Seed predation and dispersal in a dominant desert plant: Opuntia, ants, birds, and mammals

摘要: Several Opuntia spp. (Cactaceae) occur in large and dense stands semiarid central Mexico. Their fruits seeds are a major food source for rodents, to lesser extent, harvester ants, birds, other mammals. O. robusta streptacantha differ their timing of fruit production presentation some traits which may have different consequences seed predation/dispersal interactions with the same group animals. Multiple suggesting changing predation/seed dispersal facilitation among these plants animals reported. The fate (either eaten or dispersed) after several possible predation/moving/dispersal apparently depends on such characteristics habitat as abundance rodent populations availability optional resources specialized granivores.