Pollination and seed dispersal by lizards: a review

Abstract

This paper reviews the ecological literature published during the last 15 years on pollination and seed dispersal by lizards, in order to determine the possible effects of these animals on plant reproduction. This review is only limited to these years because articles on plant-lizard interactions during this period have used more rigorous experimental approaches than those made previously. All compiled data were analyzed considering the conceptual framework provided by the quantity and quality components of pollination and seed dispersal (i.e., effectiveness), since this information is essential to have an idea of the relative contribution of animals to plant fitness. Results showed that 34 species of lizards feed on nectar and fruits of plants. While lizards consume these plant materials, they could effectively pollinate flowers or disperse seeds to sites away from parent plants. However, more studies on particular aspects of these interactions should be conducted in order to completely understand the ecological and evolutionary effects of lizards on plants.Key words: effectiveness, fruits, mutualism, nectar, pollen. RESUMENEn este artículo se presenta una revisión de la literatura ecológica publicada durante los últimos 15 años sobre la polinización y la dispersión de las semillas por lagartijas, para determinar los posibles efectos de estos animales sobre la reproducción de las plantas. Esta revisión está limitada solamente a estos años debido a que los artículos sobre las interacciones planta-lagartija realizados en este periodo emplearon protocolos experimentales más rigurosos que los trabajos hechos anteriormente. Toda la información obtenida se analizó tomando como base las ideas relacionadas con los componentes de cantidad y calidad de la polinización y la dispersión de las semillas (i.e., efectividad), debido a que estos componentes permiten tener una idea de la contribución relativa de los animales a la adecuación de las plantas. Los resultados mostraron que 34 especies de lagartijas se alimentan del néctar y los frutos de las plantas. Durante el consumo de estos productos, las lagartijas pueden polinizar o dispersar las semillas efectivamente. No obstante lo anterior, es necesario realizar estudios sobre aspectos particulares con el fin de entender completamente los efectos ecológicos y evolutivos de las lagartijas sobre las plantas.

Progress in Myrtaceae genetics and genomics: Eucalyptus as the pivotal genus

“…While most studied species appear to have a mixed-mating system, there is tremendous variation in outcrossing rates between species and plants within species, e.g., Eugenia uniflora ( While some species of Syzygium use apomixis, this may be rare in the family (Lughadha and Proenca 1996). Most Myrtaceae are pollinated by animals; this includes insects, birds, bats, and even mammal (Southerton et al 2004) and lizards, in rare cases (Godinez-Alvarez 2004). Thus, the mating pattern and gene flow of any one species and/or population can be highly idiosyncratic.…”

Percepção ambiental de agricultores de região semiárida sobre os anfíbios anuros e biocontrole de insetos pragas em sistemas irrigados e não irrigados, às margens do rio São Francisco, Brasil

“…A predação de mosquitos por anfíbios pode contribuir para a diminuição de doenças humanas, onde esses artrópodes são vetores de transmissão de vírus, como da febre amarela, dengue e malária (Abrol, 2012). Além do controle de vetores transmissores de doenças às populações humanas, os anfíbios podem interferir diretamente para a regulação do controle de pragas agrícolas, por meio da alteração na dinâmica de polinização (Godínez-Álvarez, 2004;Abrol, 2012). Na Argentina, as espécies Rhinella arenarum, Leptodactylus latinasus, Leptodactylus chaquensis e Physalaemus albonotatus se alimentam de artrópodes conhecidos na região por danificarem as culturas de soja (Valência-Aguilar et al, 2013), porém não há estudo sobre a extensão do controle biológico nestes sistemas agrícolas, afim de verificar se houve algum tipo de impacto nos recursos endêmicos.…”

The importance of lizards as frugivores and seed dispersers.

“…Olesen, unpublished results). However, quantitative information about fruit removal and seeds in scats, or quality data on dispersal of seeds to safe sites and subsequent germination are extremely scarce (see Table 2 in Godínez-Alvarez, 2004). Thus, in only a few cases do we have sufficient data to make valid comparisons with the more traditional modes of seed dispersal mediated by birds or mammals (Valido, 1999;Wotton, 2002).…”