Two dispersers are better than one: a 'bird-fig' attracts bats via nocturnal scent

摘要: The plant genus Ficus is a keystone resource in tropical ecoystems. One of the unique features this group modification fruit traits concert with various dispersers, so-called syndromes. classic example strong phenotypic differences found between figs bat and bird dispersers (color, size, presentation). 9bird-fig9 colubrinae represents an exception to trend since it attracts small frugivorous species Ectophylla alba at night, but during day visitors. Here we investigate mechanism by which bats despite its morphology should appeal solely birds. We performed feeding experiments assess role scent detection ripe fruits. was capable finding alone under exclusion other natural sensory cues. This suggests that key signal communication colubrinae. Analyses odor bouquets from bat- bird-dispersal phases (i.e. night) differed significantly their composition volatiles. indicates olfactory allows phenotypically attract night thus maximizing dispersal.