saurochory
Quick Summary
Saurochory is a form of zoochory, which is seed dispersal by animals. Specifically, saurochory refers to seed dispersal by reptiles. Fossil evidence suggests this is an ancient method of dispersal.123
Examples of saurochory include:
* The Galapagos tortoise dispersing local cacti and tomatoes.1
* Iguanas dispersing fruits like the iguana hackberry.1
* The name "alligator apple" refers to its dispersal by reptiles.1
Other forms of zoochory include dispersal by birds (ornithochory), ants (myrmecochory), and fish. Seeds can also be dispersed by wind (anemochory) or water (hydrochory).4256
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fruitAnimal dispersalFossil evidence indicates that saurochory, dispersal by reptiles, is very ancient. The giant Galapagos tortoise is important for the dispersal of local cacti and tomatoes, and iguanas are known to eat and disperse a number of smaller fruits, including the iguana hackberry (Celtis iguanaea). The name alligator apple, for…
Read MoreFossil evidence indicates that saurochory, dispersal by reptiles, is very ancient. The giant Galapagos tortoise is important for the dispersal of local cacti and tomatoes, and iguanas are known to eat and disperse a number of smaller fruits, including the iguana hackberry (Celtis iguanaea). The name alligator apple, for…
Read More
seedDispersal by animalsFossil evidence indicates that saurochory is very ancient. The giant Galapagos tortoise is important for the dispersal of local cacti and tomatoes. The name alligator apple for Annona glabra refers to its method of dispersal, an example of saurochory. Many birds and mammals, ranging in size from mice and…
Read MoreFossil evidence indicates that saurochory is very ancient. The giant Galapagos tortoise is important for the dispersal of local cacti and tomatoes. The name alligator apple for Annona glabra refers to its method of dispersal, an example of saurochory. Many birds and mammals, ranging in size from mice and…
Read More