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Consistent individual differences in seed disperser quality in a seed-eating fish
1Experimental Zoology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, De Elst 1, 6708 WD, Wageningen, The Netherlands. bart.pollux@wur.nl.
Oecologia
|October 6, 2016
Summary
Individual common carp (Cyprinus carpio) vary greatly in their ability to disperse aquatic plant seeds. Some carp are high-quality dispersers, while others are low-quality, impacting plant ecology.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Botany
Background:
- Animal-mediated seed dispersal (zoochory) is crucial for ecological processes.
- Intra-specific variation in seed disperser quality is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify individual differences in disperser quality within common carp (Cyprinus carpio).
- To assess variation in seed ingestion, digestion, and retention times for aquatic plant seeds.
Main Methods:
- Seed feeding trials were conducted using common carp.
- Seeds from two aquatic plants, unbranched bur-reed (Sparganium emersum) and arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia), were used.
Main Results:
- Significant individual variation was found in carp's seed ingestion and digestion.
- Differences in seed retention time led to varied dispersal distances.
- Up to 31-fold differences in seed dispersal probability were observed among carp.
Conclusions:
- Common carp exhibit a continuum of seed disperser quality.
- Individual variation in disperser quality has significant ecological and evolutionary implications for plants and animals.
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