A combination of rules govern fruit trait preference by frugivorous bat and bird species: nutrients, defence and size

ROJAS, TOBIAS NICOLAS; BRUZZONE, OCTAVIO AUGUSTO; ZAMPINI, IRIS CATIANA; ISLA MARÍA INÉS; BLENDINGER, PEDRO GERARDO

ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR

ACADEMIC PRESS LTD-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2021

0003-3472

Several hypotheses explain how sensory, anatomical, and physiological constraintsdrive fruit preference in frugivores. Optimal diet theory (ODT) states that frugivoresmake decisions based on the energy contained in food. In contrast, geometry ofnutrition (GN) states that animals balance their macronutrient intake instead opting forrough energy. The defence trade-off hypothesis (DTH) assumes a negativerelationship between secondary compounds and fruit preference. Finally, the sizematching hypothesis (SMH) states that frugivores are more attracted to fruits that areeasier to handle and consume. We tested these four hypotheses by offering paired fruitspecies to three fruit-eating animal species (a masher bird, a gulper bird and a masherbat) in captivity, from which we built a ranking of fruit preference. We then explored theimportance of 13 fruit traits in explaining fruit preference. The masher bird was the onlyspecies whose fruit-preference pattern corresponded with GN. Fruit preference of themasher and gulper bird species supported DTH and SMH, while fruit preference by thebat species were not related to any analysed trait. More than one single rule governsfruit preference in different frugivore species. Fruit preferences of functionally differentfrugivore species is affected by particular fruit traits, which they either select or avoid.The search for specific macronutrients, while avoiding toxicity in fruits matching theanatomical limitations of frugivores, could lead to complementary foraging choices.Variability between seed disperser species in the search for easily manageable fruitsallows achieving a complementary fruit diet, with preferred and avoided traits. It can bean important driver of fruit trait diversity in fleshy-fruited plant assemblages.