected, directly or indirectly, by assemblage richness, climate and biogeographic history. We leverage a new and expanded gape size dataset for nearly all avian frugivores, and find a positive relationship between gape size and fruit size, that is, trait matching, which is influenced indirectly by palm richness and climate. We also uncover a latitudinal gradient in trait matchin

SUBMITTER: McFadden IR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9302656 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature