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Dilution And Detoxication Costs: Relevance To Avian Herbivore Food Selection, Walter J. Jakubas, Christopher G. Gulgielmo, William H. Karasov

National Wildlife Research Center Repellents Conference 1995

Toxicity and digestive inhibition are commonly thought of as the primary postingestive consequences by which plant secondary metabolites (PSM's) limit herbivore food selection. However, food selection may also be modified by nutritional costs imposed by detoxication processes and nutrient dilution. Few studies have determined the magnitude of these costs for vertebrate herbivores and their ecological significance. Research clarifying the mechanisms by which PSM's repel animals may give new insights into the development of repellents for nuisance wildlife and improve our ability to predict ecological interactions involving herbivores. Using captive ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus), we tested whether PSM ingestion …