The common frugivores of Trinidad and Tobago
1991
Laurence, G.A. (Ministry of Food Production and Marine Exploitation, Port-of-Spain (Trinidad and Tobago))
Fruit-eating as a specialization is found prominently among birds although mammals also, include several species that rely heavily on a diet of fruits. Several species of bat are frugivores but their nocturnal habits shield them from the notoriety they deserve, whereas the insects, although principally phytophagous, are remarkably free of species that feed only on fruits. Seed dispersal is advantageous to the survival of the plant and this may be achieved by mammals or birds that regurgitate or defecate the seeds at some distance from the plants or by bats or rodents that transport the fruit for consumption or storage at another site. Seed predators like parrots and some pigeons may digest the seed and thus frustrate the purpose of the fruit. Frugivorous insects by their feeding, abort the development of the fruit or render it unattractive to other frugivores
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