Abstract Detail

Bryology and Lichenology

Behling, Emily [1], Caviness, Terrance E. [2], Lewis, Lily R. [3], Jiménez, Jaime E. [4], Goffinet, Bernard [5], Rozzi, Ricardo [6].

Dispersal of bryophyte diaspores following ingestion by birds.

The role of birds in the dispersal of seeds, as well as invertebrates, externally by means of attachment (ectozoochory) and internally via ingestion (endozoochory) has been well explored. The role of birds in dispersing bryophytes, however, has been largely overlooked. The plumage of migratory birds holds a diversity of diaspores, suggesting that bryophytes may be dispersed via ectozoochory. Whether endozoochory plays a role in shaping bryophyte distribution remains unexplored. We developed an efficient protocol for microscopically screening avian fecal samples for diaspores. On Navarino Island, at the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, we collected fecal samples from Chloephaga picata, the Upland Goose, and Attagis malouinus, the White-bellied Seedsnipe, both herbivores, and also from forest birds that feed on plants and insects. Recovered bryophyte diaspores were photographed, and some were placed on culture medium to test for their viability. We report the recovery of vegetative bryophyte diaspores in the fecal samples of the White-bellied Seedsnipe. Culture experiments are currently underway to determine if diaspores may remain viable after passage through the digestive tract of the White-bellied Seedsnipe. If viability of these fragments is confirmed, this evidence would highlight the role of birds in bryophyte dispersal via endozoochory.

1 - University of Connecticut, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, 75 N Eagleville Road, U-3043, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
2 - State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Fore, Environmental Biology, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY, 13210 , USA
3 - University of Florida, Biology, PO Box 118525, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
4 - University of North Texas, Biological Sciences, Denton , TX, 76201, USA
5 - University of Connecticut, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, 75 N Eagleville Road, U-3043, Storrs, CT, 06269, United States
6 - University of North Texas, Philosophy, Denton , TX, 76201, USA

Keywords:
none specified

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Bryology and Lichenological Section/ABLS Posters
Location: Exhibit Hall/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PBR004
Abstract ID:224
Candidate for Awards:None