Can phenology explain the scarcity of folivory in New World primates?
I evaluated the hypothesis that the scarcity of folivorous neotropical primate taxa is due to fruiting and leafing occurring in phase in the New World. I compiled phenological information from different primatological studies, and correlated patterns of fruiting and leafing. Contrary to the prediction of the hypothesis, at most sites there was no synchronization of fruiting and leafing. Thus, the scarcity of folivorous platyrrhine taxa can not be attributed to specific phenological patterns of the neotropics. Some potential alternative hypotheses are suggested.
Heymann
E W
EW
Abteilung Verhaltensforschung und Okologie, Deutsches Primatenzentrum, Göttingen, Germany. eheyman@gwdg.de
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D005075:Biological Evolution; D004032:Diet; D005638:Fruit; D018515:Plant Leaves; D010945:Plants, Edible; D011323:Primates; D012621:Seasons; D014329:Tropical Climate