Small seed size increases the potential for dispersal of wetland plants by ducks

摘要: 1. Long-distance dispersal (LDD) is important in plants of dynamic and ephemeral habitats. For wetland habitats, waterfowl are generally considered to be LDD vectors. However, comparison the internal (endozoochorous) terrestrial by birds, endozoochorous has received little attention. We quantified capacity for identified mechanisms underlying successful dispersal, comparing capacities a large number plant species. 2. selected 23 common species from habitats measured their seed characteristics. fed seeds all mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), highly omnivorous duck species, gut survival, passage speed subsequent germination. then used simple model calculate distances. 3. In total 21 can dispersed mallards, with intact retrieval germination up 32% ingested seeds. The that pass fastest through digestive tract retrieved greatest numbers (up 54%) germinate best 87%). These smallest Seed coat thickness plays only minor role determining mallard gut, but determines if ingestion enhances or reduces control 4. Model calculations estimate whereas largest hardly most 780 km, 3000 during migration. 5. Synthesis. This study demonstrates mechanism mallards: small size promotes rapid, hence viable, gut. Mallards disperse largest-seeded successfully relatively seeds) over long distances thousands kilometres) therefore