Geographic and seasonal variability in feeding behaviour of a small herbivorous rodent

摘要: Foraging strategies have traditionally been modelled as a result of food selection in response to one factor, for instance resource availability, deterrent compounds or nutrients. Thus, trade-off is assumed between plasticity (generalist strategy) and efficiency (specialist strategy). Nevertheless, several studies demonstrated that animals cope behaviourally with supply variation. For instance, desert-dwelling rodents partially compensate nutritional bottlenecks through diet selection. The aim our study was test how foraging behaviour matches spatial temporal variations the trophic environment modelling hypotheses help us understand resultant strategy. Our animal model small cavy Microcavia australis, widely distributed herbivorous rodent. Fieldwork carried out four places, wet dry seasons. We found significant differences plant cover, diversity niche breadth, revealed complex M. australis shows behavioural repertoire exceeds single-criterion categories; therefore, we appeal theoretical models consider ecological physiological perspectives. classified facultative specialist displaying thoroughly opportunistic strategy based on phenotype. finally discuss evolutionary relevance results propose further investigation avenues.