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Seed Dispersal Limitation In A Neotropical Nutmeg, Virola Flexuosa (Myristicaceae): An Ecological And Genetic Approach, Kimberly Mae Holbrook

Dissertations

Seed dispersal contributes significantly to tropical forest maintenance, influencing processes, such as metapopulation dynamics and population persistence. Although several hypotheses have been debated regarding the contribution of seed dispersal to tropical forest diversity, recent work suggests that dispersal limitation is a major component in determining plant population patterns. This dissertation research broadly addresses hypotheses that seed dispersal behaviour of frugivores influences dispersal limitation of a Neotropical tree, Virola flexuosa (Myristicaceae). To test these hypotheses, I studied how different frugivores influenced seed dispersal of V. flexuosa at two sites in Amazonia Ecuador. General research objectives were to estimate fruit removal by …