The Seed Dispersal Niche of Gibbons in Bornean Dipterocarp Forests

摘要: Most tropical rain forest plants are adapted to have their seeds dispersed by animals (Richards 1996). A profusion of birds, mammals, insects, and occasionally reptiles amphibians consume fruits, but they differ in ranging behavior, ability manipulate seeds, and, hence, seed dispersal effectiveness (van der Pijl 1982; Corlett 1998). It was assumed for many years that effective dispersers had close coevolutionary relationships with selected fruit species (McKey 1980), more recent research indicates coevolution has generally been on a diffuse scale – between suites fruits (Herrera 1985). The development hindered the diversity frugivores feed most plant [only rarely is single (e.g., Cochrane 2003)] inconsistencies frugivore foraging over time or space (Chapman Chapman 2002), even within fruiting season [e.g., small sources may attract different array than large (Russo 2003)]. Furthermore, very few produce reproductive, adult subsequent life stages overriding any subtle advantages one mode another (Howe andMitiri 2004). For frugivorous develop amore direct relationship favored species, it must clearly defined niche community, providing consistent unique service can lasting positive impact survival establishment seeds. Effective should disperse (quantitative component), from multiple sources, manner maximizes germination (qualitative component) (Schupp 1993). One important aspects removal away canopy parent plant, where there often higher rates