The influence of pulp lipids on fruit preference by birds

摘要: Use patterns of lipid-rich, fleshy fruits were examined for frugivorous birds. Approximately 20% fleshy-fruited species within plant communities bear fruit with >10% dry weight lipids. These are fed upon by the most heavily bird in those studied and focus highly specialized relationships among birds fruits. In aviary tests some temperate frugivores show preference higher lipid native prefer higher-lipid artificial as little 3% wet difference content. The importance lipids birds, possible effects differing digestive physiologies discussed.