ISSN:
1573-1561
Keywords:
Trichosurus vulpecula
;
Eucalyptus
;
herbivore
;
plant chemical defenses
;
feeding behavior
;
detoxification
;
population regulation
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract While being somewhat specialized on a diet of matureEucalyptus leaves (66% of feeding time), wildTrichosurus vulpecula consume an average of three different foods per night. Usually, these foods are two different species ofEucalyptus leaves, and “ground feeding.” Laboratory feeding experiments indicate that this ingestion of a variety of foods is due to severe limitations on the quantity ofEucalyptus leaves a possum is capable of consuming. It is argued that the limitation is due to plant toxins (volatile oils, phenols) present inEucalyptus leaves, rather than to “normal” nutritional factors. We hypothesize thatEucalyptus toxins indirectly regulate possum populations at levels that afford theEucalyptus trees some degree of protection from possum predation. In addition, we suggest that the “New Zealand phenomenon” can be explained by a lack, and acquisition, of plant chemical defenses against herbivores introduced from chemically more complex environments.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00988585
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