Reward regulation in plant–frugivore networks requires only weak cues

Jörg Albrecht (), Jonas Hagge, Dana G. Schabo, H. Martin Schaefer and Nina Farwig
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Jörg Albrecht: Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F)
Jonas Hagge: Technical University of Munich
Dana G. Schabo: Philipps-University Marburg
H. Martin Schaefer: Fundación Jocotoco, Lizardo García E9-104 y Andrés Xaura
Nina Farwig: Philipps-University Marburg

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Theory assumes that fair trade among mutualists requires highly reliable communication. In plant–animal mutualisms the reliability of cues that indicate reward quality is often low. Therefore, it is controversial whether communication allows animal mutualists to regulate their reward intake. Here we show that even loose relationships between fruit brightness and nutritional rewards (r2 = 0.11–0.35) allow birds to regulate their nutrient intake across distinct European plant–frugivore networks. Resident, over-wintering generalist frugivores that interact with diverse plant species select bright, lipid-rich fruits, whereas migratory birds select dark, sugar- and antioxidant-rich fruits. Both nutritional strategies are consistent with previous physiological experiments suggesting that over-wintering generalists aim to maximize their energy intake, whereas migrants aim to enhance the build-up of body fat, their immune response and oxidative status during migration. Our results suggest that animal mutualists require only weak cues to regulate their reward intake according to specific nutritional strategies.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07362-z

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