Evidence for the adaptive significance of secondary compounds in vertebrate-dispersed fruits.

Abstract excerpt

Abstract Although the primary function of fleshy fruits is to attract seed dispersers, many ripe fruits contain toxic secondary compounds. A number of hypotheses have been proposed to explain this evolutionary paradox, most of which describe the potential adaptive role that secondary compounds may play in seed dispersal. However, some authors have argued that fruit secondary compounds may be nonadaptive and...

Topics

Share this publication in a Topic to start or enrich a Post.

• Share to Adaptation, Physiological
• Share to Behavior, Animal
• Share to Fruit