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Influence of gut morphology on passive transport of freshwater bryozoans by waterfowl in Donana (southwestern Spain)

Figuerola, J., Green, A. J., Black, K. and Okamura, B. (2004) Influence of gut morphology on passive transport of freshwater bryozoans by waterfowl in Donana (southwestern Spain). Canadian Journal of Zoology-Revue Canadienne De Zoologie, 82 (6). pp. 835-840. ISSN 0008-4301

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To link to this item DOI: 10.1139/z04-055

Abstract/Summary

Waterbirds have been proposed as important vectors for the passive dispersal of those aquatic invertebrates and plants that lack a capacity for active dispersal between isolated water bodies. We analysed the frequency of internal transport of bryozoan propagules (statoblasts) by waterbirds in Donana, Spain, by examining their presence in the intestines and ceca of dead birds and analysing the role of different aspects of gut characteristics in explaining variation in the presence/absence and abundance of statoblasts. Of the 228 samples examined, 7.9% presented intact statoblasts of Plumatella fungosa (Pallas, 1768), Plumatella emarginata Allman, 1844, and two unidentified Plumatella species. For a given bird species, individuals with heavier gizzards and shorter ceca had a lower incidence and abundance of statoblasts in the lower gut. Grit mass and intestine length were unrelated to the presence or abundance of statoblasts. Our results suggest that waterbirds frequently transport bryozoans on a local scale, with lighter gizzards and longer ceca favouring such transport. Lighter gizzards are likely to destroy fewer propagules before they reach the lower gut. Species and individuals with longer ceca are particularly good candidates for long-distance dispersal of bryozoans, given the longer passage time of propagules that enter the ceca.

Item Type:Article
Refereed:Yes
Divisions:Life Sciences > School of Biological Sciences
ID Code:10484
Uncontrolled Keywords:SOUTH-WEST SPAIN, AQUATIC ORGANISMS, GENE FLOW, DISPERSAL, NORTH, DIET, DIVERSITY, SEEDS

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