The widely accepted “endozoochory syndrome” is assigned to angiosperm diaspores with a
fleshy, attractive tissue and implies the existence of adaptations for protection against …

Abstract Background and Aims Much of our understanding of the ecology and evolution of
seed dispersal in the Neotropics is founded on studies involving the animal-dispersed …

Melastomataceae species successfully colonize, and in many cases dominate, ecosystems
ranging from forest to open vegetation, from sea level to mountain summits, and isolated …

Seed dispersal by frugivores is a crucial step of the life cycle of most plants, influencing plant
population and community dynamics. Although very important for most ecosystems, we are …

Seed morphology in the Melastomataceae has long been recognized as a variable trait with
potential taxonomic, systematic, and evolutionary significance. However, seed diversity in …

Leandra s. str. clade has around 200 species nearly restricted to eastern Brazil. Most
species in this group are narrow endemics, but a few present striking disjunct distributions …

Gut passage is an important but understudied component of animal‐mediated seed
dispersal that can impact germination and survival. Melastomataceae plants are abundant …

The Serra do Japi-SP Ecological Reserve is one of the last large areas of continuous forest
in the interior of state São Paulo, and currently suffers great anthropic pressure due to the …

Differences in physical and structural characteristics of seeds may indicate variability within
and between plant populations. In the present study, we performed a close characterization …

The brown bear (Ursus arctos L.) is an omnivorous large mammal that has an essential
function in many ecosystems as a seed disperser. We studied the brown bear's role as a …