synzoochory
Quick Summary
Synzoochory is a form of zoochory, or animal dispersal, where seeds or diaspores are intentionally carried by animals, primarily in their mouths. This is distinct from endozoochory (seeds passed through the digestive tract) and epizoochory (seeds carried externally). While many animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and even ants, contribute to seed dispersal in various ways, synzoochory specifically involves the active transport of seeds by animals. This intentional carrying can play a role in a plant's ability to spread and colonize new areas.1234
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fruitAnimal dispersalSynzoochory, deliberate carrying of diaspores by animals, is practiced when birds carry diaspores in their beaks. The European mistle thrush (Turdus viscivorus) deposits the viscid seeds of mistletoe (Viscum album) on potential host plants when, after a meal of the berries, it whets its bill…
Read MoreSynzoochory, deliberate carrying of diaspores by animals, is practiced when birds carry diaspores in their beaks. The European mistle thrush (Turdus viscivorus) deposits the viscid seeds of mistletoe (Viscum album) on potential host plants when, after a meal of the berries, it whets its bill…
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seedDispersal by birdsSynzoochory, deliberate carrying of diaspores by animals, is practiced when birds carry seeds and diaspores in their beaks. The European mistle thrush, Turdus viscivorus, deposits the viscid seeds of European mistletoe (Viscum album) on potential host plants when, after a meal of the berries, it…
Read MoreSynzoochory, deliberate carrying of diaspores by animals, is practiced when birds carry seeds and diaspores in their beaks. The European mistle thrush, Turdus viscivorus, deposits the viscid seeds of European mistletoe (Viscum album) on potential host plants when, after a meal of the berries, it…
Read More