Granivore seed-size preferences

Abstract

Abstract Although seed-size preference by granivores is relative to the sizes of seeds offered by researchers, preferences are often inappropriately discussed and interpreted as if they are for absolute seed sizes. Granivores often prefer relatively small seeds in forests and relatively large seeds in herbaceous communities, although the absolute size of preferred seeds in each is often similar. These results are consistent with predictions of optimal foraging theory. Researchers are encouraged to take heed of optimal foraging theory and both relative and absolute seed size when interpreting seed-size preferences.