The influence of ethanol on feeding in the frugivorous yellow-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthopygos).

摘要: Abstract The sugars in fleshy fruits provide a rich source of energy to frugivorous animals. However, these carbohydrates also serve as substrate for alcoholic fermentation by yeasts, ethanol being the main by-product this process. Ethanol ingestion via frugivory thus occurs diverse assemblage invertebrate and vertebrate taxa, including numerous species birds. We tested roles an odor cue resource location adult yellow-vented bulbuls (Pycnonotus xanthopygos) possible appetite stimulant feeding trials with artificial food. hypothesized (1) that does not food-locating diurnal passerine birds, predicted choice food mass eaten such birds will be influenced ethanol. further (2) intake is affected according its concentration [EtOH], follow bell-shaped curve relation [EtOH]. In accord hypothesis prediction, we found did affect preferences, either ethanol-naive or ethanol-experienced bulbuls, when presented at concentrations naturally ripe fruit (0.0–1.0%); suggests bulbuls. Hypothesis was partially supported, namely low [EtOH] (0–3%), constant high (3%) decreased, following only right half response. Ethanol-naive showed no preference towards any two-way trials. daily single option decreased average 36% contained highest (3.0%). suggest decreasing relatively may means avoiding intoxication related ethanol-metabolizing ability bird.