Title: Antagonists and their effects in a hummingbird–plant interaction: Field experiments
Abstract:Abstract In the plant–hummingbird interaction both the rewards offered by plants and the pollen transport effected by hummingbirds are usually exploited by antagonists such as herbivores and nectar ro...Abstract In the plant–hummingbird interaction both the rewards offered by plants and the pollen transport effected by hummingbirds are usually exploited by antagonists such as herbivores and nectar robbers, which do not provide a benefit to either mutualistic partner. These antagonists can directly and indirectly affect plant fitness by forcing hummingbirds to modify their foraging behaviour. The ecological significance of antagonists for the plant–hummingbird interaction is largely unknown. The goal of this work was to investigate the combined effects of herbivores and nectar robbers on the interaction between the distylous herb Bouvardia ternifolia and its hummingbird visitors. By simulating different intensities of herbivory and nectar theft, we studied (1) changes in the foraging behaviour of visiting hummingbirds, (2) differences in the use of floral morphs, (3) changes in nectar characteristics, and (4) their effects on plant fitness. On plants of both morphs, higher levels of leaf defoliation and n...Read More
Publication Year: 2008
Publication Date: 2008-03-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 10
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