The analysis reveals global patterns of trait matching in bird and plant networks
A: Chestnut-colored Oriol (Oriolus trailii) (Lindera sp.) eating spicewood fruit; B: Flower pecker (Dicaeum cruentatum) supported by scar-colored eating fruit of drizzling (Viscum sp.). Credit: Midiexiang, Red Vision
In 1862, Charles Darwin predicted the presence of moth with his long tongue, based on the nectar spur of comet orchids. This was confirmed in the long-carved Hawkmoth discovery in 1903, showing a concordance of morphological properties in nature.
Although matching of characteristics is important in biological interactions, such as between fruit-eating birds and plants, variations in their intensity across geographical regions and factors affecting these fluctuations remain unknown. .
Research published by researchers at the Uhan Botanical Garden at the Chinese Academy of Sciences by researchers at the Ecological Bureau reveals geographical patterns of character matching in plant flow supervision networks.
The study, led by Professor Chen Sichong, analyzes 354 bird and plant interaction networks around the world, covering over 22,000 interactions, matching quantification characteristics, and interplay across different latitudes and isolation levels The strength and specificity of action were emphasized.
Biologists have long debated whether biological interactions are stronger in tropical and continents compared to temperate regions and islands. A new study quantifies the global size matching between bird fru bones and flesh plants, revealing that this matching is strong towards the poles and continents.
A: Global location for Frugivory network and characteristic matching strength. B, C: Latitude and island patterns of characteristic matching in plant UV networks, respectively. Credit: WBG
“These findings support Darwin’s hypothesis that interactions on islands are weaker than continental interactions, but challenge Wallace’s view on tropical interactions,” Professor Chen said. . This study provides new insight into patterns of interaction strength and specificity.
Furthermore, this study identified three important ecological factors in trait matching. Higher percentages of frugivory and larger beak size had a positive effect on the properties matching strength, while larger percentages of meaty seeds had a negative effect.
These findings show that strong coevolutionary relationships between birds and plants and optimal foraging strategies promote geographic patterns of trait matching.
Details: Xiao Huang et al, plant layers matching towards tropical and islands – weak traits of Fulgiboa, ecological letter (2025). doi:10.1111/ele.70061
Provided by the Chinese Academy of Sciences
Citation: Analysis reveals global patterns of trait matching in the Avian Plant Network (2025, February 14) obtained from https://phys.org/news/2025-02 on February 14, 2025 Masu.
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