Density-dependent Seed Predation and Plant Dispersion of the Tropical Palm Normanbya normanbyi'

摘要: We measured the response of seed predators to variation in density and distance between sources palms North Queensland, Australia. Adult palm trees occurred at a 20/ha. Their distribution was highly clumped more than half immature plants within 3 m an adult. were also arranged lines down slope, apparently reflecting patterns carriage by overland water flow. Seed dispersal is affected cassowaries, ratite which ranges over many hundreds ha deposits seeds dusters. Small mammals range few may deposit as single entities (singletons). Many remain undispersed beneath female parent with heavy predation. In this study placed adult two densities dispersed varying distances clusters ten singletons. Pigs earwigs principal but they did not destroy all any treatment. However, germination percentage remaining greatly depressed indicating that one or both disproportionately selecting potential germinants. responsive tree sources; damage great extent. Earwigs destroyed heavily trees, efficient pigs locating seeds. Rodent predation light dispersal.