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Birds and neotropical mistletoes: effects on seedling recruitment

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Abstract

Two groups of neotropical mistletoes differ in fruit structure and consequently in the manner their seeds are deposited by avian frugivores. Birds defecate seeds of one group in clumps, but deposit seeds of the other group singly by regurgitation. A significant proportion of adult plants of both species were found growing alone, indicating a higher mortality with seed clumping.

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Davidar, P. Birds and neotropical mistletoes: effects on seedling recruitment. Oecologia 60, 271–273 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00379532

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00379532

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