THE EFFECT OF SOME MEDITERRANEAN SCRUBLAND FRUGIVORES UPON GERMINATION PATTERNS

摘要: SUMMARY (1) The probabilty of germination, the length seed dormancy, and temporal pattern germination five bird-dispersed plant species an eastern Mediterranean scrubland community varied depending on species, which seven bird they were experimentally fed to, whether or not remained covered by pulp, pulp was removed before sowing. (2) It is proposed that, in order to withstand passage through gut, seeds are protected a way that may delay their after defecation alter inherent amount wear go while gut. experimental results suggest frugivory modifies this dormancy so evenness seedling emergence over time increases as more dispersers, each treats its gut differently, ingest fruit. This help spread risks encountered during adaptation relatively mesic environment with unpredictable rain pattern. (3) Rhamnus palaestinus encased sheath unique features. fully protects disperser, shed immediately defecation. Thus protection does out yet impaired remains totally independent characteristics various dispersers.