Further Evidence of the Passive Dispersal of Small Aquatic Organisms via the Intestinal Tract of Birds

Abstract

Viable disseminules of freshwater algae and crustaceans were recovered from feces of representatives of three orders of birds in addition to waterfowl. This indicates that dispersal of small aquatic organisms via the avian intestinal tract can occur in diverse groups of birds. Because of difference in effects upon the viability of disseminules, some birds are probably better suited as agents of dispersal than others.