SGER: Seed Dispersal by Fruit-eating Fish in a Costa Rican Rain Forest

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When streams in tropical rain forests flood, their fish populations often swim into the adjacent forests, in some cases for dozens of miles. Fish species that feed on tropical fruits may then disperse seeds over large areas beyond the normal stream boundaries. Previous studies have revealed that fish of the genus Brycon are major components of this seed dispersal system. Accordingly, the P.I. proposes to investigate the diet of Brycon, and particularly the use of figs, and the nature and degree of seed dispersal into forest next to tropical streams in Costa Rica. The study will provide important insights into an unknown component of the maintenance of tree diversity and community structure in tropical rain forests.