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Ecological correlates of endozoochory by herbivores
Author(s) -
Pakeman R. J.,
Digneffe G.,
Small J. L.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
functional ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.272
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1365-2435
pISSN - 0269-8463
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2435.2002.00625.x
Subject(s) - biology , herbivore , seed dispersal , germination , ecology , species richness , ecosystem , seed dispersal syndrome , biological dispersal , seed predation , botany , population , demography , sociology
Summary 1. Many plant species germinate from herbivore dung. However, there has been little assessment of how widespread this dispersal mechanism is. 2. A survey of the germinable seed in rabbit and sheep dung from 10 sites in the UK was used to identify the characteristics of species dispersed internally by animals. 3. A wide range of species germinated; the commonest species being ‘weeds’ of grazed communities. 4. Species that did germinate were characterized by small seed size and the capability of forming a persistent seedbank. 5. A substantial quantity and range of seeds are dispersed by herbivores in grazed ecosystems, and this could have a significant effect on the dynamics and species richness of these systems.