Does fruiting phenology vary with fruit syndrome? An investigation on animal‐dispersed tree species in an evergreen forest in south‐western Cameroon

摘要: Fruit syndrome found in zoochorous plants is regarded as a result of hypothetical coevolution with seed disperser/predator. Fruiting phenology was compared among two representative syndromes, such bird–monkey (BM) and ruminant–rodent–elephant (RRE), plus the gravity dispersal species for comparison, south-western Cameroon order to examine which biotic or abiotic factors educed variation. The individual size selected (> 1.6 m height) recorded 16.95-ha area recruitment estimation their fruiting behaviour checked 9 months from June 1985 February 1986. BM species, suggested successful group, fruited less synchronous manner within had peaks just before during rainy season. RRE failing showed greater variation timing, duration synchronization. Results obtained supported no clear phenological response corresponding vertebrates except case Sacoglottis gabonensis RRE. reason concealing potential responses probably conflicting requirements offspring survival. Periodical likely reflect ecological constraint, water stress on seedlings, caused syndrome-specific morphological limitation. In this case, animals have indirect effects through selecting fruit morphology. suggests broad spectrum tactics faithful zoochory alternatives, trade off between agent restriction another parental investment seed-predation risk.