Tapirs are large mammals that belong to the Perissodactyla order (Galetti et al. 2001). They are the only species currently present from the Pleistocene megafauna, which makes them the ideal mammal capable of dispersing large seeded fruit in Central and South America (Simpson 1980, Eisenberg 1981). Although there are currently four species of tapirs (Norman and Ashley 2000), this essay will focus on the lowland tapir, Tapirus terrestris. It is important to note that the mountain tapir, Tapirus pichaque, will be mentioned along with significant concepts relating to it. It is postulated that although tapirs are mainly generalists, they are capable of focusing on a main food source.
As most mammal seed dispersers, tapirs are generalists, as their …show more content…
Tapirs not only introduce the seeds to a new habitat, but also protect them from a major pest, the bruchid beetle (Fragoso 2003). During its reproduction the beetle will lay eggs on the maripa palm fruit, when the larvae emerges it will enter the endocarp and consume the seeds throughout its development, being detrimental to the survivorship of the plant species (Fragoso 2003). The tapirs generally protect the seeds by dispersing them over large ranges that are away from areas in which bruchid beetles are present. However, tapirs have another very effective method of seed protection, after eating the fruit and digesting the pulp, tapirs defecate intact seeds. These seeds are immersed in the feces of the tapir, which creates a physical barrier by being too viscous and thick, therefore, it prevents the penetration of the beetles (Fragoso …show more content…
If they specialize on a single plant species, they can benefit from the nutrients it provides and spend less time looking for food variety. In this process, the food source is protected from predators, which consequently increases the chance of palm survival. Therefore, as illustrated there are consequences and advantages of being a generalist and/or a specialist animal. The tapir will evaluate the cost and benefit of each relationship according to its habitat and food resource, in order to improve its own fitness. Finally, it can be established that tapirs are essential environment engineers, since they are able to ingest fruits that may be too big for other frugivores to feed on (Campos-Arceiz et al. 2012), and are responsible for the distribution, diversity and structure of palm tree
As most mammal seed dispersers, tapirs are generalists, as their …show more content…
Tapirs not only introduce the seeds to a new habitat, but also protect them from a major pest, the bruchid beetle (Fragoso 2003). During its reproduction the beetle will lay eggs on the maripa palm fruit, when the larvae emerges it will enter the endocarp and consume the seeds throughout its development, being detrimental to the survivorship of the plant species (Fragoso 2003). The tapirs generally protect the seeds by dispersing them over large ranges that are away from areas in which bruchid beetles are present. However, tapirs have another very effective method of seed protection, after eating the fruit and digesting the pulp, tapirs defecate intact seeds. These seeds are immersed in the feces of the tapir, which creates a physical barrier by being too viscous and thick, therefore, it prevents the penetration of the beetles (Fragoso …show more content…
If they specialize on a single plant species, they can benefit from the nutrients it provides and spend less time looking for food variety. In this process, the food source is protected from predators, which consequently increases the chance of palm survival. Therefore, as illustrated there are consequences and advantages of being a generalist and/or a specialist animal. The tapir will evaluate the cost and benefit of each relationship according to its habitat and food resource, in order to improve its own fitness. Finally, it can be established that tapirs are essential environment engineers, since they are able to ingest fruits that may be too big for other frugivores to feed on (Campos-Arceiz et al. 2012), and are responsible for the distribution, diversity and structure of palm tree